Learn About Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian Cancer is not silent….it whispers.
There is currently no way to screen for ovarian cancer. Early symptoms are often mild, making this disease difficult to detect. Some early symptoms may include:
- General abdominal discomfort and/or pain (gas, indigestion, swelling, bloating, cramps)
- Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, or frequent urination
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling of fullness even after a light meal
- Weight gain or loss with no known reason
- Shortness of breath
Most often these symptoms do not indicate ovarian cancer. However, if these symptoms persist for three weeks or longer, consult your health practioner.
More Ovarian Cancer Facts from the American Cancer Society:
- Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer among women, excluding non-melanoma skin cancers.
- Ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women, accounting for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system.
- Ovarian cancer accounts for 3% of all cancers in women.
- It is estimated that there will be about 22,430 new cases of ovarian cancer in the United States in 2007.
- It is estimated that there will be about 15,280 deaths from ovarian cancer in the United States in 2007.
- A woman’s risk of getting ovarian cancer during her lifetime is 1.5% or about 1 in 67.
- About 76% of women with ovarian cancer survive 1 year after diagnosis, and more than 45% survive longer than 5 years after diagnosis. If diagnosed and treated while the cancer has not spread outside the ovary, the 5-year survival rate is 90-95%.
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"Only 19% of all ovarian cancers are found at an early stage, before cancer has spread outside the ovary."
Source: American Cancer Society
"The risk of developing and dying from ovarian cancer is higher for Caucasian women than African American women."
Source: American Cancer Society
"A woman's lifetime chance of dying from ovarian cancer is 1.05% or 1 in 95."
Source: American Cancer Society
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