Ovarian Cancer

When To Call A Professional

It is important to check with a doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms

• Persistent or worsening abdominal discomfort and pain

• Abdominal bloating

• Unexplained, persistent or worsening nausea or diarrhea

• Frequent urination

• Sudden weight gain or loss

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding

Remember, the symptoms of ovarian cancer are vague and often mimic other less serious problems. It is even more important to have regular pelvic exams, and to be particularly wary of these symptoms if you are at high risk of ovarian cancer. Women at high risk of developing ovarian cancer include those who:

• Are known to be genetic carriers of specific forms of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes

• Have had a first-degree relative (sister, mother or daughter) diagnosed with ovarian cancer

• Have a relative who has had breast or colon cancer

• Are over age 60 years

• Have never had children

Prognosis

The likelihood of surviving ovarian cancer depends on how far it has spread when treatment begins. If ovarian cancer is identified and treated before it spreads beyond the ovary, the five-year survival rate is 95%. Only 25% of all ovarian cancers are found at this early stage.

About 78% of all ovarian-cancer patients survive one year after diagnosis. More than 50% survive longer than five years after diagnosis. In general, older women with ovarian cancer tend to have a poorer outlook than younger women.

Additional Info

National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, Inc. 500 NE Spanish River Blvd. Suite 14 Boca Raton, FL 33431 Phone: (561) 393-0005 Toll-Free: (888) 682-7426 Fax: (561) 393-7275 http://www.ovarian.org/

American Cancer Society (ACS) 1599 Clifton Rd., NE Atlanta, GA 30329-4251 Toll-Free: (800) 227-2345 http://www.cancer.org/

National Cancer Institute (NCI) Public Inquiries Office Suite 3036A 6116 Executive Blvd., MSC 8322 Bethesda, MD 20892-8322 Phone: (301) 435-3848 Toll-Free: (800) 422-6237 http://www.nci.nih.gov/

National Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC) 8550 Arlington Blvd., Suite 300 Fairfax, VA 22031 Toll-Free: (800) 994-9662 Fax: (703) 560-6598 TTY: (888) 220-5446 http://www.4woman.org/