We have visited the topic of ovarian cancer in previous blog posts, given that the "silent killer" poses an especially difficult challenge for women in that it is flatly difficult to diagnose in a timely manner.

In fact, misdiagnosis of the disease is sadly all-too common, with repercussions that are, quite literally, deadly in many cases. Two of three women diagnosed with ovarian cancer die from it.

Recent studies have sought to highlight the disease and put a strong spotlight on it. Quite recently, surgeon, author and national talk-show host Dr. Mehmet Oz joined with the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition ("NOCC") in an effort to focus on wide dissemination of ovarian cancer symptoms and treatment.

Several media stories have termed Oz's initiative as a "national break-the-silence on ovarian cancer campaign" and, indeed, that is its direct focus. Noting that so much about ovarian cancer is misunderstood, the new public awareness attempt stresses education via a simple "one-sheet" fact presentation. The fact sheet summarizes why the disease is commonly misdiagnosed, how it spreads and the reasons underlying its deadly nature, and what women should be focused upon when they are trying to understand whether their particular symptoms might be related to ovarian cancer.

Dr. Oz and the Coalition stress that women should be focused on the following early warning signals:

  • Bloating, both newly occurring and persistent
  • Pelvic or abdominal pain
  • Having a hard time eating or, conversely, feeling full too quickly
  • Having a strong and frequent urge to urinate

The NOCC has a one-page summary of these symptoms on its website, which can be printed out online.

Related Resource: ABC, "4 Silent Ovarian Cancer Warning Signs Your Doctor Misses" Sept. 14, 2011