September Marks Gynecologic and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
September is ovarian cancer awareness month, a time to talk about a disease that many women do not think about until they or someone close to them is affected.
One of the biggest challenges with ovarian cancer is that early symptoms can feel very ordinary. Bloating, changes in appetite, pelvic discomfort, or bladder changes are often blamed on digestion, stress, or daily life. However, when these changes feel different from your usual pattern, continue over time, or keep coming back, they deserve attention.
According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 20,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year. That is why knowing your risk and speaking with your OB/GYN matters.
A yearly gynecologic visit at Women’s Health Domain is not only about routine care or ovarian cancer screening. It is a chance to discuss symptoms, family history, and ways you may be able to reduce your future risk.
What Is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the ovaries begin to grow uncontrollably. Since the early signs can be subtle, many women are diagnosed after symptoms have been present for some time.
It is also important to understand that a Pap smear does not screen for ovarian cancer. A Pap test helps detect cervical cancer changes, but it cannot find ovarian cancer. This is why knowing your symptoms and discussing concerns with your OB/GYN in Austin, TX, matters.
What Are Some Common Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?
Sometimes the signs of ovarian cancer are easy to brush off because they may not seem unusual at first.
- Feeling bloated more often than usual
- Pain or discomfort in your lower belly or pelvis
- Getting full sooner while eating
- Changes in how often you urinate or have bowel movements
- Losing weight without a reason
- Bleeding that feels different from your usual cycle
You know your body better than anyone. If something feels different and stays that way, it is worth mentioning to your OB/GYN.
Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors
There is no single reason why someone develops ovarian cancer. However, certain factors can increase a woman’s risk, including:
- Getting older, especially after menopause
- Having close family members with ovarian or breast cancer
- Carrying inherited gene changes such as BRCA1 or BRCA2
- Living with endometriosis
- Certain reproductive and hormonal factors
For women who may be at higher risk, genetic screening for ovarian cancer can provide valuable answers and help your doctor plan the right approach for your future health.
When Should You See an OB/GYN at WHD?
Many women wait to see a doctor because they hope a symptom will simply go away. However, symptoms that are persistent, unusual, or getting worse are worth discussing with your OB/GYN.
It is also important to schedule a visit if you have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, known genetic risk factors, or questions about your personal risk. Every woman’s situation is different, and your OB/GYN can help determine the right path forward, from reducing risk to exploring ovarian cancer treatment.
Some birth control methods that reduce ovulation may lower ovarian cancer risk. For women who have completed childbearing, it may be worth discussing preventive options with an OB/GYN. A bilateral salpingectomy, a procedure that removes both fallopian tubes, is commonly performed for permanent contraception and may also offer an additional health benefit.
Research suggests that removing the fallopian tubes may reduce the future risk of ovarian cancer by approximately 70–80%. Since many high-grade serous ovarian cancers may originate in the fallopian tubes, salpingectomy has become an important risk-reducing option for some women. Your OB/GYN can help determine whether this approach is appropriate based on your personal health history and risk factors.
How Is Ovarian Cancer Evaluated?
The first step is not always a test. It starts by understanding what you have been noticing and how long it has been happening. Your visit gives you the opportunity to share what you have been observing, along with any history that might be relevant to your health. From there, the next steps may include a pelvic exam, an ovarian cancer ultrasound, or other evaluations based on what you share.
There is currently no routine ovarian cancer test for women at average risk without symptoms.
Take Steps Toward Ovarian Cancer Prevention and Awareness
Taking time to understand your symptoms, risk factors, and prevention options can help you make informed health decisions.
If you have concerns about symptoms, risk factors, or ovarian cancer diagnosis, connect with Women’s Health Domain for personalized guidance and care. Awareness is not only about finding ovarian cancer early. It is also about understanding steps that may help lower your risk.
