Ovarian Cancer - The Importance of Early Detection

It is important for women to educate themselves about ovarian cancer and the risk factors for this disease. In the past, the belief was that this condition would strike without symptoms. But now the medical community is aware of the early warning signs. Women can protect themselves and dramatically increase their chances of surviving this disease by paying attention to their bodies and by knowing the symptoms.



This form of cancer is more prevalent than once thought. Recent estimates suggest that one out of every 55 American women will develop the disease. The reason that it takes the lives of so many women is they do not detect the symptoms during the early stages. Often, they find out that they have it when the chances for survival are slim.



During the early stages of ovarian cancer, a woman's ovary contains cancerous cells that begin multiplying abnormally. At this time, there are some warning signs. However, these symptoms are often dismissed as being normal feminine conditions such as menstrual cramps.



The early symptoms include pain in the pelvic region, rapid weight gain or loss, and pain during sexual intercourse. Other warning signs are a lack of energy, nausea, unusually heavy bleeding during the menstrual cycle, or extremely long periods.



A woman may experience one or more of these indicators. Anyone who experiences these symptoms for an extended amount of time should see a physician in order to find out if the discomforts are caused by the early stages of cancer. This is especially important if the symptoms last for more than one week.



A physician will do a biopsy along with a pelvic examination on a woman who may be experiencing the early symptoms of ovarian cancer. This will help determine if there are any abnormalities or cancerous or pre-cancerous cells. It will also reveal if treatment is necessary and which type of medication would be best in order to prevent the problem from advancing.



Detecting the disease during the early stages dramatically increases the chances that a patient can be cured. Unfortunately, many women do not become aware of their condition until it has progressed to the stages. By this time, it may have spread to other areas of the body, which lowers the chances for survival.