Five Things to Know About Ovarian Cancer

Did you know? Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in women and causes more deaths than any other cancer in the female reproductive system, according to the American Cancer Society.

In many cases, ovarian cancer is not caught in its early stages, when the disease is more treatable. That’s why learning more about ovarian cancer, including recognizing the symptoms and risk factors, is important.

Jenny Pennycook, MD, FACOG, an OB/GYN with Phelps Health, shares five things you should know about ovarian cancer.

1. Ovarian cancer is the deadliest and second most common gynecological cancer in the United States, with more than 19,000 new cases diagnosed per year, according to the American Cancer Society.

2. Ovarian cancer doesn’t always start in the ovaries. We now know that ovarian cancer sometimes starts in the Fallopian tubes.

3. Risk factors for ovarian cancer include older age, especially if you are over 55. Family history of ovarian cancer also may increase your risk.

4. Symptoms of ovarian cancer include pelvic pain, bloating, feeling full or not being able to eat normally, as well as weight loss.

5. Ovarian cancer can be difficult to diagnose, and there is no good screening test for ovarian cancer. That's why going to your OB/GYN for annual checkups, being aware of the symptoms and reporting them to your doctor if you're having them is important.