An expert from RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute recently outlined best practices for detecting ovarian cancer early in a press release.
Ruth D. Stephenson, DO, a Gynecologic Oncologist at RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute emphasized that all women should advocate for themselves when they feel like something is wrong. She said that early detection is women’s greatest asset. According to RWJBarnabas Health, “When ovarian cancer is found in Stage I in the ovaries before it has spread to other organs, the five-year survival rate exceeds 90 percent; those rates decline the later it is found.”
The following symptoms of ovarian cancer were highlighted in the release:
Bloating
Pain in the pelvic or abdominal areas
Feeling full too quick
Appetite loss
Changes in urinary or bowel movements
Abnormal fatigue
Extreme weight loss
Dr. Stephenson also expressed the importance of knowing ovarian cancer risk factors. Other than family history, other risks are never being pregnant and “certain genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2.” Furthermore, Dr. Stephenson stressed that women should continue routine visits with their physicians. “Awareness of the signs and symptoms and promptly seeing a healthcare provider is key.”
