According to statistics from the National Cancer Institute approximately 14,000 women with ovarian cancer and 8,000 women with endometrial cancer will die in 2010. Ovarian cancer remains the most deadly cancers of the female reproductive system. According to the "Core Curriculum of Oncology Nursing," endometrial cancer is the most curable female cancer. At times, these cancers exhibit similar symptoms. Early detection of cancers of the female reproductive system leads to higher cure and survival rates.
Pain
Patients with either ovarian or endometrial cancer experience pain as a common symptom. The "Core Curriculum of Oncology Nursing" reports that endometrial cancer pain occurs in the low back. Ovarian cancer pain varies and includes pain in the low back, abdomen, or pelvis. Pain during sexual intercourse may also occur with both types of cancer.
Bleeding
Women with ovarian and endometrial cancers exhibit changes in their menstruation. The Mayo Clinic reports that pre-menopausal women experience longer periods, or bleeding in between periods, with endometrial cancer. Postmenopausal women with either cancer may exhibit bleeding. Symptoms of bleeding occur most often with endometrial cancer. Abnormal vaginal discharge is also considered a symptom of endometrial cancer.
Gastrointestinal Complications
Changes in bowel patterns including constipation occur in women with ovarian cancer. Other symptoms of ovarian cancer include increased flatulence, nausea, heartburn, bloating, and abdominal pressure. Life threatening bowel obstruction may occur with both advanced ovarian and endometrial cancer, according to the "Core Curriculum of Oncology Nursing." Women often complain of loss of appetite or feeling full quickly. Weight loss also occurs with both types of cancer.
Various Symptoms
The Mayo Clinic lists other symptoms of ovarian cancer as fatigue and changes in bladder habits. Increased belching also occurs with ovarian cancer. Both ovarian and endometrial cancers cause breathing difficulties in later stages, as well as fluid buildup in the abdomen. This fluid buildup is known as ascites and can be very uncomfortable. Other symptoms of endometrial cancer include life-threatening bleeds and jaundice.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
- Mayo Clinic: Endometrial Cancer Symptoms
- "Core Curriculum for Oncology Nursing"; Itano, J. Ph.D., Taoka, K. MSN; 2005
- National Cancer Institute: Ovarian Cancer
- National Cancer Institute: Endometrial Cancer
