A 'Silent' Killer: Health Officials Warn Women of Ovarian Cancer Dangers

Rockland health officials are warning women that symptoms of what might be mistaken for minor illness could be signs of ovarian cancer.

Rockland Health Commissioner Dr. Joan Facelle says that ror years, ovarian cancer was known as the "silent" cancer because it was thought to rarely produce any symptoms. However, she said doctors have identified specific symptoms commonly associated with ovarian cancer, including bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, trouble eating or feeling full quickly, and having to urinate often or always feeling like you need to go.

"During Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month we want to remind women that the key to early detection is to pay attention to symptoms, discuss them with your doctor, and get regular vaginal/rectal pelvic exams, as there is no effective and proven screening test for the early detection of ovarian cancer (like the Pap test for cervical cancer or the mammogram for breast cancer)," said Facelle. "When found in its early stages, treatment is most effective."

Facelle said symptoms caused by ovarian cancer tend to be persistent and represent a change from normal - for example, they occur more often or get worse. Facelle said that if you have these symptoms almost daily for more than a few weeks, see your doctor, preferably a gynecologist, right away.

Others symptoms of ovarian cancer can include: tiredness; upset stomach; back pain; pain during sex; constipation; and menstrual changes, however these symptoms are more likely to be caused by something other than ovarian cancer, Facelle said.

The American Cancer Society recommends women with a very high risk of ovarian cancer —such as those with a strong family history of the disease— may be screened with ultrasound and with blood tests. 

For more information about ovarian cancer call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345  or visit www.cancer.org or the Rockland County Cancer Institute of the Rockland County Department of Health at 845-364-3857.