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NorthShoreConnect
NorthShore’s online source for timely health and wellness news, inspiring patient stories and tips to lead a healthy life.
September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and an important time to recognize that this disease is the 5th leading cause of cancer deaths in American women. The cause of ovarian cancer is poorly understood, and in addition, ovarian cancer can be much more difficult to detect than other types of cancer. Symptoms of ovarian cancer may be vague and may mimic other common women’s health conditions. Women and health professionals may attribute symptoms to menopause, aging, stress, changes in diet or depression. This may result in a delay in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. The most common symptoms include:
Carolyn Kirschner, MD, Gynecological Oncologist at NorthShore, identifies some strategies available for women:
Have you known someone with ovarian cancer? Do you know if it’s in your family history?