Ovarian cancer can be tricky to diagnosis as symptoms often resembles those of other and more common conditions. Irritable bowel syndrome, stress and depression are frequent misdiagnoses. Women are advised to see a doctor if swelling, bloating or pain persists in the abdomen longer than a few weeks. Aggressive ovarian cancer requires aggressive treatment.

Significance

Thankfully, ovarian cancer is rare. The chances are getting ovarian cancer are one in 100, while the odds of breast cancer are one in nine. Unfortunately, it is also one of the deadliest cancers that prey on women.

Identification

Often by the time ovarian cancer is diagnosed, the odds of a cure have already dropped dramatically to a little more than one in 10. Because diagnosis can be difficult, ovarian cancer may already be advanced when discovered.

Time Frame

Ovarian cancer is categorized in stages from one to four. In Stage II, the cancer most likely has spread from an ovary to the pelvis. Half of those treated at Stage II survive.

Stage III

Most cases of ovarian cancer is diagnosed at Stage III. At this point, the cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the abdomen. Just 13 percent of patients diagnosed with Stage III ovarian cancer are cured.

Stage IV

Stage IV ovarian cancer is the most advanced and aggressive. Just about 5 percent of those with the stage of ovarian cancer will survive for five years. In this late stage, the cancer has spread to the liver, the lungs or other organs located beyond the stomach region.

Potential

Oncologychannel.com says the following measures may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer: contraceptive pills; low-fat, high-fiber diet, exercise, pregnancy, breastfeeding and ovary removal. If the cancer runs in a family, genetic counseling is another worthy option.

Source:

Mayo Clinc: Ovarian Cancer

Health Square: Ovarian Cancer

American Cancer Society: Ovarian Cancer

More Information:

Oncology Channel: Ovarian cancer