Ovarian cancer is known to be a silent killer. It takes the lives of close to 15,000 women across the United States each year and is usually difficult to detect. It is the leading cause of death among gynaecological cancers and the fifth among cancers of all kind. Much of the problem in providing adequate and fast treatment comes from the fact that it displays no tell-tale ovarian cancer symptoms to go by. Often enough, screening for cancer can fail at the first attempt and require multiple tests to provide a true positive result. Other than that, the early stages are very similar to other gynaecological problems that women display and are usually treated for the same. It can also be wrongly diagnosed as Irritable Bowel Syndrome and treated for that, further postponing correct therapy for cancer.

There are certain documented ovarian cancer symptoms, which when occurring together for long periods of time can be a cause for alarm. The loss of appetite, unexplained weight gain or loss, swelling in the abdomen and general pain in the stomach region are the first indicators of a disorder. After which, any kind of persistent bowel related problems, such as frequent urination, diarrhoea, excessive gas and constipation are further symptoms. Along with these, pain during sexual intercourse and irregular vaginal bleeding other than the time of menstruation is the extreme symptoms that definitely call for an immediate screening for ovarian cancer. Under such circumstances, going in for a simple pelvic examination is the first step one should take for confirming that the symptoms are indeed likely to be indicative of another disorder. After which, a CA 125 blood test and a Transvaginal Ultrasonography are required.

Further positive signs and ovarian cancer symptoms can be clarified with the help of these two diagnostic tools. They are quite helpful in diagnosing the disease. The CA 125 blood test measures blood levels over a period of days, keeping in mind the regular fluctuations of the levels and can be relied upon to give a true result after a given number of screenings. As the cancer advances in its stage, the results become far more accurate and can be received in one go, however this is detrimental to the health of the patient. One is suggested to use supplementary procedures and seek second opinions in case of persisting health problems. After the age of 40 years, it is advisable to keep such starting symptoms under very close scrutiny and consult a gynaecologist regularly.

Ovarian cancer symptoms are also at times confused for ovarian cysts, non-cancerous growths and vice versa. In these circumstances, all women must seek knowledge on ovarian cancer and apply it for better chances of catching the disease while it is still in its early stages of development. At this point, it can be removed without issue with surgery and further growth can be prevented. After it has reached the later stages of growth, remission becomes difficult to achieve and the life expectancy starts to plummet.