September 21, 2015
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Ovarian Cancer is one of the most deadly of women's cancers. Each year, approximately 21,980 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Many women don't seek help until the disease has begun to spread. Most new cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed at Stage 3 or later, meaning the cancer has already begun to spread to the lymph nodes and outside of the pelvis, but if detected at its earliest stage, the five-year survival rate is more than 93%. There are four stages of ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is treated differently depending on which stage you are diagnosed with. The four primary stages are: • • • •
Stage I: The cancer is completely contained within the ovary or ovaries Stage II: The cancer is in one or both of the ovaries and has spread to additional organs located in the pelvis such as the bladder, colon, rectum or uterus. Stage III: The cancer is in one or both ovaries and has spread to one or both of the following: the lining of the abdomen or the lymph nodes. Stage IV: The most advanced stage of cancer. The cancer has spread from one or both ovaries to additional organs such as the liver or lungs, or there may be cancer cells in the fluid surrounding the lungs.
Ovarian cancer can strike a woman of any race or at any age. However, this cancer typically occurs in women in their fifties and sixties. Approximately 50% of new cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed in women over the age of 63. Women between the ages of 25 to 54 account for approximately 25% of the cases. Many women who are diagnosed have a genetic history that may include carrying the BRCA mutation gene and having a strong family history of ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer symptoms are often subtle and difficult to diagnose. Research suggests there are four symptoms that may be associated with ovarian cancer: 1. Bloating, 2. Pelvic or abdominal pain 3. Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly 4. Urinary urgency or frequency
Other symptoms can include: • Extreme fatigue • Nausea, indigestion, gas, constipation or diarrhea • Backaches • Shortness of breath • Weight gain If symptoms persist daily for more than two to three weeks, talk to your physician. They may order the following tests: • Physical examination - Your doctor will palpate your abdomen to look for discomfort and tenderness or abnormal fluid • Pelvic examination • Blood Test - Your doctor may order a CA-125 blood test. CA-125 is found on the surface on ovarian cancer cells and also normal tissue. • Ultrasound • Biopsy Facts: • All women are at risk • Symptoms exist, they can be vague, but increase over time • Early detection increases survival rate • A Pap Test DOES NOT detect ovarian cancer For more information, contact: National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, Inc. 1-888-OVARIAN or www.ovarian.org. YOU ARE YOUR BEST ADVOCATE!
Brought to you by Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. / Source: www.ovariancancerawareness.org