Symptoms Education Imperative for Earlier Diagnosis

INDIANAPOLIS, June 13 Women’s Oncology Research & Development is grateful acknowledge that for the first time there is a national consensus on ovarian cancer signs and symptoms being accepted and endorsed by the NIH. Often referred to as the “silent killer” due to the common belief that there are no warning signs or symptoms, ovarian cancer is the most deadly gynecologic cancer.

“We have known that these are the signs and symptoms for years within gynecologic oncology community and we are grateful that this is finally coming to light,” say Dr. Kelly Manahan, WORD’s board president. She continues, “I hope that this continues to increase awareness and save lives. WORD is committed to educating hundreds of thousands of women about ovarian cancer as well as the other gynecologic cancers.”

These symptoms include:
– Bloating
– Pelvic or abdominal pain
– Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
– Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)
Women who have these symptoms almost daily for more than a few weeks should see their doctor, preferably a gynecologist. WORD would also encourage women to go to Women’s Cancer Network to learn more about gynecologic cancers.