BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM
Cancer doesn’t always announce itself with dramatic symptoms, which makes early detection and treatment difficult. This is especially true for ovarian cancer. Doctors often call it a “silent killer” because many people feel fine until the disease is already advanced. “Ovarian cancer has been known as the silent killer because many women do not experience symptoms until after it is already widespread,” explains Dr. Eloise Chapman-Davis, a gynecologic oncologist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine.
That late discovery is a big reason only about 20 percent of ovarian cancers are found early, when treatment is most effective. And yet, when it is caught early, survival rates soar; about 94 percent of patients live longer than five years past diagnosis. Knowing the signs and being proactive can truly save lives.
The subtle symptoms worth paying attention to
Most ovarian cancers begin in the cells that cover the ovaries or fallopian tubes. Because these areas don’t have sensory nerves, small tumors don’t usually cause pain. “You wouldn’t necessarily feel anything wrong, particularly if the tumor is small,” explains Dr. Christina Annunziata of the American Cancer Society.
But as tumors grow, they can press on nearby organs, leading to vague, everyday complaints that are easy to dismiss. Some of the most common early signs include:
- Bloating that doesn’t match your diet or weight changes
- Feeling full quickly or nausea when eating
- Frequent or urgent urination without relief
- Pelvic or stomach pain that lingers
Other possible symptoms include fatigue, back pain, constipation, pain during sex, or unusual menstrual changes. None of these automatically means cancer, of course, but if they suddenly appear, stick around, and happen more than a dozen times a month, experts recommend seeing a doctor.
Why screening is complicated
Unlike breast or cervical cancer, there isn’t a routine screening test for ovarian cancer. Tools like transvaginal ultrasounds or CA-125 blood tests exist, but they’re usually used when symptoms are already present or for people at higher risk. Unfortunately, they also aren’t foolproof. CA-125, for example, can be elevated by conditions like endometriosis or fibroids.
Researchers are exploring new options, including blood tests that look for proteins linked to ovarian cancer, but none are widely available yet. Until then, staying alert to changes in your body is critical.
Practical ways to lower your risk
The good news: there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Regular gynecological check-ups matter because pelvic exams may catch growths that otherwise go unnoticed.
Doctors may also recommend preventative strategies for people at higher risk. Birth control pills, for instance, have been shown to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by 30 to 50 percent. For those who have finished childbearing, removing the fallopian tubes, a procedure called salpingectomy, can reduce risk by as much as 80 percent.
Ultimately, vigilance and self-advocacy are your strongest tools. “The most important thing is to be attuned to your body for any changes and then to be a self-advocate,” says Dr. Annunziata. If a doctor brushes off your concerns, don’t hesitate to push for answers or get a second opinion.
Listening to your body is powerful
Ovarian cancer may be stealthy, but awareness is a form of defense. Paying attention to subtle, persistent changes, whether that’s bloating, pain, or unusual urinary patterns, can lead to earlier diagnoses and better outcomes. And when it comes to your health, trusting your instincts is often the best choice.
