Thursday 26 August 2010

Ovarian Cancer: The Importance of Early Detection

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Ovarian cancer strikes one out of every 57 women. It is the fifth-leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women between the ages of 35 and 74. Ovarian cancer is often difficult to diagnose, especially in its early states, because the symptoms are often vague and mimic other health conditions. The symptoms often associated with ovarian cancer include abdominal or pelvic pain, bloating, difficulty eating/feeling full quickly and urinary urgency or frequency.

When ovarian cancer is detected early, more than 90 percent of women survive longer than five years. Unfortunately, there are currently no standard screening methods for ovarian cancer as there are for breast or cervical cancers. That’s why Penn Medicine urges you to be your best advocate. Know the symptoms of ovarian cancer, know your body and know your family history.

Learn more about ovarian cancer
Penn’s Jordan Center for Gynecologic Cancer
Penn’s Ovarian Cancer Research Center

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