Ovarian cancer has no calling card - or does it? Known as a "silent killer," medical students are often taught that this disease shows no symptoms until it reaches dangerous levels. Yet, some recent studies suggest that there are symptoms that are often ignored and that nearly 60 percent of women with this disease experience them. Still, the fear is - will your doctor even know to look for them?
A woman's ovaries are located below the waist in the center the pelvic area and with one on each side of the uterus. These almond-sized organs are responsible for producing eggs and female hormones. When abnormal cells in the ovary grow out of control a tumor develops and can possibly become cancerous. About 25,000 women in the US, mostly over 50 years old develop ovarian cancer and more than half die from the disease.
If detected early the prognosis improves immensely. Since most doctors are unfamiliar with any early warnings of ovarian cancer they rely on screening methods. Physicians use a CA 125 blood test to try and detect cancer; however, it is not perfect. An annual pelvic exam will discover any ovarian enlargements, or suspicious growths or masses. However, if none are found, this does not mean a woman is cancer free. Even a Pap smear does not show presence of ovarian cancer cells -- only cervical.
Studies at the University of Washington and the University of Iowa have shown that even women with early ovarian cancer experience non-gynecological symptoms. 60 percent of women experience an increased abdominal size or bloating. Their clothing may not fight correctly. Thirty percent of women experience indigestion, urinary frequency, and abdominal pain. Forty-five percent of women experience fatigue.
A person with any of the above symptoms for longer than four weeks should visit a doctor. Since many symptoms of ovarian cancer do not sound life threatening, women often wait too long to see a physician. Even though your doctor may not be concerned about the threat of cancer, insist that they perform the proper tests. Often, a woman will be misdiagnosed with depression, gastritis or constipation due to a physician's lack of experience with this disease.
Ovarian cancer remains as dangerous as ever. Women often feel that they must suffer through their discomfort, afraid to contact their doctors, or they may be unable to afford a check-up. Most patients with abdominal complaints do not have ovarian cancer. However, fourteen thousand women die from the disease every year. Protect yourself by educating your doctor and insisting on a thorough examination. You can help stop ovarian cancer from being the "silent killer". 
