September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
According to estimates, more than 15,500 women in the United States will die from ovarian cancer this year. Why? Several women don’t seek medical treatment until the cancer has started to spread. Also, the indicators of ovarian cancer are often subtle and easily mistaken for other illnesses, and it is tricky to diagnose. Research suggests there are four symptoms that might be linked to ovarian cancer:
Bloating
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
Urinary urgency or frequency
Other symptoms might include:
- Nausea, indigestion, constipation, gas or diarrhea
- Extreme fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Backaches
If the symptoms lasts more than 2-3 weeks, talk to your doctor.
Risk factors include:
- Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
- Personal history of cancer
- Women over the age of 55
- Women who were never pregnant
- Women on menopausal hormone replacement therapy
For more information on ovarian cancer, check out
