When a healthy, physically fit woman in her late 40s noticed her swollen-looking abdomen, she ramped up her exercise regimen. But when her stomach still extended despite increased crunches, she knew something was wrong.

She was right. A trip to her doctor revealed she had ovarian cancer.

Like many women, she probably considered those words a death sentence. But she had already taken the critical first step in beating this silent killer – she listened to her body.

As discussed in our podcast, Ira Horowitz, MD, professor and director of Gynecologic Oncology at the Emory University School of Medicine, says paying attention to your body is absolutely crucial. Early detection techniques are not currently available for ovarian cancer, so it can’t be uncovered through a Pap smear or routine bloodwork.

“You are your body’s best line of defense. And you know what you feel like, you know what your baseline is,” says Dr. Horowitz. “When things start changing, you need to seek care from your health care provider.”

Among the early signs of ovarian cancer are changes in bowel habits, bloating and increased abdomen size. Because these are symptomatic of many conditions, not just ovarian cancer, be sure to talk to your doctor about all changes you are experiencing, as well as how you are feeling in general. The more information you provide, the more likely you are to receive an early and accurate diagnosis.

If you are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, it is important to know it is not hopeless.
Dr. Horowitz encourages his patients to think of it instead as a chronic condition (such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol) for them to live with and manage through proper care.

“When you have a relative with any cancer, it’s devastating. When it’s ovarian cancer, everybody thinks that you’re going to die,” says Dr. Horowitz. “One of my roles as a physician is to try and convince the family that the patient’s not going to die.”

Dr. Horowitz also stresses the importance of open communication throughout your treatment. Honesty – with yourself, your family and your physician – is not only the best policy, it is truly the best strategy for coping with the battle against ovarian cancer.

To learn more about ovarian cancer risks, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, download and listen to Dr. Horowitz’s podcast .