The Elizabeth Amisano Ovarian Cancer Education Fund  (also known as Live Like Liz, Inc.), is a group of people working together to promote awareness through education of the symptoms, risks, early detection and prevention of ovarian cancer.

In loving memory of Elizabeth Amisano, a group of friends and family members decided to start this education fund.  The goal of the fund is to increase awareness of this horrific disease, both among women and health care professionals.  By providing information about the symptoms of this disease, we hope to increase the survival rate for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is difficult to detect, especially, in the early stages. This is partly due to the fact that these two small, almond shaped organs are deep within the abdominal cavity, one on each side of the uterus. These are some of the potential signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer:

•  Pelvic or abdominal pain or discomfort
•  Vague, but persistent gastrointestinal upsets such as gas, nausea, and indigestion
•  Frequency and/or urgency of urination in absence of an infection
•  Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
•  Pelvic and/or abdominal swelling, bloating and/or feeling of fullness
•  Ongoing unusual fatigue
•  Unexplained changes in bowel habits

When the symptoms are persistent, when they do not resolve with normal interventions (like diet change, exercise, laxatives, rest) it is imperative for a woman to see her doctor. Age doesn’t matter, as we have seen in Elizabeth’s case. Persistence of symptoms is key.

           Know these symptoms....

                      Pay attention to your body!