Ovarian cancer is the accelerated and uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the ova- the female reproductive organ that produces unfertilized eggs. While several types of ovarian cancer arise, the most common type is found forming in the epithelium or lining cells of the ovary. Ovarian cancer is rare, accounting for only 3% of cancers in women. Yet, it is the fifth most common cause of cancer deaths in women preceded by lung, breast, colorectal, and pancreatic. Ovarian cancer is a risk to women of all ages, but the majority of cases occur in women over the age of 50.
Ovarian cancer is difficult to detect in the first stages of the disease with most signs and symptoms presenting when cancer has spread. However, women experience symptoms during all stages of the disease, with many seemingly nonspecific and subtle. Gynecologic oncologist Dr. Lisa Diver calls it the “cancer that whispers” due to fact that the symptoms that appear at first are not easily identifiable as cancer-related. Do not hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider about any new symptom you are feeling as early detection of any form of disease is crucial in treatment and recovery.
Ovarian cancer often presents with several signs and symptoms including:
- Feeling full quickly (early satiety)
- Abdominal bloating
- Abdominal discomfort and/or pain
- Pelvic pain
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Changes in bowel movements (e.g., constipation or diarrhea)
- Back pain
- Urinary symptoms (feeling the need to urinate urgently or often)
- Fatigue (extreme or chronic)
- Upset stomach or heartburn
- Bleeding from the vagina (especially after menopause)
- Unusual discharge from the vagina
- Pain during sex