2 Things You Need to Know about Ovarian Cancer
Currently there are no reliable ways to diagnose ovarian cancer early. “Diagnosis is the focus of national and international research, but nothing has changed yet,” says Jack Basil MD, chair of the department of obstetrics and Gynecology at Good Samaritan Hospital.
However, there are other ways to take a stand against the disease.
#1. Know the Symptoms
“Any change in bowel or bladder habits, abdominal pain, pelvic pain, bloating or feeling full after eating too quickly that last for two weeks or more should be brought to a physician’s attention,” he says.
#2. Know Your Family History
“If there are multiple cases of breast cancer in your family or a history of ovarian or fallopian tube cancer, or if cancer develops at a younger age than normal, those are red flags that should be discussed with your gynecologist,” dr. basil continues.
While diagnostics are lagging, there have been recent advancements in treatment. “A new class of drugs called PARP inhibitors have shown promise in treatment, as maintenance or for recurrence,” he says. “Another drug called Avastin has shown promise in treatment as an anti-angiogenesis factor – it blocks the blood supply to tumors.”