Early detection of ovarian cancer can save lives. There are two main barriers to early diagnosis - the lack of an ovarian cancer screening test and a lack of ovarian cancer awareness.

• Lack of Screening Test - It is important to note that the Pap smear test does not screen for ovarian cancer; it screens for cervical cancer. There is currently no test for ovarian cancer. Methods are being researched to monitor women at high risk for the disease but currently no test exists to screen all women in the general population.
• Lack of Awareness - Few women know enough about ovarian cancer and increased awareness is needed among medical professionals. Currently, the best chance for early detection is to raise awareness about ovarian cancer among women and the health care community.
• The best defense is to know the symptoms.
• Bloating
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
• Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)

Several other symptoms may include: fatigue, indigestion, back pain, pain with intercourse, constipation and menstrual irregularities.

Take Action: See your doctor, preferably a gynecologist, if these symptoms are unusual for you and occur almost daily for more than a few weeks. Experts suggest a combination pelvic/rectal exam, a transvaginal sonogram, and a CA125 blood test. If ovarian cancer is suspected, medical experts suggest seeking a second opinion with a gynecologic oncologist before surgery is performed.