Knowing the symptoms and being tested gives you the best chance of catching ovarian cancer early.
The Diagnosing Ovarian Cancer Early study found approximately 1% of women with symptoms had ovarian cancer. Testing involves imaging (most commonly ultrasound) and a CA-125 blood test. In women with an initially normal result retesting 4-12 weeks later caught very early cases that would have otherwise been missed.
Women who were tested promptly were more likely to be diagnosed at an earlier stage and have a significantly better prognosis.
Spreading awareness is the first struggle. Developing better treatments to improve survival the second. You can help with both by starting a discussion with your friends and family about the symptoms of ovarian cancer, and by donating to low grade serous ovarian cancer research to improve the lives of thousands of women.