I would just like the hear experiences from people who either have had it, has it now or knows someone who does or did have it. I am at risk for it because of genetics along with cysts on the ovaries (because of PCO) and I can%26#039;t take BC to lower the risks. So I would like to know, how did you know? What signs did you have that made you talk to the Dr? What tests did the Dr run? Did you have any history in the family? Did you have cysts? How many children did you have (they say the more children the higher the risk so just wondering)? Where you ever on BC? Anything else you would willing to share with me. I am worried because of my risks plus I have been sick a lot lately.|||I%26#039;m a survivor of ovarian cancer - had it seven years ago. I%26#039;m one of the lucky 20% of women who survive it, and have spent the last 7 years telling women about the symptoms. As previous people have said, the symptoms are mild, you could easily overlook them - I did, for many months. I only went to the doctor because the swelling in my tummy could no longer be explained away by %26quot;putting on weight%26quot;. Even he was under - educated, and would have fobbed me off with some dietary advice…until I got up onto the exam table and he felt the rounded shape of the tumour. My advice to you would be , if you%26#039;ve been feeling sick lately and have a high risk factor….go and see your doctor, and tell him/her what you%26#039;ve said here. Ask for a Ca125 test and a Ca19/9 test. These are the blood tests that indicate ovarian cancer. Also ask for an abdominal ultrasound. These tests will tell you if you have anything to worry about. I dearly hope that you are OK, but its better to be sure than sorry. If you don%26#039;t have it, you will have a good set of tests for future comparison.

Regarding your question about my previous history - well I shouldn%26#039;t have got ovarian cancer at all, going by risk factors. I had no family history of it, I had taken birth control from the age of 18 to 50, and I%26#039;d only had two children. I did have the other ovary removed at age 30 because of a cyst. I%26#039;d had a few mild bouts of bladder infection and bowel irregularity over the previous couple of years, but nothing major. My tummy had been swelling for about 6 months before I finally faced up to the doctor.

I know its really hard when you suspect that you might have something serious wrong, but believe me, it is always better to know the truth than to live with fear.

Best wishes on your journey.|||My good friend%26#039;s mother died of ovarian cancer. She told her daughter to look for signs of intestinal problems - like too much gas and pain in the abdomen. I have not heard about a connection between Ovarian cancer and cysts. However, ask your doctor for the CA 125 test. It is a blood test and can detect ovarian cancer. If you have a history its better to have this test as part of your annual checkup. You can also do genetic testing to determine if you are in a high risk group.|||im 15 and my mom had overian cancer…

she had abdominal pain and cysts on her overies, so she went to the doctor.. they do tests like CAT scans.. pap smears are not tests for overian cancer…cancer runs in the family…. my mom has two children.. me and my brother, and she was only on birth control before she had us.. if that matters

if u r worried, see a doctor and check out these facts.. my mom gave them to me on a little card

OVERIAN CANCER FACTS and SYMPTOMS

- symptoms increase over time

- early detection improves the survival rate up to 90%

- symptoms include abdominal pressure, bloating and discomfort

- constipation diarrhea, or frequent urination

- nausea, indegestion, and gas

- abnormal bleeding

-unusual fatigue, backaches

- unexplained weight loss or gain

- Shortness of breath|||My mother recently passed away from ovarian cancer. Her family doctor first diagnosed it. She went in for a check up on her blood pressure and he mentioned that her stomach appeared to be swollen. She was embarrassed thinking it was was from overeating. He did an ultrasound and saw a tumor on her ovary…sent her to a specialist. Her CA125 level was only slightly elevated but the doc wanted to check it out. She ended up having a hysterectomy…chemo and the whole works….she lived 2 and a half yrs from the first diagnosis. She had 3 children and no family history of cancer. Although they suspect her grandmother may have it but it wasnt had it but it wasnt properly treated yrs ago. Prior to being diagnosed my mother wasnt feeling very well for a yr or 2 before hand, She was tired and felt run down alot.