Ovarian Cancer Symptoms and £20 Diagnostic Blood Test

About 7,000 women develop Ovarian Cancer every year and two thirds of those diagnosed with it, die within Five Years. However through research, experts claim a Simple Blood Test could save hundreds of lives.

Figures published in The Lancet show that about 82 per cent of British women with breast cancer survive to at least five years after Breast Cancer Diagnosis, but for Ovarian Cancer the figure is just 36 per cent due to Late Diagnosis.

Ovarian cancer is the fourth most common cancer in females and campaigners are urging GPs to offer women over 50 the Blood Test, which could spot Ovarian Cancer Symptoms at an earlier stage.

Dr. Fergus Macbeth, of Nice emphasises the importance of early diagnosis:

The outcomes for ovarian cancer are not as good as for other cancers in women. It’s symptoms are considered vague and so can be confused with other conditions. While the symptoms are non-specific, their persistence can be an important indicator of the disease.

The £20 blood test is already available on the NHS but offering it sooner could give women a greater chance of survival by speeding up Early Diagnosis and therefore treatment.

Charles Redman, a Consultant Gynaecologist Oncologist, says the length of time from a woman experiencing symptoms to being diagnosed is about 18 months: Far too many women are being referred to hospitals for suspected ovarian cancer once their disease is already at an advanced stage.

Frances Reid, from Target Ovarian Cancer says:

Poor early diagnosis in Britain is strongly linked to poor survival rates. Up to 500 women’s lives a year could be saved if only we matched the average survival rates in other European countries.

Older women are often misdiagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome when they are experiencing the early stages of Ovarian Cancer. Other symptoms include feeling full quickly and the need to urinate urgently. Here under are the Sign and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer to look for:

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms and Signs

Ovarian cancer symptoms are not specific to the disease, and they often mimic those of many other more-common conditions, including digestive and bladder problems. When ovarian cancer symptoms are present, they tend to be persistent and worsen with time. Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:

• Abdominal pressure, fullness, swelling or bloating
• Pelvic discomfort or pain
• Persistent indigestion, gas or nausea
• Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
• Changes in bladder habits, including a frequent need to urinate
• Loss of appetite or quickly feeling full
• Increased abdominal girth or clothes fitting tighter around your waist
• A persistent lack of energy
• Low back pain

If you have signs and symptoms that worry you make an appointment with your doctor, especially if you have a family history of ovarian cancer or breast cancer. In some cases, your doctor may refer you to a genetic counselor to discuss testing for certain gene mutations that increase your risk of breast and ovarian cancers.