Ovarian Cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancers and is the fifth leading cause of cancer related deaths among women. Approximately 1 in 78 women will be diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer in their lifetime. Sadly, 80% of patients do not discover this cancer until it has advanced to stage 3 or 4. It is an insidious disease that can strike without warning or cause. It does not discriminate, anyone with ovaries is at risk.
THERE IS NO 100% ACCURATE SCREENING TEST FOR OVARIAN CANCER. A PAP SMEAR DOES NOT TEST FOR OVARIAN CANCER.
Knowledge is Power
Best Protection is Early Detection
Bloating, abdominal pain and changes in bathroom habits are the 3 most common Ovarian Cancer symptoms. Feeling full quickly and exhaustion are the other 2. Some doctors use the acronym “BEACH” as a memory device for Ovarian Cancer symptoms. BEACH stands for:
Bloating
Eating less or feeling full quickly
Abdominal or pelvic pain
Changes to bowel or bladder habits
Heightened fatigue
Other symptoms may include upset stomach or indigestion, unexplained weight gain or loss, back pain, irregular bleeding, pain during intercourse and shortness of breath. If you experience any of these conditions for more than 2 weeks, see your doctor. TAKE ACTION NOT CHANCES.
The symptoms of Ovarian Cancer are often vague and subtle, making it difficult to diagnose. Many times, these symptoms are overlooked because they can be signs of other conditions, including indigestion, a stomach virus and even side effects that accompany a women’s menstrual cycle.
Ovarian Cancer is 10 times more deadly than Breast Cancer.
There is no screening for Ovarian Cancer.
80% of these Ovarian Cancer patients do not discover this cancer until it has advanced to stage three or four. 70% of these patients will have a reoccurrence of their cancer, even after aggressive treatment and 70% of those women will succumb to Ovarian Cancer.
