Facts/Symptoms:

Most women don’t know of the important facts of Ovarian Cancer; it is important to know the signs and symptoms. Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of the gynecologic cancers. September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness month.

OCC is a volunteer, non-profit organization working to educate the community about ovarian cancer and its dangers. Education and awareness are key to an early diagnosis and survival.

Until there’s a test, awareness is best…

Did You Know?
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 Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of the gynecological cancers
 
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 Ovarian cancer occurs in 1 in 55 women at any age
 
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 This year, 24,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and 14,000 women will die
 
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 Detected early and treated properly, more than 95% of women survive longer than 5 years
 
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 Pap tests DO NOT detect ovarian cancer
     
What Should You Look For?
  
See a health care professional if any of these symptoms persist and are unusual for you:
 
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 Abdominal pressure, bloating, or discomfort (ovarian cancer may spread to the sac inside the abdomen that holds the intestines, uterus and ovaries - causing fluid to accumulate and the abdomen to swell)
 
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 Nausea or indigestion
 
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 Urinary frequency, constipation, or diarrhea/ any unusual change in bowel habits
 
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 Irregular or abnormal postmenopausal bleeding, or vaginal discharge
 
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 Unusual fatigue
 
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 Unexplained weight loss or gain
 
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 Shortness of breath
    * Early feeling of fullness when eating
* Increased size of abdomen
* Pain during intercourse
     
Who Gets
Ovarian Cancer?
  
All women are at risk for ovarian cancer, but some are at higher risk:
 
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 Family or personal history of ovarian, breast or colon cancer.
 
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 Increasing age
 
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 Pregnancy and breast feeding
 
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 Oral contraceptives
   
What Reduces Your Risk?
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 Tubal ligation
 
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 Hysterectomy
 
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 Surgical removal of the ovaries
     

What Can You Do To Detect Ovarian Cancer Early.

  
Until a screening test is given, here is what you can do:
 
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 Have an annual vaginal/rectal pelvic exam
 
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 If you have symptoms or are at high risk, ask for a transvaginal ultrasound and a CA125 blood test
 
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 If ovarian cancer is suspected, consult a gynecologic oncologist - a specialist in treating gynecologic cancers. For referral in your area, call the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation at
1-800-444-4441.
     
For More Info
  
Write Us At:
    OCC
P.O. Box 40035
Studio City, CA 91614
     
     
     

If any symptoms last over 2 weeks, contact a healthcare professional immediately. Gynecological Oncologists are recommended.