Cancer is among the leading causes of death worldwide, with 9.7 million people losing their lives to it in 2022. By 2040, the number of cancer-related deaths is projected to reach 15.3 million, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Cancer profoundly impacts not just American society but communities worldwide. With numerous types, from ovarian to prostate cancer, prioritizing proactive health measures is more important than ever.
So, if there was a test that could spot the early symptoms and internal abnormalities before the disease progresses, why wouldn’t we take it?
Ovarian cancer is one type of cancer that could be stopped before it reaches a later stage with help from a whole-body MRI scan. How are the two linked, and could it really mean the difference between life and death?
Keep reading to find the answers.
What is Ovarian Cancer?
In a general sense, cancer begins when cells begin to grow out of control in any area of the body. According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women, with a projected risk of one in 87 women receiving the diagnosis during her lifetime.
What Are the Ovaries?
Ovaries are the female reproductive glands that produce eggs, or ova, and the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. During the reproductive process, the eggs travel from the ovaries into the fallopian tubes, eventually settling in the uterus, where the eggs develop into a fetus.
While ovarian cancer was originally believed to begin in the ovaries, new studies suggest that the cancer can start in the far end of the fallopian tubes.
While some of these tumors can end up being non-cancerous, others present the potential of being malignant or borderline.
Early Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
One of the more challenging aspects of identifying the early stages of ovarian cancer lies in its symptoms.
When ovarian cancer starts to develop, symptoms may not be present, or if they do, they are easily attributed to other common conditions like indigestion or cramps.
Some of the most common symptoms of ovarian cancer include bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Other symptoms and signs of ovarian cancer may include the following:
- Immediate feelings of fullness when eating
- Weight loss
- Discomfort in the pelvic area
- Fatigue
- Back pain
- Changes in bowel habits
- Increased need to urinate
The American Cancer Society reports that only about 20% of ovarian cancers are found at an early stage, making ovarian cancer screening and testing all the more critical. While the ‘big four’ cancers—breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal—account for almost half of all new cancer cases in the United States, early detection remains key for improving outcomes in all types of cancer.
Full Body MRI Scans and Ovarian Cancer: How is Ovarian Cancer Detected?
Screening tests are commonly used to detect cancer and other diseases before symptoms may present. Unfortunately, there are no reliable screening tests to target ovarian cancer specifically.
But that is where MRI Wellness comes in. When undergoing a full body scan near you, our MRI machine can scan 13 organ systems and detect nearly 500 health conditions – including silent cancer killers like ovarian cancer.
Often diagnosed at a later stage, the 5-year survival rate for ovarian cancer is only 11% compared to the 94% of patients who live longer than five years when it is diagnosed early.
If you have a family history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or even colorectal cancer, you could be at higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. At MRI Wellness, we believe in taking a proactive approach to your health, spotting abnormalities and conditions before they progress.
Get Ahead of Your Health with MRI Wellness
At MRI Wellness, we believe a better future starts with early detection and prevention strategies. We take a proactive approach to your health, offering the latest MRI technology to help target cancers in their early stages.
Take a step closer to getting the full picture of your health by scheduling a full body scan with MRI Wellness.
