The Silent Killer is Making Some Noise
Ovarian cancer is often referred to as the "silent killer"because it was thought that there were no symptoms until the disease was well into its advanced stages. However, studies have shown that the majority of women do in fact have symptoms, but just not what you would expect.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association* found that many everyday symptoms, which are often dismissed or attributed to other conditions, are present before ovarian cancer is diagnosed months down the road.
The most commonly reported symptoms were back pain, fatigue, bloating, constipation, abdominal pain, and urinary symptoms.
So what's the message? The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition wants women to "Break the Silence" And in observance of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month they have developed a downloadable conversation starter so that women can learn the right questions to ask their healthcare providers. They suggest that if you are experiencing two or three of the following unexplained target symptoms and they persist for two weeks or more you should see your doctor and ask for a rectovaginal exam, a transvaginal ultrasound and a CA-125 blood test.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer include:
- Pressure or pain in your abdomen or pelvis
- Back pain
- Swelling, bloating, gastrointestinal upset
- Frequent urination in the absence of an infection
Other symptoms reported by women with ovarian cancer include:
- Indigestion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Weight loss
- Urinary urgency
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Menstrual irregularities
- Bleeding after menopause
- Pain during intercourse
- Bleeding with intercourse
- Fatigue
*Frequency of Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer in Women Presenting to Primary Care Clinics
Barbara A. Goff; Lynn S. Mandel; Cindy H. Melancon; Howard G. Muntz;
JAMA. 2004; 291:2705-2712
Photo credit: National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
TAGS: Ovarian Cancer; Ovarian Cancer Awareness; Ovarian Cancer Coalition; Ovarian Cancer Symptoms; Bloating
14 Comments:
At Tue Oct 03, 06:29:00 PM 2006,
Anonymous said…
While I completely agree that we should raise awareness of ovarian cancer and empower women to recognize the symptoms, I hesitate to approve the recommendation that women ask their doctors to test them for CA-125 as a screen for cancer. CA-125 can be elevated in completely healthy individuals, and in conditions other than ovarian cancer. The test is generally used to assess treatment and recurrence in women with known cancer. Women should understand that their provider may not want to check CA-125, not because they don't believe the patient has cancer or because they are a bad doctor, but because that is not its primary use.
At Thu Oct 05, 03:09:00 PM 2006,
Anonymous said…
As an 11 year survivor, I have met hundreds of women with ovarian cancer, and discussed this issue with many cancer free friends.
I feel that a woman should have a baseline CA 125 after menopause, with a note added to her medical file of any conditions that might affect the reading: specifically infections. If a rising trend showed up, or a jump, from say 8 to 25, her doctor could make sure there were no other indicators of cancer, and monitor her closely for a while.
This test costs only about $80. No reputable surgeon is going to perform surgery based on this tests results alone, and it is the closest thing we have to a screening test.
Maureen M
At Tue Apr 24, 11:15:00 AM 2007,
mkb2123 said…
Q? does ovarian cancer show up in a reg PAP?
thx
At Tue May 29, 06:50:00 PM 2007,
Anonymous said…
I have 2 ovarian cysts. one is 2 cms and one is about 1.4 or 1.7 cms. I have had Ca125 tests and twice it was 5 and once it was 6. The cysts are solid and I am almost sixty. I am worried. I have also had several internal sonograms. So far, these cysts are still being watched. They are solid. I am wondering what my chances are of getting ovarian cancer. I do not neglect my situation. My daughter had breast cancer.
At Mon Jun 04, 08:10:00 PM 2007,
Admissions in India said…
My wife was complaining about abdominal pain, back pain and blotted feeling. We have done the CA125 and the observed value is 70.52U/ml. Need to know what does it mean.
Appreciate some replies
At Tue Jun 05, 10:05:00 AM 2007,
JC Jones MA RN said…
Thank you Admissions in India: We have some reference material about the CA-125 test
http://www.healthline.com/adamcontent/ca-125
a level above 35U/ml is considered abnormal, although not necessarily cancer. Only 3 in 100 women with elevated CA-125 levels actually have ovarian cancer. It can be indicative of endometriosis. At any rate, you need to communicate closely with her doctors, and if you are ever in doubt about the advice you are receiving, request a second or third opinion.
At Tue Jun 05, 10:08:00 AM 2007,
JC Jones MA RN said…
To mkb2123: So sorry for the delayed response: PAP smear tests for abnormal cells in the cervix only and is effective in detecting 95% of cervical cancers.
http://www.healthline.com/galecontent/pap-test/2
At Tue Jun 05, 10:13:00 AM 2007,
JC Jones MA RN said…
To anonymous re Ovarian cysts: Ovarian cysts are very common but you are correct in wanting to keep an eye on them. We do have some reference materials for further reading about them.
http://www.healthline.com/galecontent/ovarian-cysts-1
While they cannot be prevented, surgical removal is always an option. Please discuss your fears and concerns openly with your health care providers.
At Fri Jul 06, 05:10:00 PM 2007,
Anonymous said…
I've been in menopause for 10 years and started bleeding from both vagina and urethra. Bleeding lasted 50 days then abruptly stopped. Does this ever happen with ovarian cancer? Should I stop being concerned because the bleeding stopped? I still have other symptoms but all tests (CA-125, ultrasound, ct scan) came out negative. Would appreciate any feedback from anyone who knows about this. Thanks!
At Mon Jul 16, 09:36:00 AM 2007,
JC Jones MA RN said…
Dear Anonymous: thank you for your question. Have you read our article on postmenopausal bleeding?
http://www.healthline.com/galecontent/postmenopausal-bleeding
Does this answer your questions? If not, please review with your doctor - were you on HRT? Are you maintaining a healthy weight? (see article for recommendations for prevention). As always, discuss your concerns with your health care providers. Best of luck and thanks for writing. JC
At Tue Jul 24, 06:29:00 PM 2007,
Laura said…
I have been having alot of serious issues with irregular bleeding, abdominal pain, pain during intercourse, bloating, fatigue, etc.. for about 3 years, i have seen my doctor numerous times, and had all kinds of tests but it seems like the only thing he focuses on is my cervix and uterus, with no results, everything always comes back normal... I have cysts on my ovaries and have had them off an in since i was very young, but my dr says this is normal, but shouldn't i be concerned about them with everything else that has been happening? Should i get a second opinion or tell my dr that i want additional tests on all of my other female reproductive organs? any and all advice is welcome
At Thu Nov 29, 12:53:00 PM 2007,
Maree said…
Despite having had an ultra sound external and internal, being told I had two cysts one in the uterus and one on the right ovary, no one has suggested any further help, just to keep an eye on this. I am very worried, symptoms are pelvic discomfort, big weight gain and huge growing abdomen. What should I do, no one seems to be listening to my real fears.
At Thu Dec 27, 04:22:00 PM 2007,
Anonymous said…
I have recently had a scan of my pelvis as I have been suffering terrible pelvic pain for a year. I was told that I have a cyst on both ovaries, almost symmetrical of about 5cms. I have missed a period and I am still in terrible pain and I have now started to lose weight. I am worried as there is a family history of ovarian cancer.(I am only 31)I have to go back in a months time for another scan but what can I do in the meantime? Any help/advice is most appreciated.
At Sun Jun 01, 07:59:00 PM 2008,
Anonymous said…
Itoo have multiple cysts that are painful. I have a uterine fibroid that is growing. I go this week for laproscope surgery to figure out what is wrong. My stomach is distended, I can't defacate properly, and I have horrible gas. My gastro can't figure out what is wrong. I pray this gets easier.
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