Medical exams to test for ovarian cancer
If a physician suspects ovarian cancer, he or she may run several tests, including a vaginal/rectal bimanual pelvic exam, a transvaginal ultrasound and a CA-125 blood test. The need for a biopsy is then determined, based on the outcome of those tests.
A woman with no family history of the disease has a one in 70 chance of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer in her lifetime, according to the OCC. A woman with a family history has a higher risk as she may carry mutations of the genes BRCA-1 and BRCA-2, which can be passed on both maternally and paternally. These gene mutations are common to ovarian cancer, breast cancer and, to some extent, colorectal cancer.
Still, pursuing any symptoms is the first step to diagnosis, treatment and peace of mind. "Although it's scary to think that the symptoms might be ovarian cancer, chances are that they will be nothing serious," says Ross.
However, there are important reasons for a woman to visit her doctor if she has any of these symptoms and they persist for three weeks or longer. If cancer is not detected: "She will feel better knowing that her symptoms are not life-threatening," says Ross. "If ovarian cancer is the cause, an early diagnosis will help her get treatment sooner."
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