Spreading Awareness with a Powerful Online Presence

The number one way Ovations can promote ovarian cancer awareness is through its online presence—through this website and the use of Social Media. Why? Because the Internet makes it easy to not only touch local and national audiences but to also reach people from all over the world—people looking to learn more about ovarian cancer, the research we're funding and the programs we're supporting. Since the launch of ovationsforthecure.org in 2006, the site has had over 2.7 million visitors from countries worldwide, including the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand.

Know the Symptoms

being proactive can make the difference

The sooner ovarian cancer is detected, the better the chances of overcoming it. If you experience any of these warning signs, talk to your doctor:

Bloating
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
Urinary urgency or frequency

While these symptoms also represent common problems that affect most women at different times, it's important to be aware of them. If you have one or more of these symptoms, and if they persist for two weeks or more, see your doctor immediately.

Stay Aware

Learn Your Family History

If any female members of your family—either on your mother’s or your father’s side—has had ovarian cancer, it is important you notify your primary care physician and your obstetrician/gynecologist. They can monitor you on a regular basis using a variety of diagnostic tests that are available to screen for ovarian cancer. It is also important to notify your doctor if any male family members develop cancer.

Ask your doctor for the BRCA1/BRCA2 genetic test. Genetic testing can determine if you carry gene mutations that put you at risk for having ovarian cancer. Carriers of the BRCA1/BRCA2 gene mutation carry a 60% lifetime increased risk of ovarian cancer. Testing for this gene consists of a simple blood test.

Be Your Own Advocate

Researchers have found that women experience symptoms for an average of 12 weeks before consulting a doctor. In addition, it is known that women who ignore their symptoms or who wait until the symptoms are severe before going to the doctor, will not have as good a prognosis as women who go to the doctor when their symptoms are mild. Make sure your primary care doctor and obstetrician/gynecologist conduct a thorough pelvic and rectal exam at every checkup. It is also important to have an annual mammogram beginning at age 40 and a regular colonoscopy after age 50.

Make an Appointment at a “High-risk Clinic”

At a high-risk clinic, a team of specialists will evaluate your medical history, ensure you receive the appropriate diagnostic tests and monitor your care. Among the tests that you may receive is the CA-125 blood test. The CA-125 screening test can be used to diagnose women who are at high-risk. CA-125 is a protein that can be found in the blood and is useful in detecting and evaluating ovarian cancer. The test, however, is best used in combination with a pelvic ultrasound because its accuracy is only 80% and is even less reliable when used to screen pre-menopausal women.