Ovarian Cancer - It's Curable, But Women's Awareness is Very Low!

Do you ever experience any of the following?

* Bloating, abdominal swelling or loss of appetite

* Fatigue, indigestion or heartburn

* A change in toilet habit or unexplained weight change

* Constipation or diarrhoea

* Abdominal or back pain

* Irregular vaginal bleeding

* Pain with intercourse or poor bladder control

Anyone is likely to experience these symptoms from time to time. But for some women they may be the earliest indications of ovarian cancer.

The reason the fatality rate is as high as 50 per cent is that 70 per cent of women are diagnosed at such an advanced stage that successful treatment is difficult. If diagnosed and treated early, ovarian cancer is 90 per cent curable, but since most women's awareness of it is low, detection is often too late.

Some women believe their Pap smear will check for all gynaecological cancers, but it only checks for cervical cancer. There is no routine screening test for ovarian cancer, although your doctor may do an internal examination as part of the Pap smear and may be able to detect pelvic masses. However, early changes are unlikely to be detected.

An ultrasound can give a better idea of the state of the ovaries and a blood test which looks at tumor markers such as CA125, Inhibin or CEA can also help with diagnosis.

The risk factors of ovarian cancer are:

1. Increasing age. Around 80% of cases occur in women over 50.

2. A family history of ovarian, bowel, breast or uterine cancer.

3. Having never been pregnant or having had few pregnancies.

4. Having never taken the Pill.

5. Having had endometriosis.

6. Being overweight.

7. Having multiple exposures to fertility drugs.

8. Being of Ashkenazi Jewish descent.

9. Genital contact with talc or asbestos.

Ovarian cancer is not that common, so don't panic if you have any of these symptoms. However, if you experience any symptoms persistently for two weeks or more, you should consult your doctor.