Ovarian cancer: screening and early detection

Ultimately, the timely diagnosis of ovarian cancer will rely on clinical judgment and careful analysis of presenting symptoms within the context of a thoughtful dialogue between the patient and her physician. Symptoms most typical of ovarian cancer include bloating, abdominal or pelvic pain, and difficulty eating. In some studies, urinary symptoms are also a common presenting symptom. When these symptoms occur more than 12 times per month and are of recent onset, then ovarian cancer should be considered as a possibility. Although most women who have these symptoms do not have ovarian cancer, it is important that providers include ovarian cancer in their differential diagnosis. Through research from the past decade, we now understand that there are patterns of symptoms associated with ovarian cancer. Importantly, we now know that ovarian cancer is not a “silent disease.” Finally, clinicians must always listen carefully to their patients avoid potentially harmful delays in diagnosis. Until there is a screening test, awareness is best.