OVARIAN CANCER SYMPTOMS

In the October 20, 2008 LA Times, the Health “Cancer Issue,” there was an excellent column on “Common, Frequent Early Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer. “It used to be felt that women with early-stage disease did not have symptoms. Now, it’s looking like up to 90% of women have early symptoms.”

Here’s what they are:

43% of women with ovarian cancer responding to a study indicated that they had three of these—bloating, increased abdominal size, and urinary tract problems—simultaneously.

The women with ovarian cancer complained of having several symptoms every day compared to the control group, who complained of one or two symptoms several times a month.

So, be vigilant! Listen to your body and check out the above symptoms with your gynecologist immediately.

Addendum from one Salonista:

An additional challenge is getting the physicians to listen to women who present with these symptoms. My mother went to a gyn with specific symptoms and tremendous discomfort, but was told she was in excellent health. Within four weeks of that visit, she was given her diagnosis of stage III ovarian cancer. Doctors need to really listen...the disease whispers, but most women shout about their bodies.
--Vicki