Health issues are something we will all deal with one way or another. It's just a matter of time. There's so much information available about diabetes, heart disease, ADHD, cancers, the lists go on and on. All you have to do is turn on GMA, the Today Show, FOX News, or your local news, they all cover health topics. But typically you'll only find information on the diseases that are statistically "on the rise" or ones with a good advocate group. The information here is to bring you up to speed on a deadly cancer that affects women, young and old - Ovarian Cancer (OC).September is ovarian cancer awareness month. It was 1989 when I first heard about oc after the death of Gilda Radner. The media announced it everywhere - I heard a lot about her passing from oc, but nothing else on the disease. Fortunately, or unfortunately, I did a lot of research on oc over the past couple of years. I found that oc is in desperate need for research funding. And, just as important, in desperate need of awareness campaigns. The information below is combined from several oc sites and from two dear friends with first hand experience with this disease.
Remember, it's all about awareness!
What you should know about ovarian cancer:
- It is the 2nd most common type of gynecological cancer
- Symptoms of early stage ovarian cancer are vague and many times are dismissed by women and their doctors
- Detecting ovarian cancer in it's early stages improves the chances of a successful treatment
- Currently, there are not any early diagnostic tests available for oc
- Most ovarian cancers are detected in later stages of the disease
- You may be at a higher risk if you have a family history of breast, ovarian or colon cancer
- Your annual pap exam screens for cervical cancer, not ovarian or other gynecological cancers
Symptoms may include: pelvic and abdominal pain, urinary frequency and urgency, difficulty eating/feeling full quickly, unusual weight gain or loss, increased abdominal size and bloating. Other symptoms may include nausea, constipation or diarrhea, indigestion or gas, abnormal vaginal bleeding, fatigue and low back pain.
What you can do:
- Listen to your body and take action
- Know your family history
If you have symptoms that persist, talk to your gynecologist and request a CA125 blood test and a trans-vaginal ultrasound - don't take no for an answer!
Currently the most effective means of early detection is YOU!
For more information:
http://www.ocrf.org/
http://www.ovarian.org
http://http//www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_3X_Can_ovarian_cancer_be_found_early_33.asp?rnav=cri
