Ovarian cancer: Early Detection Key

 [Black Star Health]

Finding out early and getting immediate treatment greatly increase the chances of survival from ovarian cancer.

Each year about 22,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, which causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. There is no screening test for this disease. Therefore, it is very important to know the early warning signs.

Signs of ovarian cancer may include: 

• Swelling
• Pelvic or stomach pain
• Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
• Urgent or frequent urination  
  
  Keep in mind that these signs don’t necessarily mean you have ovarian cancer. They can signal a host of other health issues. Visit your gynecologist if you have these signs daily for more than a few weeks.

For more information, contact the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance at www.ovariancancer.org or (866) 399-6262. Share this information with the women in your lives.

Dr. Stephanie Citerman works at Affinity Health Plan, an independent, not-for-profit organization offering free or low-cost health care coverage to New Yorkers. For more information visit www.affinityplan.org or call (866) 247-5678. For questions about Ovarian cancer or general health, e-mail Dr. Citerman at drciterman@affinityplan.org