Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.


Although we’re learning more about cancer and how to fight it, the disease remains a feared and deadly adversary. This week on Health Watch, we’ll look at what you can do to improve your chances of avoiding or beating cancer.

Ovarian cancer is especially deadly for women because it often goes undetected until it’s too late. If it’s detected early, the five-year survival rate is about 90 percent. Dr. David Miller, a gynecologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, says unfortunately, there’s no reliable technology for detecting ovarian cancer. He recommends that women have an annual physical exam. Some symptoms that could indicate ovarian cancer include unexplained changes in bowel or bladder patterns, gastrointestinal upset, bloated abdomen, pelvic pain, fatigue or abnormal bleeding. If rest, exercise and diet changes don’t improve these symptoms, immediately see your gynecologist.

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^{January 2006}

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