September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

I copied this from the Canadian Cancer Society's website ...

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and the Canadian Cancer Society encourages women to take an active role in learning more about this type of cancer.

What is ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer starts in the cells of the ovary or ovaries. The ovaries are 2 small, oval-shaped organs that lie deep in the pelvis on either side of the uterus (womb), close to the end of the Fallopian tubes. The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer in its early stages often does not cause any symptoms at all. If there are symptoms, they are usually vague or very mild. Possible symptoms include pressure of pain in the abdomen (lower stomach area), pelvis, back or legs. You may notice a swelling of the abdomen caused by a buildup of fluid or have digestive problems such as nausea, gas bloating or indigestion.

Less common symptoms may include unusual vaginal bleeding, shortness of breath or fatigue. There could also be changes to your bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea, or changes to your bladder habits, such as needing to pass urine more often.

Often, these symptoms are caused by other less serious health problems, not cancer. Testing is needed to make a diagnosis.

Canadian Cancer Society's website ...