The Cancer Story

In 2009, Michelle Grey, contemporary romantic suspense author, was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer. She is now more than ten years cancer free, in large part because her case was diagnosed early.

 

Early diagnosis is crucial to beating this disease. But too often, women don’t acknowledge the subtle symptoms.

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In an effort to promote awareness, Grey wrote “Are You Listening: A Personal Journal of an Ovarian Cancer Survivor.”

 

The Four Primary Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer:

• Bloating, abdominal pressure and/or discomfort

• Pelvic or Abdominal Pain

• Difficulty Eating or Feeling Full Too Quickly

• Urinary Urgency or Frequency (in absence of an infection)

 

The symptoms above are often associated with the location of the tumor and its impact on the surrounding organs. These can be vague, but 95% of women report these symptoms.

 

Additional symptoms may include:

• Vague, but persistent gastrointestinal such as indigestion, gas, nausea

• Change in bowel habits such as constipation, diarrhea

• Abnormal bleeding, painful intercourse

• Shortness of breath

• Unusual fatigue

• Unexpected weight gain or loss

 

When symptoms are caused by ovarian cancer, they tend to be persistent; they occur more often or are more severe. Many of us experience these symptoms from time to time – do not be alarmed. But if the symptoms persist for two or more weeks please consult your physician immediately.