Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Research papers on the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer can be approached from a medical health standpoint. Paper Masters writers will outline the signs and symptoms in a clear, concise way that is easy to understand.

"Ovarian cancer remains the number one gynecologic killer in the United States and the Western world. In 2001, there will have been approximately 24,000 new cases in the United States, with 14,000 deaths". Give the wide array of advancements in cancer research over the last several years, one cannot help but wonder why ovarian cancer proves so difficult to diagnosis and treat. An author notes that the predominant reason that mortality rates for ovarian cancer are so high is because when most patients are diagnoses with the disease, it has metastasized.

Detection Of Ovarian Cancer

This then leads on to consider why ovarian cancer is often not detected until it has metastasized.Ozols goes on to note that: "This pattern of metastasis makes early detection difficult because there are no early warning signs or symptoms. At this point, there is no evidence that screening the general population is effective, and routine screening is not recommended". Given this reality, ovarian cancer truly represents a silent killer.

Lack Of Warning Signs of Ovarian Cancer

Despite the fact that there are no clear warning sign for ovarian cancer, the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance recommends that women see their doctors if any of the following symptoms present:

• Abdominal pressure, bloating, or discomfort
• Nausea, indigestion, or gas
• Urinary frequency, constipation, or diarrhea
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Unusual fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss or gain
• Shortness of breath

While these signs may indicate ovarian cancer, unlike breast or cervical cancer there is no effective diagnostic test available for detecting ovarian cancer. Therefore, diagnosis may be delayed.