Finally, a symptoms list for Ovarian Cancer, but will it work?

In Australia, over 1000 women will suffer from ovarian cancer each year. Of those, around 75% will die. The high death rate associated with this particular cancer has been attributed to the fact that early detection is difficult.

Ovarian cancer is not detected with a pap smear, instead requiring pelvic examination. Even an ultrasound may not always detect the early stages of ovarian cancer.

Before now, there were no agreed symptoms that could be used to screen women for this silent killer. The new recommendations are to be formally announced on June 25 by the Gynaelogical Cancer Foundation, the Society of Gynaecological Oncologists and the American Cancer Society. These groups have agreed that the warning symptoms for ovarian cancer are now defined as; bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and a frequent or urgent need to urinate with symptoms occurring on a daily basis and lasting for more than two to three weeks.

• There are several flaws in this screening technique as I see it.
• These are very common symptoms that may result in mass panic among women
• These symptoms are very similar to some other complaints including IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), and pre-menstrual syndrome
• Even with these symptoms, a battery of other tests is likely to be carried out first due to the vagueness of symptoms. Time waiting for these tests can result in progression of the ovarian cancer.
• Most importantly, these symptoms are often a sign of advanced ovarian cancer that has grown and is placing pressure on other structures within the abdominal cavity.

The vagueness of these warning symptoms means we will all have to apply a bit of common sense. In the majority of cases these symptoms won’t reveal ovarian cancer. Knowing these symptoms and other risk factors could be the key to early detection so it’s important that you don’t delay seeking advice from your GP if you think you could be at risk.