It isn’t talked
about as much as other forms of cancer, but ovarian cancer is the deadliest of
all gynecologic cancers. One in 57 women develop ovarian cancer and there have
been several studies which have shown it runs in families. The major problem
with ovarian cancer is it is usually found in the advanced stages. By that
point, the disease is very difficult to treat and the chance of five-year
survival is about 20%. Sadly, 75% of women are diagnosed at this advanced
stage. When ovarian cancer is detected early, before it is spread beyond the
ovaries, more than 90% of women will survive longer than 5 years.
Unfortunately, the symptoms of ovarian cancer are very vague. Feeling bloated,
a sensation of being full even after eating just a small amount of food, low
back pain, and fatigue are all signs, but obviously, they can mean other things
as well.
