Ovarian cancer is one of the hardest cancers to detect early. According to the American Cancer Society, the symptoms of ovarian cancer, when it is in its early stages, are commonly attributed to other things. There are a few things you can do to help early detection.
Step 1
Interview your family members and make a list of anyone who has, or has had, breast or ovarian cancer. The American Cancer Society reports that a family history of either of these cancers puts you in a higher risk category for ovarian cancer. If you are at a higher risk, you need to pay special attention to the symptoms of ovarian cancer (see step 2.) If you do have a family history, and develop symptoms, there are screening tests that your doctor may want to conduct.
Step 2
Know the warning signs of ovarian cancer. The Mayo Clinic lists the symptoms of ovarian cancer as a swelling or bloating in the abdomen, pelvic pain, urgency in urinating, continual nausea, changes in the menstrual cycle and bowel habits, lower back pain and a lack of energy. They recommend that you see a doctor if the swelling or pain in the abdominal region is with you more than a few weeks. If you have seen a doctor, and received a different diagnosis and yet your symptoms persist, seek a second opinion. This is especially important if you have the risk factor of a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
Step 3
See your doctor regularly. A regular doctor visit not only helps you establish a more open relationship with the doctor, it allows you to discuss any new symptoms that may have appeared since the last visit. This will also help your doctor have a better understanding of your overall health.
Step 4
Get regular pap smears. While a pap test cannot detect ovarian cancer early, it can detect abnormal cells near the cervix, and it helps keep a watchful eye on the health of reproductive organs.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep a health journal of your symptoms if you are concerned about, or have a history of, ovarian cancer. This will be very beneficial in helping your doctor assess any changes that may be occurring in the body.
- If you have a family history of ovarian cancer, or are at high risk, and experience any of the symptoms, see your doctor immediately and discuss the possibility of screening tests such as transvaginal sonography of the ovaries and a CA-125 blood test, which measures a protein that is usually higher in women with ovarian cancer.
