In its early stages, the symptoms of ovarian cancer are vague and aren’t that intense. Furthermore, most screening tests aren’t that dependable. Unfortunately, by the time diagnosis confirms the presence of the disease, it’s already in the latter stages and has a poor prognosis. According to the American Cancer Society, this is the deadliest of all reproductive system cancers and the 5th leading cause of cancer deaths in females.
As a result, September has been designated as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month to rally for more research, support, and treatment of this very difficult to detect form of cancer. Consequently, numerous cancer prevention and healthcare organizations are joining with everyday individuals, ovarian cancer patients, and their families that are fighting for a future free of cancer. Experts stress on the importance of digital imaging screening to ensure that if there is any growth or just the beginning of the disease, it is diagnosed on time.
What are the Risk Factors?
According to the American Cancer Society, women have a 1 in 78 chance of developing ovarian cancer during their lives. These 8 factors can increase the risk of the disease:
- Being a breast cancer survivor
- BRCA 1 and 2 gene carriers
- Excess weight/obesity
- Family history of breast, colorectal, or ovarian cancer
- Fertility treatments
- Late-age pregnancy or not carrying full-term
- Post-menopausal hormone therapy
Oncology research has shown that factors such as breastfeeding, giving birth to a full-term baby before 26 years of age, and oral contraceptives lower the risk of developing the disease. Other factors that can lower the risk include tubal ligation, undergoing a hysterectomy, and using intrauterine devices.
Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms of the disease can be subtle or vague and may be mistaken for other more common health conditions. Most women fail to seek medical attention until later on when the following symptoms appear:
- abdominal or pelvic pain, constipation, or cramping
- bloating
- eating and feeling full quickly or having little appetite
- frequent or urgent urination
- increased abdominal girth or swelling
- indigestion, nausea, and upset stomach
- lower back pain or pelvic pressure
- menstrual changes
- noticeable weight loss
- pain during intercourse
- unexplained exhaustion or fatigue
If you’ve noticed that these symptoms have been present for two weeks or more, visit your gynecologist as soon as possible.
Diagnosing Ovarian Cancer
In addition to discussing your family and medical history as well as your symptoms, your physician will probably perform a pelvic exam and recommend imaging tests such as:
- Barium enema X-ray
- Chest X-ray
- CT scan
- MRI scan
- PET scan
- Ultrasound
To learn more about our diagnostic imaging services, call Vital Imaging at (305) 596-9992. We are here to help you stay healthy.