September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and ovarian cancer can be unforgiving if the symptoms go ignored.

Deborah Pulwinski of New York is a cancer survivor and advocates for several organizations that help get the word out about ovarian cancer. Pulwinski joined WKHM to talk about ovarian cancer. She started with what to watch for, “There are 4 major symptoms that women have. Abdominal bloating or swelling, a feeling of fullness, everyone may feel a little full when they have a big meal…but this doesn’t go away.” Pulwinski said. “Frequent urinating or feeling the need to urinate, feeling full, change in bowel habits. There are a couple of others that are less common that also can happen: unexplained weight loss, general discomfort in the pelvic area, upset stomach, general fatigue.”

In order to help with diagnosis, it may be necessary to do some genetic testing. “Well, you find out about that from genetic testing. That can be done on Magenta, which is free testing to women who have a family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer.”  (NOTE: Pulwinski is a cancer research advocate for Magenta.) Pulwinski said there are numerous avenues for genetic testing. “You can see a genetic counselor, there’s usually at least one at major medical centers, your doctor can refer you to one, and there are some companies that are doing them now direct to consumers.”

Pulwinski delivered some good news as well, the survival rate is improving. “The survival rate in ovarian cancer at this point or about a 5-year rate is about 45%, but those numbers do change. It’s always changing and it’s getting better. Women are living longer. There’s better treatment, definitely.”