Common Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer Released to Encourage Women to Seek Medical Care

Rebecca Castell

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The New York Times today reports that Gynecologic Cancer Foundation, the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists and the American Cancer Society has recommended that women experiencing certain symptoms associated with ovarian cancer follow up with a doctor for exam in the hopes to increase early detection.

Not all women experience early symptoms, but an early diagnosis results in a 93% chance of survival 5 years out.

The symptoms to watch out for are bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly and feeling a frequent or urgent need to urinate. A woman who has any of those problems nearly every day for more than two or three weeks is advised to see a gynecologist, especially if the symptoms are new and quite different from her usual state of health

In light of the high success rate after early detection, women are encouraged to report these symptoms. The hope is that by publicizing the link between these symptoms and cancer, which can spread quickly if left undiagnosed even for a few months, doctors and patients will become more aware of the signs of cancer and an earlier diagnosis will be made.