Confuse

[minuscule]

I'm curious of how is Ovarian cancer detected and what's the symptoms? By reading some of these posts I can see that it is a somewhat common occurrence. I would like to know if anyone knows how an uninsured woman can get a diagnoses? The programs in the state where I live only provide breast exams, mammograms, and pap tests for uninsured women over 40. The program will provide these even if you're not having symptoms, but they will not provide any examinations or diagnostic tests for Ovarian cancer even if you are experiencing pelvic pain; even though, it's said that they both can be related. That's why I quick getting mammograms because I heard that I was only increasing my risk for both types of cancer. I thought why would I continue to keep exposing myself to radiation over some thing that I don't have while increasing the risk for something that I cannot get treatment for?

[CindyK18]

Mammograms should be done yearly and should not cause an increased risk to breast cancer. The link between breast cancer and ovarian cancer is a genetic test called a BRAC 1 or BRAC 2 mutation. If you have a family member like mother, sister or grandmother with breast or ovarian your insurance company should cover genetic testing. Also when you go to your gyno they can do a new blood test called an OVA1 which tests for ovarian cancer.

[minuscule]

Thank you for your response. I will take your advice and check to see if there are any options  like that in VA.

[minuscule]

Sorry! I apologize! I heard that Mammograms may increase the risk of Breast Cancer. The point I was trying to make (only for myself) is why create a problem if there isn't a problem? Sorry!

[dian07]

Mammograms and ovarian cancer are not related.  Mammograms do not increase your risk of ovarian cancer.
If you are having pelvic pain the person you want to see first is a gynecologist.  If  something is going on perhaps you can be referred to a teaching hospital in your state.  I know here in Iowa patients are referred to the hospitals at the University of Iowa where they get state of the art treatment.
Don't give up if something is wrong.  You need to be your strongest advocate.
Peace.
dian