Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms, Stages and Treatment
Updated: Feb 15, 2020
Ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest cancers that affect women today. Even in its early stages, it rarely reveals symptoms. Yet in its advanced stages, the symptoms of ovarian cancer can be so generic, they are often diagnosed as common constipation or an irritable bowel problem.
Key symptoms of ovarian cancer
The signs are difficult to recognize, but research suggests there are four key symptoms:
Bloating
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
Urinary urgency or frequency
Who is at risk for ovarian cancer?
From family history to health history, here are some key risk factors to keep in mind:
Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
Personal history of cancer
Women aged 55 and older
Women who have never been pregnant
Women on menopausal hormone replacement therapy
Ovarian cancer care
Treatment for ovarian cancer involves surgery — the extent of which depends on the cancer stage, your age, overall health and other factors. But after surgery, what treatment method is really right for you? Today, it’s possible to determine the therapies or drugs you will optimally respond to through advanced genetic testing.
Many people are eligible for clinical trials, which provide access to promising new treatments, drugs or therapies. In San Antonio and throughout South Texas, the START Center for Cancer Care offers access to world-class Phase I clinical trials, during which new drugs and treatments are tested on small groups of people.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of ovarian cancer, or feel you may be at risk, contact the compassionate, experienced physicians at START. We provide care for multiple types of cancer through surgery, chemotherapy, radiation treatments, immunotherapy, integrative therapies and more. Our physicians also contribute to the advancement of cancer research by taking leadership roles in researching, speaking and writing about the development of new anticancer antigens, drugs and treatments.
Call 210-745-6841 to speak with a friendly START team member, who will schedule an appointment at time that works best for you.
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