Dr. Clarke-Pearson sat down with WGHP Fox 8 to discuss the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.
Click here to view video on WGHP’s website.
22,000 new cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year, compared to 220,000 cases of breast cancer diagnosed each year.
Unlike breast cancer, there are no effective screening tools for ovarian cancer, resulting in lower survival rates because diagnosis usually occurs in later stages.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer are more vague than those of other cancers and can often be confused with common illnesses.
Signs include increased abdominal growth, bloating or abdominal distension, weight gain and feeling full quickly.
It is important for women to discuss any symptoms they are experiencing or risk factors with their doctor; risk factors include increasing age, family history of ovarian or breast cancer and/or genetic predisposition to the disease.
Because ovarian cancer often presents in a late stage, the treatment plan almost always involves surgery and chemotherapy.
Cone Health’s partnership with board-certified gynecologic oncologists at UNC Chapel Hill allows women diagnosed with ovarian cancer and other gynecologic cancers to receive exceptional care and cancer treatment right here in the community—close to work, home and their support networks.