Ovarian cancer is more predominate in women with a history of the disease in their family. There are 2 ways to test for ovarian cancer – an ultra sound or a blood test. So far statistics show that the blood test is the more effective.

Ovarian cancer is still awaiting more research - Especially in being able to effectively diagnose us the disease. As with most cancers early diagnosis is critical in improving survival rates. The symptoms for ovarian cancer tend to stay the same which makes it easier to detect – However more awareness is needed on the disease and its symptoms.

The symptoms of this disease can appear very early – Even months before the cancer is found! If you do find yourself experiencing any of the symptoms, it is recommended that you keep a diary of these. This will make a huge difference when it comes to evaluating the severity of your cancer.

The symptoms that are experienced can be difficult to pin point to ovarian cancer. For example digestive problems & swelling of the stomach is a symptom of ovarian cancer but this is not always diagnosed immediately.

For a female’s best chance of survival the ovarian cancer needs to be caught in the early stages – Before it spreads beyond the ovaries. If the cancer is caught at this stage then the chances of living for at least 5 more years is 90%. Unfortunately around 20% of people diagnosed with ovarian cancer do not catch it in the early stages.

Of course just because you are experiencing the symptoms does not mean that you have ovarian cancer. You must make sure that you get the symptoms checked by a doctor however these symptoms can be a sign of something must less serious. Ovarian cancer is very rare and affects only a small percentage of women.

Ovarian cancer is limited to the ovaries & immediate surrounding areas. Advanced ovarian cancer means that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (Known as Stage 3 or 4 of the cancer scale). Unfortunately with ovarian cancer it is often not diagnosed until you are already at this stage. This is because the symptoms can be vague or non existent.

If your cancer is caught in the early stages of 3 or 4 then sometimes a cure can be possible. If ovarian cancer is returning for a 2nd time then this is harder to cure.

A lot of the time if cancer is being treated within the advance stages then treatment is more about slowing down the cancer rather than curing it completely.

If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, this is often within the liver, bowel, bladder or lungs. Usually the treatment that is undertaken in these stages aims to shrink the cancer and control it rather than removing it completely

At this stage anything ranging from chemotherapy to surgery can be used. The treatment undertaken depends largely on the size & the amount of secondary cancers that are present in your body. It is also affected by where the cancer has spread to & what other treatments you have already received.

Of course cancer research is developing all the time & treatments are being discovered. You may find that your hospital is taking part in trials & you may be asked to take part in this. This of course is a personal decision and would be discussed at length with your doctor.

Until you reach this stage it is difficult to know what treatment would work best for you. Sometimes your doctor will even advise against treatment as the quality of life would not drastically be improved and side effects could outweigh the benefits