Image Credit: Canva
Ovarian cancer is a serious disease that affects many women around the world. It starts in the ovaries, which are part of the female reproductive system. Like many other cancers, ovarian cancer is easier to treat when it is found early, so that’s why early detection is so important.
Why Early Detection Matters
When ovarian cancer is found early, there is a much better chance of treating it successfully. However, the tricky part is that ovarian cancer doesn’t always show clear symptoms at first. Sometimes the signs can be small, like feeling bloated, having stomach pain, or needing to pee more often. These symptoms are easy to ignore or confuse with other problems.
If cancer is not found early, it can spread to other parts of the body. This makes it harder to treat and can be more dangerous.
Who Should Get Screened?
Right now, there isn’t a simple test for ovarian cancer like there is for some other types of cancer. But if someone has a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, or certain gene changes (like BRCA1 or BRCA2), they might be at higher risk.
Women with higher risk should talk to their doctor about screening options. This might include blood tests or special scans. It is also very important to get regular checkups and pay attention to any unusual symptoms.
Know the Signs
It’s a good idea to know the common signs of ovarian cancer. Talk to a doctor if symptoms happen often and don’t go away. Symptoms can include bloating, belly or pelvic pain, feeling full quickly when eating, or needing to pee more often or urgently.
These symptoms don’t always mean cancer, but it’s better to be safe and get them checked out.
What You Can Do
- Talk to your doctor if you have a family history of cancer.
- Learn about your own risk.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions or speak up if something doesn’t feel right.
Getting screened early for ovarian cancer can save lives. Even though it can be hard to detect at first, knowing the signs and talking to a doctor can make a big difference. The more we learn and share, the better we can protect ourselves and the people we love.
US Family Health Plan (USFHP) can play an important role in helping women get screened early for ovarian cancer. As a TRICARE Prime option, we offer access to quality preventive care, including regular checkups, gynecological exams, and referrals to specialists when needed.
For more info about our TRICARE Prime healthcare plan or to schedule a one-on-one appointment, visit usfhp.net or call 1-800-241-4848.