All women are at risk of ovarian cancer, but older women are more likely to get the disease. Half of all ovarian cancers are found in women over the age of 60. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2023, 19,710 women will get it, and 13,270 will die from ovarian cancer. 

Ovarian cancer can be hard to detect. Why? Early signs can easily be missed. They can be ignored. They may even be confused with symptoms of other conditions. There is no early detection test or screening tool for ovarian cancer. In most cases when ovarian cancer is found, it has made its way to other parts of the body.

Signs to look out for:

• Lower stomach or back pain 
• Bloating 
• Not being able to use the restroom 
• Taking more trips to the restroom to urinate 
• Pain in the pelvic area 
• Not feeling hungry or feeling full quickly 
• Vaginal bleeding 

If you notice any changes in your body that are not normal to you, see your doctor. The only way to find out what it can be is to make an appointment. What you are feeling may not be cancer. But if it is, your doctor can find it early. The sooner ovarian cancer is found and treated, the better your chances are of recovery. 

To help your doctor better understand the way you feel, write it down. Start a diary. You can use this diary by the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition. Or you can create your own. No matter what you decide to do, keep a record. Write down if anything makes your discomfort better or worse. Be sure to make a list of questions to ask your doctor.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/ovarian/basic_info/screening.htm

https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/ovarian/basic_info/symptoms.htm

https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/health-conditions/cancer/talk-doctor-if-breast-or-ovarian-cancer-runs-your-family#the-basics-tab

https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/ovarian/basic_info/risk_factors.htm

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/ovarian-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/detection.html