Ovarian Cancer Awareness: Know What's Normal for You

​September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to encourage women to pay attention to changes in their bodies and discuss persistent or unusual symptoms with their healthcare provider.

Unlike some other cancers, there is currently no reliable screening test for ovarian cancer for women without symptoms. A Pap test does not screen for ovarian cancer. That makes awareness of symptoms especially important.

Possible symptoms can include persistent bloating, pelvic pain or pressure, abdominal or back pain, feeling full quickly or having difficulty eating, changes in bathroom habits, and unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge. These symptoms can have many causes other than cancer, but persistent changes should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

This is also why your provider may ask about symptoms that don't initially seem related to a routine visit, as well as your personal and family history of cancer. Your answers can help determine whether additional evaluation may be appropriate.

You know your body best. If something has changed and doesn't feel normal for you, tell your provider.

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