With over 21,000 new cases diagnosed annually in the United States alone, ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecologic cancer death and the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women. Women with early ovarian cancer, often called a "silent cancer," may not experience any symptoms. If ovarian cancer is detected and treated at the earliest stage, women have over a 90 percent five-year survival rate. Unfortunately, due to the vague symptoms, less than 20 percent of all ovarian cancers are detected at the earliest stage.
Pain
Pelvic, abdominal or back pain are all associated with ovarian cancer. The pain itself is not from the actual ovarian cancer tumor. It is a result of the tumor pressing on surrounding tissues, organs and nerves.
Urinary Problems
Urinary issues such as urgency and frequency, and needing to urinate suddenly and often, are ovarian cancer symptoms.
Bloating
Bloating, swelling and increased abdominal size are symptoms directly related to ovarian cancer tumor growth or ascites, an accumulation of fluid.
Difficulty Eating
Like the other symptoms associated with ovarian cancer, difficulty eating or early satiety, which is feeling full, is caused from either tumor growth within the abdomen or fluid accumulation.
Conclusion
All women experience pain, urinary problems, bloating and difficulty eating at times. Symptoms related to ovarian cancer are more persistent. Women experiencing these vague symptoms 12 or more days per month, however, should talk with a health care provider such as a gynecologic oncologist for further evaluation.
