Two types of women's cancer - ovarian and cervical - take the lives of 19,000 each year. Ovarian cancer makes up 15,000 of those losses, due in large part to a lack of screening tools. Cervical cancer screening, and now a vaccine, are widely available, and as a result loss of life has been reduced to 4,000 annually.

Although there are no screening tools for ovarian cancer, patients often present with bloating, abdominal or pelvic pain, difficulty eating, feeling full, urinary symptoms, and fatigue.

If you experience these symptoms for a few weeks or more, make an appointment with an OB/GYN. And if you have a family history of ovarian cancer, let your physician know so you can both be on the lookout for signs.

Unlike ovarian cancer, an effective tool has been developed to screen for cervical cancer.  The PAP smear is used to screen for cervical cancer, which should be done annually after age 18 or when a women becomes sexually active.

Cervical cancer is linked to HPV, the human papillomavirus, which is spread through sexual activity. A relatively new vaccine, Gardasil®, is now available. It is given in three injections and is typically for women between ages 9 and 26. HPV vaccination is the smart way to protect our girls against HPV and, ultimately, cancer later in their lives. Henry Ford Medical Group OB/GYNs see patients throughout southeastern Michigan.

To make an appointment with a physician in your area, please call 1-800-HenryFord.