Ovarian Cancer Health Center

Symptom List Helps ID Ovarian Cancer

Misdiagnosis Is Common continued...

Black, who is executive director of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, was luckier than most patients. Her ovarian cancer was diagnosed early, but even she was initially told her symptoms were nothing to be concerned about.

"I was 48 when I was diagnosed, and I was told at first that my symptoms were probably related to menopause," she says. "[The symptoms] went away and then came back again, and I knew it wasn’t normal."

She says all women need to know the symptoms of ovarian cancer and their own specific risk factors. They also have to be vigilant about seeking an accurate diagnosis when they feel something is wrong.

If a pelvic examination, imaging test, or other test suggests ovarian cancer, it is time to see a specialist, Black says.

Women with late-stage ovarian cancer are surviving longer than ever because of treatment advances pioneered by gynecologic oncologists.

"We are seeing better outcomes in women treated by specialists," she says.