Ovarian cancer symptoms
Pelvic or abdominal pain or discomfort
Vague, but persistent gastrointestinal upsets such as gas, nausea and indigestion
Frequent or urgent urination in absence of an infection
Unexplained changes in bowel habits
Unexplained weight gain or weight loss; particularly weight gain in the abdomen
Pelvic, abdominal bloating
Pain during intercourse
Ongoing fatigue
Abnormal post-menopausal bleeding (rare)
What to do?
See your doctor for:
A pelvic exam
A transvaginal ultrasound
A CA-125 blood test
Risk factors
A woman should be vigilant if she has one or more of these risk factors:
Personal or family history of breast, ovarian, endometrial, prostate or colon cancer
Uninterrupted ovulation (infertility, never used birth control pills, no pregnancies)
Increasing age. It is more common in women over 60, but often occurs in women with a family history before or during their early 40s.
Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer or syndrome
Use of high-dose estrogen for long periods without progesterone
Exposure to talc or asbestos
High-fat diet
North American, Northern European or Ashkenazi Jewish heritage.
Sources: The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition's "What Every Woman Should Know About Ovarian Cancer" and "Myths & Facts About Ovarian Cancer" by M. Steven Piver, M.D., and Gamal Eltabbakh, M.D.
