Ovarian Cancer: Educate Yourself on this Silent Killer
By Kara Sibilia
Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death among women in the United States, and is responsible for three percent of all cancers in women. It is called a "silent killer" because the symptoms are usually vague or nonexistent, and isn't caught until it has spread to other areas of the body.
President Barack Obama, whose mother succumbed to the disease, recently declared September as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness month. In recognition of the disease and in the hopes to promote awareness, a teal ribbon was hung in the portico of the White House.
Here's what you need to know:
Risk Factors
• Family history of cancer
• Personal history of cancer
• Age over 55
• Never pregnant
• Menopausal hormone therapy
Symptoms
• Pressure or pain in the abdomen, pelvis, back, or legs
• A swollen or bloated abdomen
• Nausea, indigestion, gas, constipation, or diarrhea
• Feeling very tired all the time
Other, less common symptoms
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling the need to urinate often
• Unusual vaginal bleeding (heavy periods, or bleeding after menopause)
Prevention
• Oral contraception (Used for five years or more reduce the risk by about 50 percent.)
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding
• Tubal ligation or hysterectomy
If you feel you are experiencing any symptoms, talk to your doctor. They can administer tests including:
• Physical exam
• Pelvic exam
• Blood tests
• Ultrasound
• Biopsy
According to the American Cancer Society, women diagnosed in the earliest stages have a five-year survival rate of nearly 93 percent. Early detection is important, and awareness of the symptoms may hopefully catch ovarian cancer before it has spread.
Sources:
www.cancer.gov
www.mayoclinic.com
Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death among women in the United States, and is responsible for three percent of all cancers in women. It is called a "silent killer" because the symptoms are usually vague or nonexistent, and isn't caught until it has spread to other areas of the body.
President Barack Obama, whose mother succumbed to the disease, recently declared September as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness month. In recognition of the disease and in the hopes to promote awareness, a teal ribbon was hung in the portico of the White House.
Here's what you need to know:
Risk Factors
• Family history of cancer
• Personal history of cancer
• Age over 55
• Never pregnant
• Menopausal hormone therapy
Symptoms
• Pressure or pain in the abdomen, pelvis, back, or legs
• A swollen or bloated abdomen
• Nausea, indigestion, gas, constipation, or diarrhea
• Feeling very tired all the time
Other, less common symptoms
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling the need to urinate often
• Unusual vaginal bleeding (heavy periods, or bleeding after menopause)
Prevention
• Oral contraception (Used for five years or more reduce the risk by about 50 percent.)
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding
• Tubal ligation or hysterectomy
If you feel you are experiencing any symptoms, talk to your doctor. They can administer tests including:
• Physical exam
• Pelvic exam
• Blood tests
• Ultrasound
• Biopsy
According to the American Cancer Society, women diagnosed in the earliest stages have a five-year survival rate of nearly 93 percent. Early detection is important, and awareness of the symptoms may hopefully catch ovarian cancer before it has spread.
Sources:
www.cancer.gov
www.mayoclinic.com
Kara Sibilia, mother of two, is a freelance writer based in New Jersey. To contact Kara, please email kara_sibilia@yahoo.com.
Comment
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Comment by Lisa Jadis on September 28, 2010 at 7:10am -
Hi Kara..several years back a cousin of mine told me about a study being done at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in NYC which was looking at the BRCA2 genetic mutation and family history. Apparently her mom had gotten involved in The Registry which was the database being used for the study..so many members of my family..male and female participated in the study by getting genetic counseling and blood tests to check for the DNA mutation. Lucky me! yes, I had the BRCA2 gene mutation (found to be linked to Ovarian cancer) so the suggested action was an oophorectomy to remove my ovaries and fallopian tubes..Like the family members before me that tested positively, I had the procedure. The day I sat in that office to hear my older sister did not have the mutation but I did, I specifically remember feeling the why me? feeling. But, then I stopped to think about how lucky I was to get this heads up..A phone call from my aunt telling me how sorry she was is embedded in my memory..My words to her are also embedded..Aunt ....., no need to be sorry..I didn't get a cancer diagnosis, I am so lucky because I got the opportunity to do something to make sure that I don't get that diagnosis....and that is truly how I felt.
The procedure was easy, recovery the same...yes, it launched me into menopause but again, what are a few hot flashes right..I was lucky I know..I call those flashes "my personal summers", I learned the ankle flick and mastered it in my sleep..blanket off, 2 secs later a twist of the ankle to put it back on..in those days it was the only exercise I got..and was the first to have skinny ankles!
The bottom line is, knowledge IS power..we are all afraid, but we must stay informed and do what we can to protect ourselves and our families..I now know that at some point my children must be tested as I have the mutation and could have passed it on to them..they must know so they can do the same..
I still have personal summers but I'll take them!
To your health!
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