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Symptoms

NEWS:   6.13.2007 Ovarian Cancer Symptoms Consensus

IF YOU SHOULD EXPERIENCE ONE OR MORE OF THESE SYMPTOMS, CONSULT YOUR HEALTH CARE PHYSICIAN.

  • Pelvic and abdominal pain
  • Urinary frequency and urgency
  • Increased abdominal size and bloating
  • Difficulty eating and feeling full

Other symptoms may include:

  • constipation or diarrhea
  • nausea
  •  indigestion or gas
  • abnormal vaginal bleeding;
  • unusual fatigue
  • unexplained weight loss or gain
  • shortness of breath
  • low back pain

RISKS:

Who is at risk for ovarian cancer?
The following are considered risk factors:

• Having a first-degree relative with ovarian cancer, such as your mother, sister or daughter, especially if she was diagnosed before the age of 40; having several family members with ovarian or breast cancer also increases risk.

• Having a personal history of cancer of the breast, uterus, colon or rectum, or, having a family history of these cancers.

• Being over 55 years of age.

• Never having been pregnant.

• Taking estrogen after menopause for at least 10 years.

• Obesity, primarily if you carry your excess weight around your waist

• It used to be believed that fertility drugs increased a woman's risk of ovarian cancer; using talcum powder in the vaginal area was also considered a possible risk factor, but neither of these is now felt to produce significant risk.

Is there anything that can reduce your risk of ovarian cancer?
Yes -- the following reduce risk:

• The use of birth control pills (substantial reduction if used for five years or more)

• Having children and breast feeding

• Having your tubes tied

• Having a simple hysterectomy (removal of the uterus only)

• Eating plenty of vegetables, especially green leafy veggies

• Having your ovaries removed, especially for women at high risk of ovarian cancer; this substantially lowers risk, though does not eliminate it completely