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It is the time to enhance awareness of ovarian cancer, the deadliest gynecological cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer death among American women. This disease, which starts in the ovaries and spreads to other organs in the abdomen, is highly curable if found in its early stages. All too often, it has already spread at the time of diagnosis and the opportunity for a cure is diminished.
Since there is no effective screening test for the general population, it is critical that women know their level of risk for ovarian cancer and be on the lookout for early symptoms.
The chance of developing ovarian cancer in a woman's lifetime is about 1 in 72. The risk is highest in postmenopausal women (more than 45 years of age) or those who have a family history of ovarian, breast or colon cancer.
Other risk factors include: obesity, infertility and never having been pregnant.
In the past, ovarian cancer was referred to as the "silent killer" because it was thought there weren't any early signs or symptoms.
Now we know that symptoms such as bloating or pressure in the belly, pain in the abdomen or pelvis, feeling full too quickly during meals and urinating more frequently can all be subtle, early warning signs of ovarian cancer.
Additional symptoms of ovarian cancer include: fatigue, upset stomach, indigestion, back pain, pain during intercourse, constipation, menstrual irregularities and abdominal swelling with weight loss.
While most women with these common symptoms don't have ovarian cancer, it is still important that these symptoms be brought to the attention of your health care provider.
Further evaluation could be needed to rule out ovarian cancer.
A blood test called CA-125 and an ultrasound of the ovaries can be used to screen for ovarian cancer, although neither of these tests has been shown to save lives when used to screen women of average risk.
These tests, along with a gynecologic examination, can be useful in detecting ovarian cancer in women with strong risk factors or symptoms.
If ovarian cancer is suspected, minimally invasive surgery is usually required to determine whether the mass inside the body is cancer or a benign ovarian cyst/tumor. If ovarian cancer is diagnosed, additional surgery is needed to determine whether the cancer has spread, and to remove as much of the cancer as possible.
Minimally invasive surgery is not recommended if the tumor is large in size, or if there are signs the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.If the cancer has spread, chemotherapy is used to get rid of any remaining tumor cells.
Studies have shown women with ovarian cancer treated by a gynecologic oncologist have a better survival rate than those treated by a non-specialist.
The Society of Gynecological Oncology states, "A gynecological oncologist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancers that are located on a woman's reproductive organs.
Gynecologic oncologists have completed an obstetrics and gynecology residency, as well as an intensive, subspecialty training through a gynecologic oncology fellowship."
When it comes to ovarian cancer, know your risk, know your family history, don't ignore early warning signs and get the best care possible.
If you or someone you know have the symptoms described above, or want to know more about ovarian cancer, talk to your health care provider.
You can ask to be referred to Pikeville Medical Center's Gynecological Oncologist, Dr. Holly Gallion. Dr. Gallion is Board Certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Source: ovariancancer.org
Foundationforwomenscancer.org
sgo.org
mayoclinic.com