Ovarian Cancer: Know the Signs, Save More Lives

16 Sep, 2025

Ovarian cancer is typically referred to as the "silent killer"—not because it has no symptoms, but because those early warning signs are vague, subtle signs that can easily be confused for everyday health concerns. But awareness will always be our best form of defense.

When reported sooner rather than later, ovarian cancer is more treatable, and survival rates improve significantly. Recognizing these signs and raising awareness can take us one significant step forward in saving lives.

Why Ovarian Cancer Needs More Attention

Ovarian cancer is the eighth-most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the world and one of the most common causes of gynecologic cancer deaths. The World Health Organization states that over 300,000 women worldwide will be diagnosed each year, and nearly 200,000 die from the disease annually.

Because of this lack of attention and being a difficult diagnosis, ovarian cancer tends to produce subtle symptoms. Unlike cervical cancer, there are no suggested routine screening tests for the disease. For example, Pap smears will not find ovarian cancer, which intensifies our need for vigilance and awareness of symptoms.

The Silent Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer symptoms rarely present dramatically or uniquely in the early stages of the disease. It is more often demonstrated in ways that most women may attribute to stress, diet, or aging. General warnings include:

• Persistent bloating or swelling of the abdomen

• Pelvic or abdominal pain that persists

• Difficulty eating (feeling full too quickly)

• Frequent urination (urgency)

• Bowel changes—constipation

• Fatigue and unexplained weight loss

• Pain with intercourse

While many of these symptoms are more likely to be caused by other health conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome or urinary tract infections, the important factor in reporting a symptom and raising awareness is the persistence and frequency of the issue. If these symptoms last longer than two weeks, consult a doctor.

Risk Factors to Be Aware of

There are several things that may raise your risk, even though ovarian cancer can affect women at any age:

1. Age: After the age of 50, the risk increases significantly, especially after menopause.

2. Family History: Risk is increased if you have a mother, sister, or daughter with ovarian cancer or breast cancer.

3. Genetic Mutations: Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are strongly linked to ovarian cancer.

4. Reproductive History: Women with no children or whose first child was born after they turned 35 may be at higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.

5. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Long-term use of estrogen without progesterone may be a factor.

6. Personal Cancer History: Risk increases if you have had breast, uterine, and colorectal cancer.

The Risks of Early Detection

The hard and cold truth is this: Approximately 70% of all ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed at the advanced stage (Stage III or IV). At that point, there will be less than a 30% chance of surviving for five years. However, if ovarian cancer is picked up early, while still only affecting the ovaries, there is a chance of a 90% survival rate.

Awareness is life-saving—not just a nice idea—because when there are no screening methods for the general population, knowing the symptoms and the importance of getting assessed quickly is as close as we have to a reliable measure.

How is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed?

If the above possible symptoms are of concern, your doctor might use a combination of the following to help you figure out a diagnosis:

• Pelvic Examination: Looking for abnormalities

• Ultrasound Imaging: To help visualize the ovaries

• CA-125 Blood Test: Measures the amount of a protein that is often elevated when someone has ovarian cancer, but it is not a conclusive result.

• CT or MRI Scans: Imaging of the pelvic and abdominal areas.

• Biopsy: The only definitive way to diagnose ovarian cancer.

Unfortunately, none of the above methods work well enough on their own for population screening, which is why it is beneficial to be aware of possible symptoms.

Treatment Option Available

The treatment options for ovarian cancer usually depend on its stage and type and will likely include one or more of the following:

• Surgery: Remove ovaries, fallopian tubes, and they may take out the uterus and surrounding tissue.

• Chemotherapy: May be given after surgery to remove any remaining cancer cells.

• Targeted Therapy: Drugs used by some to attack weaknesses (ex, PARP inhibitors for women with BRCA mutations) in cancer cells.

• Immunotherapy (in research): Refers to using the body's own immune system to help fight cancer.

The good news is that there is research underway to improve disease outcomes. Advancements in precision medicine have enabled more targeted and effective treatments.

Prevention and Reducing Risk

While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent ovarian cancer, some steps can help lower risk:

• Genetic Testing: If you have a family history, genetic counseling and BRCA testing are crucial.

• Oral Contraceptives: Long-term use has been shown to reduce ovarian cancer risk.

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Offer some protective effects.

• Preventive Surgery: For high-risk women, removing the ovaries and fallopian tubes may be recommended after childbearing years.

• A healthy lifestyle: It include proper exercise, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight, supports overall cancer prevention.

Support and awareness for survivors

Ovarian cancer is not only a physical illness. It can affect women emotionally and psychologically as well. Support groups, counseling, and awareness initiatives are tools to help women manage these realities. Sharing stories, spreading education within communities, and decreasing the stigma of the diagnosis can provide ways for women to start feeling less lonely in their journey.

Every September, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month recognizes this fight with the teal ribbon! Yet awareness should not be limited to September, but should be a year-round occurrence.

The takeaway

Ovarian cancer may be a formidable adversary, but education is a powerful ally. If we recognize signs and symptoms, understand risk factors, and engage in awareness activities, it could save lives!

If you or someone you know is living with bloating, abdominal pain, or severe fatigue that is unexplained by any medical diagnosis, listen to your body; you should always take it seriously and seek out medical assessment! Remember, early detection saves lives.

If you recognize early warning signs, consult with your healthcare service providers for preemptive health assessments and conduct medical research. Together we can beat the odds and save numbers.

If you are looking for reliable primary care services, CVMedPro has your back. Our extensive network of healthcare providers enables you to choose the right professional.

Schedule an appointment today! To know more, get in touch with our team. Call us at 866-423-0060 or visit our website – www.cvmedpro.com