Ovarian Cancer Risks and Symptoms

Ovarian cancer, once known as the "silent killer," was often not found until it spread beyond the reproductive organs. Today, with additional knowledge and persistence, ovarian cancer is generally being diagnosed earlier, before it has spread. Diagnosing and treating ovarian cancer at its earliest stage improves survival.

While the exact cause of ovarian cancer is unknown, most women with this disease do have one or more risk factor. If you believe that you are at risk for ovarian cancer, we encourage you to discuss your concerns with your primary care doctor.

Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors:

• Postmenopausal
• Obesity
• Having no children/pregnancies
• Fertility drug use
• Male hormones
• Estrogen and hormone replacement therapy use
• Family history of ovarian, breast or colorectal cancer
• Breast cancer
• Talcum powder use (on genitals)
• Smoking and alcohol use

Learn more about risk factors for ovarian cancer>>>

Symptoms Checklist:

Ovarian cancer symptoms are often subtle. Risk factors considered in combination with any symptoms can help determine if additional testing may be required to rule out ovarian cancer. In addition to general, nonspecific abdominal distress or fullness, back pain or increasing abdominal size, symptoms include:

• Abdominal discomfort and/or pain
• Gas, indigestion, pressure, swelling, bloating or cramps
• Nausea, diarrhea, constipation or frequent urination
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling of fullness even after only a light meal
• Unexplained weight gain or loss
• Abnormal bleeding from the vagina

If you are experiencing any of the above for a prolonged period of time, please contact your primary care provider.