Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all gynecological cancers and the fourth leading cause of cancer death among American women. It is challenging to diagnose because the symptoms are subtle and may be attributed to other conditions. Women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer before it has spread beyond the ovaries have an approximately 93 percent five-year survival rate. But unfortunately in the United States only 19 percent of women are diagnosed in the early stages. As a result the overall five-year survival rate is 45 percent.
The challenge is two-fold: to teach women to become familiar with the symptoms of ovarian cancer and to engage in open and assertive dialogues with their health care providers. Health care providers must acknowledge womens symptoms and avoid dismissing what may appear to be benign or vague complaints. Early detection can save lives. There is a misconception that only women with a family history of cancer are at risk. This is inaccurate as 10 percent of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer have a family history. All women must be aware and know the symptoms.
The majority of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer experience one or more of the following symptoms: abdominal or pelvic pain; changes in urinary pattern, either using the bathroom more frequently or having an urgent need to urinate; increased size of the abdomen or a bloating feeling; decreased appetite or feeling full more quickly than usual; changes in bowel habits including gas, constipation or diarrhea; nausea; indigestion; unexplained weight change, loss or gain; abnormal vaginal bleeding; unusual fatigue; shortness of breath; or low back pain. If a woman is experiencing any new or unusual symptoms or any of these symptoms interrupt her daily activities she should report this to her health care provider immediately.
There is no single and reliable screening test for ovarian cancer, so knowledge of the signs and symptoms is the womans single most important tool. Women should visit their health care provider for health screenings especially pelvic exams, Pap smear, and breast screening. The more familiar a patient and practitioner are with each other the more likely they are to detect health issues early. Women must be their own best friend when it comes to their health. The following guidelines may facilitate a woman to advocate for her best interest.
1. Find a partner in health care, a doctor, nurse practitioner, or mid wife that allows you to share your thought, ask questions, and sets a realistic plan for diagnosis.
2. Be sure you have been given a chance to provide a complete history of symptoms: when did they start, how do they make you feel, what makes them better or worse?
3. Be certain you know the plan for evaluating your symptoms. If tests are ordered when and how will you get the results. What can you expect if they are normal or abnormal?
4. If “watchful waiting” is the plan.
a. Determine the timeframe for reevaluating the symptoms.
b. Know what symptoms require reporting and what changes may be anticipated.
c. Set a follow up appointment before you leave the office (it will provide an official opportunity to revisit your status)
5. If you are concerned that you are not being heard, try and tell your provider. If you get no response, seek a second opinion.
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