Ovarian Cancer Warning Signs Are Easy to Miss: Here’s What to Look For by Sophia L. Thomas, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PPCNP-BC, FNAP, FAANP

A woman’s risk of getting ovarian cancer is about one in 75, but one in 100 will die from it. While ovarian cancer is not the most common, it is among the deadliest because it is hard to detect. Only 20 percent of cases are identified in the early stages, but there are early warning signs. Here’s what to look for:

• bloating
• pelvic/abdominal pain
• frequent urination
• feeling full quickly
• fatigue
• upset stomach
• back pain
• constipation

While these issues can be symptomatic of many other things, it’s the persistence and/or combination that should raise a red flag. Additionally, older women or women with a parent or sibling who has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer are at an increased risk, so they should be hypervigilant. 

If you are experiencing signs of ovarian cancer, don’t wait to make an appointment to get checked. An early diagnosis can literally save your life! To learn more visit WeChooseNPs.org.

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