September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and Lowcountry Women’s Specialists is Turning the Towns Teal to help bring awareness and education about ovarian and gynecological cancers in our sponsorship of the Lowcountry Women With Wings.
Did you know that there is no conclusive test to detect ovarian cancer? That’s why being aware of the subtle, almost-silent symptoms is key to early diagnosis. And early diagnosis = better prognosis.
SYMPTOMS:
❑ Bloating
❑ Pelvic or abdominal pain
❑ Vague but persistent gastrointestinal upsets such as gas, nausea, or indigestion
❑ Difficulty eating OR feeling full quickly
❑ Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)
❑ Unexplained changes in bowel habits
❑ Unexplained weight gain/loss
❑ Ongoing unusual fatigue
❑ Back Pain
❑ Menstrual changes
❑ Pain during intimacy
IF THESE SYMPTOMS PERSIST FOR 10 DAYS TO 2 WEEKS, CONSULT YOUR GYNECOLOGIST, PHYSICIAN OR PREFERABLY A GYNECOLOGICAL ONCOLOGIST.
RISK FACTORS:
❑ Genetic predisposition (BRCA1/BRCA2 gene)
❑ Personal or family history of breast, ovarian or colon cancer
❑ Increasing age
❑ Reproductive history and infertility
❑ Hormone replacement therapy
RESOURCES:
MD Anderson Cancer Center: 10 Gynecologic Cancer Symptoms Women Shouldn’t Ignore
Centers for Disease Control
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
Lowcountry Women With Wings
Turn the Towns Teal
Foundation for Women’s Cancer
