Ovarian cancer is sometimes called a “silent disease” because it often causes vague symptoms in its early stages. At this time, there’s no reliable screening test for women who are at average risk. Unfortunately, many cases are found after the cancer has already spread, which makes it harder to treat.
While we can’t prevent ovarian cancer in many cases, knowing your personal risk and being aware of changes in your body may help you and your healthcare provider decide when more testing is needed.
Who is at Risk?
Anyone can get ovarian cancer, but some women have a higher chance. You may be at greater risk if:
- Someone in your family has ovarian or breast cancer
- You are older, especially after menopause
- You have certain gene changes, called mutations, like BRCA1 or BRCA2
Other things that may raise your risk include:
- Having endometriosis
- Never having children
Knowing your risk can help you make smart choices about your health.
What to Watch For
Ovarian cancer symptoms can feel like everyday problems, so many women ignore them. But if you have any of these signs and they don’t go away, talk to your doctor:
- Bloating
- Pain in your stomach or pelvis
- Feeling full quickly when eating
- Needed to pee more often or more urgently
- Fatigue
- Back pain
For women who have been through menopause, any vaginal bleeding should be checked by a healthcare provider. There are several causes of abnormal vaginal bleeding, but it’s important to find the cause.
You know your body best. If something feels off, it’s best to make an appointment with your doctor.
The Role of Genetic Testing
Genetic testing looks for changes in your genes that could raise your cancer risk. It’s quick, often just a blood or saliva test. If you have a strong family history of cancer, your doctor might suggest it.
在漢考克健康中心， we use this kind of testing to help understand risk and plan the right care, whether it’s extra screenings or early treatment. It typically takes about three weeks after the sample is collected for results to be shared with your Hancock Health provider.
Cancer Care at Hancock Health
If you or someone you love is facing ovarian cancer, you don’t have to go far to get excellent care. The 蘇安沃特曼癌症中心 is right here in Greenfield, and we offer:
- Expert doctors and nurses
- Cutting-edge technology and medicine
- Personalized care plans as unique as you
- Supportive therapies like nutritional help and emotional support
We also work with Mayo Clinic to bring world-class care to our community. As a member of the 梅奧診所護理網絡, our providers can request a second opinion or extra advice from cancer experts through Hancock Health at no extra cost and without ever leaving Hancock County.
What You Can Do Today
When women know the signs, they can take action. Here’s what you can do to spread awareness and take action to save lives:
- Talk to your doctor if you have any symptoms or a family history of cancer
- Ask about genetic testing, which can help you catch problems earlier
- Share this information with the women in your life
If you’re ready to take the next step for your ovarian health, schedule a visit with your primary care provider. It’s a simple way to stay on top of your health and get the support you need.
SOURCES
https://www.hancockhealth.org/healthcare-service/cancer-care/
https://www.hancockhealth.org/about/mayoclinic/
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/ovarian-cancer.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ovarian-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20375941
https://www.cdc.gov/ovarian-cancer