Ovarian cancer is often called the "silent killer" because early symptoms are vague and frequently mistaken for digestive complaints. By the time it is diagnosed in many women, the cancer has spread — which is why ovarian cancer carries a lower 5-year survival than breast or cervical cancer despite being less common. Crucially, when caught at Stage I, 5-year survival exceeds 90%.
The four cardinal warning signs are bloating or abdominal distension that does not resolve; pelvic or abdominal pain; feeling full quickly or eating less than usual; and urinary frequency or urgency. If any of these persist for more than 2 weeks — particularly the combination — see a gynecologist for evaluation including pelvic examination, transvaginal ultrasound, and consideration of CA-125 blood testing.
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WhatsAppLINERisk factors include age over 50, family history of ovarian or breast cancer (especially in first-degree relatives), BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, never having been pregnant, endometriosis, and long-term hormone replacement therapy. Combined oral contraceptive use actually reduces lifetime risk. At THE FIT CLINIC we assess your individual risk profile and tailor a screening approach. For higher-risk women, ongoing surveillance with ultrasound and CA-125 may be appropriate. Early action remains the most powerful tool against this disease.