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What is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovaries have two main reproductive functions: producing eggs for fertilization and produce hormones, such as, estrogen and progesterone. Read More
Types of Ovarian Cancer:
- Epithelial Tumors
Cells that cover the outer surface of the ovaries. Most common type. - Germ Cell Tumors
Cells that are destined to form eggs. - Primary Peritoneal Carcinoma
Cells that release hormones & connect the different structures of the ovaries.
Common Symptoms:
- Vaginal Bleeding
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Pain or pressure below stomach
- Back Pain
- Urgency to use the restroom
- Diarrhea or constipation
GYN Emergent Care Center:
If you need immediate care, our GYN Emergent Care Center is open 24/7 and specializes in gynecological and early pregnancy emergencies.
5 Facts to know about Ovarian Cancer:
Per OvarianCancerDay.org
FACT 1: All women are at risk of Ovarian Cancer.
Ovarian cancer is diagnosed annually in nearly a quarter of a million women globally, and is responsible for 140,000 deaths each year.
FACT 2: Awareness of the symptoms of Ovarian Cancer may enable women to receive an earlier diagnosis, when the disease is more easily treatable.
If a woman experiences one or more of the following symptoms frequently, it is important that she discuss them with her doctor.
• Increased abdominal size / persistent bloating (not bloating that comes and goes)
• Difficulty eating/feeling full quickly
• Abdominal or pelvic pain
• Needing to pass urine more urgently or more frequently
FACT 3: Diagnosis at an early stage vastly improves a woman’s chance of survival.
When Ovarian Cancer is detected at an early stage, when the cancer remains confined to the ovary, up to 90% of women are likely to survive for more than five years.
FACT 4: Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage.
Ovarian Cancer is frequently diagnosed when the cancer is already at an advanced stage and women often delay seeking help. This may be because the woman thinks her symptoms are due to ‘the time of the month’, ‘menopause’, ‘something I ate’ or confused with other common stomach and digestive complaints.
FACT 5: Many women mistakenly believe a cervical smear test (or Pap Test) will detect Ovarian Cancer.
It does not. It detects pre-cancerous changes to cells of the cervix, which is treated much more successfully than Ovarian Cancer.