Ovarian cancer often goes misdiagnosed until its later stages. This can be due to the disease’s subtle symptoms that easily blend in with less severe health issues. Recognizing why this misdiagnosis happens is key to understanding how patients might advocate for themselves in medical settings.
Symptoms are non-specific
The vague symptoms of ovarian cancer are a primary reason for its frequent misdiagnosis. Symptoms that overlap with common benign conditions often do not lead doctors to suspect ovarian cancer initially.
Lack of early detection tests
Unlike some other cancers, there are no reliable early-detection tests for ovarian cancer widely used in routine screenings. Pap smears do not detect ovarian cancer. While blood tests like CA-125 can suggest cancer, they are not definitive without further invasive tests, which are not typically performed without more substantial evidence.
General awareness is low
Both patients and healthcare providers may have limited awareness about ovarian cancer compared to more commonly discussed cancers such as breast or lung cancer. This lack of awareness can delay the consideration of ovarian cancer as a potential diagnosis, reducing the urgency of further investigative tests.
Challenges in medical imaging
Even when using medical imaging tests like ultrasounds, early-stage ovarian cancer may not always show up clearly. These tests need highly skilled technicians and interpretations that can accurately distinguish between cancerous and non-cancerous conditions.
Impact of age and medical history
Younger women are less likely to be suspected of having ovarian cancer because it’s more common in older women. This can lead to delays in diagnosing younger patients. If there’s no family history of the disease, doctors might not look for ovarian cancer unless there are clear symptoms.
Knowing these factors can help you talk more effectively with your doctor if you’re worried about missed symptoms. Being proactive and informed helps ensure your concerns are taken seriously, reducing the chances of misdiagnosis and improving the management of health issues like ovarian cancer.