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Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is a disease of the ovary, fallopian tubes, and peritoneum. Unlike other cancers, there is currently no simple or reliable way to screen for ovarian cancer in women who do not have symptoms.
In early stages of ovarian cancer, there may not be many signs or symptoms. Because of this, ovarian cancer is often found at a later stage.
What you can do:
- Know what is normal for your own body.
- Talk to your provider if you notice a change with your body that is not normal for you and that could be a sign of ovarian cancer.
Source: Screening for Ovarian Cancer | CDC
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Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors
- 45 years of age or older
- A history of endometriosis
- A personal or family history of ovarian cancer
- Obesity
- Never having given birth
- Use of hormone replacement therapy
Source: Inside Knowledge About Gynecologic Cancer: Ovarian Cancer Fact Sheet
| CDC
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Ovarian Cancer Signs and Symptoms
- Back pain
- Bloating
- Fatigue
- Pressure or pain in the pelvic or abdominal area
- Problems eating or feeling full quickly
- Urinary urgency (feeling like you must go), urinary frequency (having to go often), or urinary retention (can’t go)
- Vaginal bleeding (especially post-menopause) or discharge from the vagina that is not normal for you
Source: What Are The Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer? | CDC
When ovarian cancer is suspected or has been diagnosed, medical experts recommend a referral to a gynecologic oncologist.- A gynecologic oncologist is a doctor who is specially trained in treating cancers of the female reproductive system.
- Treatment by a gynecologic oncologist helps ensure patients get the appropriate kind of surgery for their cancer.
Source: Guidelines For Patients With Ovarian Cancer
| National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
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Michigan Ovarian Cancer Patient Navigation Line
If you have questions, contact the Michigan Ovarian Cancer Patient Navigation line to speak with a patient navigator.
A patient navigator can provide helpful information about finding a gynecologic oncologist in your area or near your geographic region. A patient navigator also will be able to share additional resources about ovarian cancer.
Call now: 844-446-8727
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Ovarian Cancer Patient Resources
- A Roadmap for Ovarian Cancer — Know the Signs and Symptoms: Work with a Gynecologic Oncologist
— Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
- Cancer Resources for Michigan Communities — MDHHS
- Ovarian Cancer Education Podcasts — Michigan Oncology Quality Consortium (MOQC)
- Ovarian Cancer Patient Checklist
— MOQC
- Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance
- Inside Knowledge About Gynecologic Cancer: Ovarian Cancer Fact Sheet
— Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Ovarian Cancer — National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
- A Roadmap for Ovarian Cancer — Know the Signs and Symptoms: Work with a Gynecologic Oncologist
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Ovarian Cancer Provider Resources
- Ovarian Cancer Physician Checklist
— Michigan Oncology Quality Consortium (MOQC)
- Fact Sheet: Ovarian Cancer in Michigan
— Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
- Ovarian Cancer in Michigan Dashboard — MDHHS
- Ovarian Cancer — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- NCCN Guidelines for Providers (Treatment): Ovarian Cancer/ Fallopian Tube Cancer/ Primary Peritoneal Cancer — National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
- Ovarian Cancer Physician Checklist