PITTSBURGH -- Pain usually signals something is going on with our bodies, but often that pain is so vague it's missed.

This is especially true of ovarian cancer.

Every year almost 26,000 new cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed; over half of those women die.

If ovarian cancer is diagnosed and treated early the five-year survival rate is over 90 percent. But ovarian cancer is a stealth killer.

Ovarian cancer symptoms are so quiet only 24 percent of all cases are found in that early stage.

If not discovered in the early stages prognosis is poor with a life expectancy of only three to four years after their diagnoses.

Potential symptoms of ovarian cancer are:

Pelvic or abdominal pain or discomfort.

Vague but persistent gastrointestinal upsets such as gas, nausea, and indigestion.

Frequency and/or urgency of urination in the 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.

If symptoms persist for more than two weeks, consult your doctor.