According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ovarian cancer is the second-most common gynecologic cancer in the United States, and it causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system.
Unlike some cancers, ovarian cancer does not have routine screening tests for people without symptoms. That makes awareness especially important. The CDC says people should pay attention to changes in their bodies and talk with a doctor if they notice symptoms that are unusual for them.
Common symptoms can include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, feeling full quickly, and urinary urgency or frequency. Because these symptoms can be vague or mistaken for other conditions, ovarian cancer is often diagnosed later, when treatment can be more difficult. That is why awareness, timely evaluation and follow-up matter.
“Early detection starts with knowing what is normal for your body and speaking up when something changes,” said Dr. Louis Dainty, Emplify Health by Bellin gynecologic oncologist. “While there are no ovarian cancer screening tests for people without symptoms, women who have persistent or unusual conditions should talk with their doctor about whether further evaluation is needed.”
According to the CDC, age, family history, inherited gene mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 and certain reproductive history factors can increase risk. However, many people diagnosed with ovarian cancer do not have a known family history, which is another reason symptom awareness is so important.
Health experts encourage people to know the warning signs, ask questions and seek care if symptoms persist. When ovarian cancer is found earlier, treatment options may be broader and outcomes can improve. The American Cancer Society notes that ovarian cancer death rates have declined over time, but the disease remains a major cause of cancer death and continues to affect thousands of families each year.
The goal is simple: Help more people recognize the signs sooner and get the care they need.
DID YOU KNOW?
• Ovarian cancer is the second-most common gynecologic cancer in the United States and causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system, according to the CDC.
• The CDC says there is no routine screening test for ovarian cancer in women without symptoms, which is why symptom awareness and prompt medical follow-up are so important.
• The American Cancer Society reports that the death rate from ovarian cancer has decreased by 45% since 1976, reflecting progress in treatment and diagnosis.
