September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, making it a great time to learn more about ovarian cancer and the signs women should know. Ovarian cancer can be difficult to recognize because some of its symptoms can seem similar to everyday digestive or menstrual issues.
Knowing what is normal for your body can help you recognize when something has changed. If you have symptoms that are unusual for you or don’t go away, talking with your OBGYN is an important next step.
What Is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer is a type of gynecologic cancer that begins in the ovaries. Some ovarian cancers can also begin in the fallopian tubes or the lining of the abdomen, called the peritoneum. The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system and are responsible for producing eggs and hormones.
Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecologic cancer in the United States and causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system.
While these statistics can sound concerning, awareness is important because recognizing changes in your body and discussing them with your doctor can help you get the appropriate evaluation if something doesn’t seem right.
Know the Signs of Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer doesn’t always cause obvious symptoms, and the symptoms can vary from woman to woman. Some of the more common symptoms include:
- Bloating or swelling in the abdomen
- Pelvic or abdominal pain or pressure
- Back pain
- Feeling full quickly or having difficulty eating
- Needing to urinate more frequently or urgently
- Constipation or other changes in bathroom habits
- Vaginal bleeding or discharge that is unusual for you, particularly after menopause
Having one or more of these symptoms does not mean you have ovarian cancer. Many of these symptoms can be caused by other, much more common conditions. The important thing is to pay attention to changes that are unusual for you.
The CDC recommends talking with a doctor about symptoms that aren’t normal for you and last for two weeks or longer. Unusual vaginal bleeding should be evaluated promptly.
Who May Be at Higher Risk?
Ovarian cancer can affect women who don’t have any known risk factors, but certain factors may increase a woman’s risk. These include:
- Getting older, particularly being middle-aged or older
- Having a close family member who has had ovarian cancer
- Having certain genetic mutations, including BRCA1 or BRCA2
- Having Lynch syndrome
- A personal history of certain cancers, including breast, uterine, or colorectal cancer
- Having endometriosis
- Having never given birth or having experienced difficulty becoming pregnant
Having a risk factor doesn’t mean you will develop ovarian cancer. However, knowing your family and personal health history can help you and your OBGYN better understand your individual risk.
Why Your Family History Matters
Your family history can provide important clues about your health. If you have a close relative who has had ovarian cancer, or if your family has a history of breast, uterine, or colorectal cancer, make sure your OBGYN in Logan knows.
Certain inherited genetic changes can increase the risk of ovarian and other cancers. Depending on your personal and family history, your doctor may recommend discussing genetic counseling or testing.
Keeping track of your family’s cancer history and sharing that information during your women’s health appointments can be a simple but valuable step.
Is There a Screening Test for Ovarian Cancer?
This is an important question because ovarian cancer is different from cervical cancer when it comes to routine screening.
Currently, there is no reliable screening test for ovarian cancer in women who don’t have symptoms. A Pap test does not screen for ovarian cancer; Pap tests are used to screen for cervical cancer.
If you have symptoms or are considered to be at higher risk, your doctor may recommend diagnostic testing based on your individual situation. Depending on your symptoms and history, this may include a pelvic exam, transvaginal ultrasound, or CA-125 blood test.
That’s one reason knowing your body and speaking up about changes is so important.
Listen to Your Body
It’s easy to dismiss bloating, pelvic discomfort, changes in bathroom habits, or feeling unusually full as something minor. And often, these symptoms are caused by something other than cancer.
But if something feels different and doesn’t go away, don’t be afraid to bring it up with your doctor.
Your OBGYN can help determine whether your symptoms may be related to your menstrual cycle, hormones, digestive health, ovarian cysts, another gynecologic condition, or something that needs additional evaluation.
Take an Active Role in Your Women’s Health
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is a good reminder that understanding your health doesn’t have to be complicated. Know what’s normal for you, pay attention to changes, understand your family history, and don’t hesitate to ask questions.
If you’re looking for an OBGYN in Logan, UT, the team at Cache Valley Women’s Center is here to provide personalized women’s healthcare and help you understand your reproductive and gynecologic health. If you have symptoms or concerns you’d like to discuss, scheduling an appointment is a good place to start.