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.
This week on Health Watch, we're talking about cancers that affect women. While the focus in the month of October is on breast cancer, women need to be equally aware of ovarian cancer. Like breast cancer, the survival rate is fairly high if the cancer is detected early enough. But unlike breast cancer, there's no particular technology for screening of ovarian cancer.
Dr. David Miller, a gynecologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says that's why a regular physical exam is important. There aren't any clear-cut symptoms of ovarian cancer, but warning signs include abdominal pain or bloating, changes in bowel or bladder habits, unexplained bleeding and fatigue. If these symptoms persist and aren't helped by changes in diet, exercise or rest, talk to your doctor.
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October 2006
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