If you’ve dismissed some symptoms you would normally discuss with your doctor, you’re not alone. We know you’ve been focused on keeping you and your family safe. But if nagging stomach troubles are affecting your life, we’re here to help you stay alert about the health care you need to protect your whole health.
In fact, many women don’t realize that ongoing gas, bloating or nausea can be signs of ovarian cancer.
Understanding Your Ovarian Cancer Risk
Since some of the symptoms of ovarian cancer seem like common stomach ailments, it often isn’t diagnosed until it’s reached an advanced stage. For this reason, it’s important to understand your risks for ovarian cancer.
Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors
You’re at increased risk for ovarian cancer if you:
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Are age 40 or older
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Had your first child after age 35 or never had a child
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Take hormone replacement therapy
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Used in vitro fertilization (IVF) to become pregnant
You’re also at greater risk of certain cancers, such as ovarian, breast or colorectal cancer, if they run in your family. If you have a family history of ovarian cancer — or any lifestyle or medical factors that put you at greater risk — you should speak with your doctor about genetic testing and other steps to reduce your risk.
You can decrease your risk of ovarian cancer by making healthy lifestyle changes. For example, achieving a healthy weight, quitting smoking and limiting your alcohol intake all lower your risk.
Seeing Your Doctor Regularly is Your First Line of Defense
Many women mistakenly believe that their annual pap smear test will catch ovarian cancer. But unfortunately, there is still no reliable routine screening test for it. This makes understanding ovarian cancer risks and the symptoms all the more important.
This is why it is so important for women to pay attention to their symptoms and be seen annually by their OB/GYN.
Subtle Warning Signs of Ovarian Cancer
It’s important to work with your doctor to rule out ovarian cancer if you experience one or more of these symptoms, especially for an extended time:
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Bloating and gas
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Changes in bowel movements or menstrual cycle
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Feeling fuller sooner when eating or loss of appetite
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Increased abdominal girth
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Lack of energy
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Nausea
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Pressure in your lower back or pelvis
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Urinating frequency
Get the Care You Need Safely
Ovarian cancer can be a treatable condition, especially when diagnosed and treated early. New clinical trials, immunotherapies, leading-edge surgical techniques and novel drugs are being used to treat ovarian cancer with very positive outcomes.
If you’re experiencing regular stomach upset or other troubling symptoms, don’t let worries about the safety of medical care right now keep you from talking to you doctor. Our team of experts are dedicated to keeping you protected, healthy and well with enhanced safety measures at all of our facilities.
Some of these include:
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Limitations on the number of visitors entering our facilities
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Temperature checks at all entry points to our facilities
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Redesigned waiting rooms and common areas to social distance at six feet apart
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Face masks worn by all staff, patients and visitors
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Cohorting to separate ill and healthy patients
We’re here to protect your whole health with everything we have. If you’re ready to refocus on your health, we’re prepared to help you while keeping you safe. Learn more about our Women’s Health Care and Cancer Care.
