14th Apr, 2009 | Source : Ovarian Cancer National Alliance
 Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of the gynecologic cancers, surpassing cervical, uterine and other more commonly known cancers. It can be particularly difficult to diagnose because its wide range of symptoms can mimic other diseases. There is no cure or even a screening test such as there is for breast cancer (mammogram) or cervical cancer (Pap test).
But if ovarian cancer is diagnosed early, nine out of 10 women will survive. The key is to know the symptoms.
The survivor community is leading the charge to enlighten women and health care providers that there are symptoms, even in early-stage cancer. Every woman is at risk, no matter her age, ethnicity, race or sexual orientation.
If a women experiences any of these symptoms for more than three weeks, she should immediately see her gynecologist or regular health care provider and advocate for a combination pelvic/rectal exam, CA 125 blood test, and a transvaginal ultrasound. Be sure that a gynecologic oncologist is part of the health team.
- Pelvic and abdominal pain
- Urinary frequency and urgency
- Increased abdominal size and bloating
- Difficulty eating and feeling full quickly
- Other symptoms may include constipation or diarrhea; nausea, indigestion or gas; abnormal vaginal bleeding; unusual fatigue; unexplained weight loss or gain; shortness of breath or low back pain
As the vision and voice for the ovarian cancer community, the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, a 501(c)(3) organization, and its 50 partner member organizations work for more effective diagnostics, treatments and a cure. This fall the Alliance will launch a national agenda to increase research, improve access to quality care and affect legislation on ovarian cancer issues. For more information or to find out how you can help, go to www.ovariancancer.org or call 202-331-1332.
|
70 Comments
|
Posted by sarah jane eldridge
on 21st Apr 2012 14:36
mrs
please give me more information please
|
Posted by Redcru
on 11th Feb 2012 12:51
Mr
my 56 yo sister underwent hysterectomy a yr ago,and was diagnosed w/ stage 1E OC. she didnt go back for a follow up check-up until last feb when she experienced an excruciating abdominal pain. it was then that her oc had advanced to type4. she cant take any food by mouth and now has an ileostomy bag. we keep hoping for God's intervention to heal her, we believe that everything is possible w/ the Almighty God. He brought Lazarus back to life after he died 4 days earlier. We will continually praise God for whatever His will is...
|
Posted by vincent
on 6th Jan 2012 19:20
teacher
I will pray for you. My mother died of Ovarian Cancer on April 7,2011. Her idiot useless gyno missed all her symptoms that were so clear cut. Please continue to share your message. All women need to know what these useless doctors cause and the consequences of their mistakes.
|
Posted by Joice Elaine
on 1st Jan 2012 11:58
My Fight
My Ovarian caner was found in July of 2003 & it was Advanced.
It had spread all through my abdomin,& onto my colon & bladder & intestimes.
I had 3 Huge tumors plus others all over in my adbomin that were twisted & causing horrible pain.
I had surgery then 6 Years of chemo,tests etc.
The side effects of all the different chemo treatments they put me on, caused horrible side effects.
One of them sent me into a Horrible severe allergic reaction.
I had surgery again in 2008 & chemo again for a long time.
The Terrible evil Dr I had been seeing for years, accidentally found one tumor, but had ignored my 5 YEARS of telling him I had a lot of pain in my pelvis & abdomen,nausea etc.But, he completely Ignored me all those years!!
I knew Nothing of Ovarian cancer then, but my Dr SHOULD have known what my symptoms meant but chose to ignore me.
I have a lot of new tumors but this time, I am trusting GOD to Heal me Or, call me Home!
I Pray for all of us to be Healed!
Thank You
|
Posted by patsy
on 29th Dec 2011 22:26
concerned
im 56 heavy lady .had a bleed 2 yrs ago and had the internal ultrasound scan which showed up somethinfg was booked in for a coloscopy but anxiety attacks stopped me going .i have a very smelly itchy black coloured vaginal discharge ,and am worried somethings wrong
|
Posted by Pat
on 18th Nov 2011 08:12
Ovarian Cancer :I'm winning
As I posted originally I found I had cancer after I had a back pass age bleed 2 yrs ago. I now consider myself lucky in my treatment after reading your notes. I had 6 lots of chemo over 6 months then was ok for 6 months, then another 6lots over 6 months.My last one was DEec 21st 2010.I have 3 monthly checks and blood tests and have had 2 scans as well. See the Oncologist next week and hoping I am still in clear
I live in Grimsby which is on the east coast and think we have a fabulous hospital. My thoughts are with you all in your fights for treatment
|
Posted by dee
on 11th Nov 2011 14:38
nurse
I am a 48 yo retired nurse> i have gyn problems since the starting of my menses. Dx with endometriosis at 16. Hx polycystic disease. Have had a vaginal hysterectomy but still have my cervix and ovaries despite the ovarian cysts. I would not have been a canidate for HRT because I also had Hx of DVTs and had to take SQ Heparin for 90 days after my C-section in 1988 therefore the leaving of my ovaries. Now I am scared. I have every single one of the symptoms listed. Up until 2 years ago I have always had a yearly PAP. In my case being a nurse seems to make it worse as I know other nurses will agree. Scared to go to GYN and petrified not to. Just plain scared. Just wanted to share. Thought somehow this would make me feel better and justify the fact that I haven't been back for my yearly PAP in 2 years. Thxs for listening!!!!
|
Posted by ASimpleEye
on 7th Nov 2011 13:44
ovarian cancer survivor
I'm a OC survivor. I was 38 with a 4 yr. old daughter and and 21 yr old son when I went in to surgery to remove my left ovary do to an ovarian cyst. Two or three weeks later I got the call that it was ovarian cancer. I have no family history of OC or breast cancer. I'm the first in my family to have cancer. I had had problems with irregular and heavy periods, hair growing where it shouldn't for years. Pain started about 6 months before my surgery. I had been to many different doctors (in Concord, NC and in Brentwood, Smynra and Nashville, TN) and they blew me off. It was in my head, there was nothing wrong or they put me on birth control. My sister found the doctor who finally took me seriously. I had my first surgery Dec.2009 and my second Apr. 2011. I didn't have insurance when I had my second surgery to remove the right ovary but the hospital covered it through their charity program. Now I'm cancer free and happy. My only worry now is finding a job (So if you know of any in Charlotte, Phoenix, Nashville or Davenport hit me up. LOL especially Phoenix) Since my cancer was unstaged I have to go a couple of times a year but I can live with that. I'm here to see my grandkids and my daughter grow up.
|
Leave a comment
|
