How to Detect Ovarian Cancer

When ovarian cancer is discovered early, it has a 90% cure rate, and yet 16,000 women die from it every year, making it the deadliest reproductive system cancer for women. Why? Because 80% of women discover it too late.

Until now, doctors believed that ovarian cancer had no symptoms, but researchers have finally unlocked the secrets of early detection. Their discovery could save your life or that of someone you love.

Hiding from Detection

For organs that perform such a vital function as giving life, the ovaries are far from where doctors can easily see or feel them. So, when cells within them grow malignant -- pushing into nearby organs such as the fallopian tubes, bladder, bowel, or liver -- they can cause a lot of damage before they are discovered.

For years doctors have been taught that there are no early signs of ovarian cancer, so they have not been looking for it. Now, researchers have discovered that most women with ovarian cancer have some combination of 6 symptoms critical to early detection. However, these symptoms are so common that they are often missed by women and misdiagnosed by doctors. Learn this list, listen to your body, and be your own advocate when you go to the doctor.

Six Warning Signs

When cancer grows in the ovaries, they secrete hormones and other substances that increase gas in the abdominal cavity and slow the bowels down, leading to constipation and a feeling of pressure and fullness. Here are the 6 critical symptoms:

• Bloating
• Increased abdominal size
• Abdominal pain
• Pelvic pain
• Difficulty eating
• Feeling full quickly