Early warnings for the silent killer?

Ovarian cancer is called the silent killer because so often, by the time a woman knows she has it, it's too late to save her life. But now, experts are telling women there might be early warning signs that could lead to earlier detection.

The Associated Press reports:

For the first time, cancer experts are advising women of certain symptoms that might alert them to ovarian cancer, a medically infamous "silent killer" that is hard to spot early and is one of the deadliest tumors.

Suddenly experiencing weeks of bloating, the need to urinate frequently, eating changes and abdominal or pelvic pain -- either one of these or a combination -- could be a tip-off to early ovarian cancer, according to several groups of cancer experts.

The American Cancer Society and other organizations released a consensus statement Wednesday listing the symptoms. Historically, doctors have believed there are no early signs of ovarian cancer, which is expected to kill about 15,000 American women this year.

"There's been this myth about ovarian cancer being silent and people saying there's nothing you can do about it. Well, that's simply not true anymore," said Dr. Barbara Goff, a University of Washington cancer specialist.

There is no early screening test, and women are encouraged to have regular exams. A statement released today by the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation and the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists lists these possible symptoms:

_Bloating.
_Pelvic or abdominal pain.
_Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly.
_Frequent or urgent urination.

A woman who experiences any of these symptoms, or combination of symptoms, for at least three weeks should see her doctor.

For a more complete symptom list click here.

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading killer of women. It accounts for about 6 percent of female cancer deaths, according to the American Cancer Society. Lung cancer is No. 1, accounting for more than a quarter of all female cancer deaths. Cancers of the breast, colon and rectum, and pancreas rank two through four.

Obviously, survival rates are much higher the earlier the cancer is detected. According to the cancer society, only one in five ovarian cancers are detected early.

If you, or someone you love, has cancer there is a place to go for support. Gilda's Club, named in honor of comedian Gilda Radner of Saturday Night Live fame, offers a special place where the focus is on living with cancer. And where men, women and children with any kind of cancer and their family members and friends can plan and build life-changing emotional and social support.