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By Jennifer Burchett

Clark County Health Department

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.  Although Ovarian Cancer is rare (1.3% of women will be diagnosed during their lifetime), the survival rate is low because it often gets diagnosed and treated when the disease is very advanced.

One of the largest risks for developing Ovarian Cancer is family history and the presence of inherited genetic mutations. Luckily for Kentuckians we have the UK Markey Cancer Center Ovarian Cancer Screening Program. Started in 1987 this program offers free ultrasound screening for eligible women: women over the age of 50 and women over the age of 25 with a family history of Ovarian Cancer.

The signs and symptoms of Ovarian Cancer are often vague and could be caused by other issues:

• Abdominal bloating or swelling

• Quickly feeling full after eating

• Weight loss

• Discomfort in the pelvic area

• Fatigue

• Back pain

• Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation

• Frequent need to urinate

With any questions or concerns regarding Ovarian Cancer, signs/symptoms, or how to predict family history, please reach out to your gynecologist or primary care provider.

Information from this article was taken from the following sources: www.mayoclinic.org and www.aacr.org.