The signs you can't ignore - identifying ovarian cancer

By Maria Rabat, Jan, 2002

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all women's cancers because it often goes unnoticed until it reaches advanced stages. By then, there are little to no treatment options left for this disease, which ranks fifth in overall cancer incidence. With the hope of reducing the high occurrence of ovarian cancer deaths, a new report published in Obstetrics and Gynecology (August 2001) recommends doctors pursue diagnostic testing on any patient who exhibits the vague symptoms associated with the cancer's early stages. Some symptoms include:

* An unusual feeling of fullness or discomfort in the pelvic region

* Unexplainable indigestion, gas or bloating that is not relieved with over-the-counter remedies

* Abnormal bleeding

* Swelling, pain and discomfort in the abdominal region

* Frequent urination

* Weight loss

According to the report, of the 168 ovarian cancer patients interviewed, 71 percent experienced two or more symptoms prior to diagnosis, compared to just 9 percent of 251 healthy women interviewed. Sadly, about 75 percent of ovarian cancer cases spread to the abdomen by the time they are detected, causing death within five years. If detected early, however, current treatments for ovarian cancer offer a 90 percent cure rate. COPYRIGHT 2002 Vegetarian Times, Inc. All rights reserved. COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group