For Patients
There are just over 20,000 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the US each year. This is just 1/10th the number of breast cancer patients. Because of our limited numbers, it can be harder to access resources for new treatments. Yet each year, 15,000 women die from ovarian cancer. We think this is unacceptable.
Although our tumors may look similar under the microscope, they have different molecular profiles (“blueprints”). Understanding the blueprint is key to finding the right treatments in the future. The Clearity Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, founded by an ovarian cancer survivor and scientist.
How can I help?
Because there are relatively few cases of ovarian cancer diagnosed each year, we need every woman’s help. You can sign up to have your blueprint determined and permit us to keep your information in our database.
How will this help me?
This may help us find the right clinical trial or other treatment for you, and will help determine better treatment options for all women with ovarian cancer in the future.
The process is simple, can be started online, and will cost you nothing: the Clearity Foundation pays for all tests not covered by your insurance. As an ovarian cancer patient, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Sign up today! To start the process of having your cancer analyzed, send us an e-mail at info@clearityfoundation.org.
Ovarian cancer symptoms tend to be virtually non-existent when the cancer is just starting to form. And when ovarian cancer does produce symptoms, many times the cancer has progressed to a stage where it is much difficult to treat. To make matters even worse, most ovarian cancer symptoms even at this point are not ‘major’. In fact, they tend to be so ‘typical’, a woman may not even go to the doctor for them, as she assumes there isn’t anything wrong with her. Yet, the few women that do go tend to have a better chance at getting treated, than those that go when things appear more serious. For this reason every woman needs to be aware of the basic ovarian cancer symptoms, and consider at least getting a general checkup if she has them. These ovarian cancer symptoms are explained in greater detail below.
Abdominal Swelling
Abdominal swelling is one of the most common ovarian cancer symptoms. The swelling is not painful, though it can make it difficult for a woman to put on clothes that previously fit. Either way, abdominal swelling is not normal, unless a woman has done things in which she is sure the swelling is associated with weight gain. And even then a woman should not necessarily dismiss the swelling, since weight gain can also be an ovarian cancer symptom. Besides, even if weight gain is not an ovarian cancer symptom, it is still not healthy. So, a trip to the doctor is still warranted.
Pain and Other Unpleasant Sensations in the Abdominal Region
If a woman has a lot of pain in her stomach and/or around her pelvic area, she could be experiencing an ovarian cancer symptom. Other unpleasant sensations could include feeling pressure around the abdomen or feeling the type of fullness one experiences after they’ve eaten a big meal.
Gastrointestional Problems
Bowel problems, nausea, indigestion and even excess gas are all ovarian cancer symptoms. Unfortunately, these are so typical even with healthy people a woman may just think her body is going through one of those days. Yet, if these problems persist continuously for two weeks, they definitely could indicate ovarian cancer.
Vaginal Bleeding
Vaginal bleeding is only acceptable when a woman is on her period, going through implantation bleeding for an early pregnancy or spotting from birth control pills that are known to cause such side effects. A woman experiencing this problem any other time could be experiencing an ovarian cancer symptom.
Painful Intercourse
Women who are aroused and adequately lubricated should not experience pain during intercourse. If they do they do, the problem could be an ovarian cancer symptom. However, it should be noted that painful intercourse can also be the result of psychological problems. Only a visit to the doctor and even the psychiatrist will allow a woman to know for sure.
Breathing Difficulties
Breathing difficulties may cause a woman to feel compelled to go to the doctor, though neither may suspect the problem is an ovarian cancer symptom. However, the woman can at least bring up her concerns about ovarian cancer. The doctor will keep her concerns in mind, especially if he or she determines the individual is at greater risk for ovarian cancer.
