Detecting Ovarian Cancer

While women are learning more and more about cervical cancer and its prevention, another "silent killer" remains relatively mysterious among doctors and patients alike. Ovarian cancer is only the seventh most common cancer among women, but it causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. Unfortunately, efficacy of early screening is negligible only because symptoms of the disease are vague and misdiagnosis is common.

What to look for

Most cases of ovarian cancer occur among women over 50 years of age, however the disease can occur in younger women. And risk increases if family members have been diagnosed with the disease.

In a recent study at the University of Washington School of Medicine identified the six symptoms most often and closely associated with ovarian cancer. Researchers compared the clinical histories of women diagnosed with the disease to the histories of "high-risk" women who did not have the disease.

The most common complaints among those women with cancer included the following:

  1. Pelvic pain
  2. Abdominal pain
  3. Increased abdominal size
  4. Abdominal bloating
  5. Difficulty eating
  6. Feeling full quickly

Any one of these symptoms was considered predictive of ovarian cancer risk if it had been present for less than one year, more than 12 days a month. Conceivably, it would be easy to assume these symptoms resultant of premenstrual syndrome or menses itself. Bloating, abdominal bloating and a feeling of fullness are also common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Awareness is key

The message here is to take these symptoms very seriously, especially those lasting longer than two weeks a month, as they may be more than PMS or digestive discomfort. Address your doctor's questions regarding family history with utmost thoroughness. Awareness - among both patients and doctors - is the first line of defense. And for those suffering from ovarian cancer, regular chiropractic care has been proven time and again to ease pain and improve quality of life during the healing process. A 2001 study published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapeutics followed a 54-year-old patient who was able to cease all pain medication following only two chiropractic visits! The focus of chiropractic care is not to directly treat pain, but more specifically, to assist the body in healing itself. Studies show that cancer patients who see their chiropractor experience pain less frequently and to a lesser degree.

Contact Us Today

We look forward to hearing from you

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

9:00 am-12:00 pm

2:00 pm-6:30 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

2:00 pm-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

By Appointment Only

Thursday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

2:30 pm-6:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-12:30 pm

2:30 pm-6:30 pm

Saturday:

By Appointment Only

Sunday:

Closed

Locations

Find us on the map

Testimonials

  • "Every single person in this office is INCREDIBLE! From the time you walk into the office until the time you leave, you are treated with nothing but honesty and love! Dr. Brooke and Dr. Campion are the kindest, most hardworking chiropractors I know and will do anything to help their patients! Debra is an angel and has helped both myself and my fiance through so much! I highly highly highly recommend this office, you will not regret it!"
    Hiral P.
  • "The staff here is amazing! From the time you walk through the door and see their wonderful receptionist, the the adjustment or massage or acupuncture until the time you leave.....it's always a great experience! These ladies have been in the business for a long time and really know how to get you to relax to get the most out of your service. I refer them to everyone I know!"
    Amanda K.

Featured Articles

Newsletter Signup

Sign Up Now