When cancer starts in the ovaries, it is called ovarian cancer. Women have two ovaries that are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus. The ovaries make female hormones and produce eggs. Ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. But when ovarian cancer is found in its early stages, treatment is most effective. Since there is no simple and reliable way to screen for any gynecologic cancers except for cervical cancer, it is especially important to recognize warning signs, and learn what you can do to reduce your risk.

Here is what you can do—Pay attention to your body, and know what is normal for you. The symptoms associated with ovarian cancer are very general and not specific to ovarian cancer. This leads to the cancer often being misdiagnosed.

Symptoms include: Abdominal pressure, fullness, swelling or bloating;
Persistent indigestion, Gas or nausea;
Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation;
Changes in urinary frequency,
usually increased need to urinate;
Loss or decrease of appetite
Increased abdominal girth;
(may notice that clothes are fitting tighter around waist)
Persistent fatigue;
Pelvic discomfort or pain;
Low back pain.

Someone with a family history of any type of reproductive cancer should speak with their doctor about their risk, especially if they exhibit any of the above symptoms. www.facebook.com/OCASOAwareness