DP,

   There are NO accurate diagnostic tests for ovarian cancer. There is something called a cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) test that can be an indicator HOWEVER an increased CA-125 can be the result of so many things. The ONLY way to tell if a woman has ovarian cancer is to do exploratory surgery or a hysterectomy. The only organ in the female body that can NOT be biopsied are the ovaries.

   Being diabetic or overweight or older has NO bearing on whether a doctor should pay attention to the symptoms presented. I am diabetic. I am overweight. I am also not *old enough* to fall under the average age for ovarian cancer.

   Further, I'd like to point out that many, if not most cancer patients I have come across are NOT obese. The chemo waiting room is FULL of thin people. Another fallacy is that chemo makes everyone lose weight due to vomiting. I never once threw up. And my gyn/oncologist told me I would GAIN weight. Go figure.

It's a tragedy about your neighbor. A tragedy that happens far too often. What do you expect when there isn't even a freaking accurate diagnostic test? Also, the symptoms of ovarian cancer are NOT obvious. They are very subtle and mimic many abdominal issues....hence the reason it is so often misdiagnosed or diagnosed far too late.

I am extremely blessed that mine was found early.

GRRRR.

Michelle