RISK FACTORS, SYMPTOMS AND DIAGNOSIS OF OVARIAN CANCER
RISK FACTORS
A risk factor is anything that changes your chance of getting a disease such as cancer. Having a risk factor, however, or even having several risk factors, does not mean that you will get ovarian cancer.
Here are some helpful resources which will help you understand your risk for ovarian cancer:
American Cancer Society: Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian Cancer National Alliance: Risk Factors – Ovarian Cancer
Imaginis: Ovarian Cancer - Risk Factors
SYMPTOMS OF OVARIAN CANCER
Symptoms of ovarian cancer are often non-specific although the vast majority of patients with ovarian cancer report that they experienced some symptoms prior to diagnosis:
Mayo Clinic: Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
NBC News: Symptoms Warn of Ovarian Cancer (June 24, 2008)
WebMD: Ovarian Cancer: 4 Early Symptoms (June 13, 2007)
DIAGNOSIS OF OVARIAN CANCER
Currently, there is no screening test to detect ovarian cancer. Experts recommend a pelvic/rectal exam, a transvaginal ultrasound and a CA125 test. If ovarian cancer is suspected, patients are encouraged to make sure to ask to see a gynecological oncologist.
OncologyChannel.com – Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis