Mission Statement
To educate women to recognize the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer and acquire the knowledge to seek evaluation and treatment by qualified professionals.
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GET THE FACTS
Fact #1. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 22,430 new cases of ovarian cancer in 2007, with 15,280 deaths. It is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths among women, and causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. If caught early the survival rate is over 90%. Unfortunately 70-80% of ovarian cancer is found in late stage (III or IV) with 29% survival rate after five years.
Stage I: Cancer is limited to one or both ovaries.
Stage II: The tumor involves one or both ovaries with extension to other pelvic structures.
Stage III: The tumor involves one or both ovaries and has spread beyond the pelvis to the lining of the abdomen and/or lymph nodes.
Stage IV: The tumor involves one or both ovaries and distant metastases to the liver or lungs have occurred. The stage of ovarian cancer at diagnosis is also the most important indicator of predicting the duration, course and outcome of the disease. It is important that the initial surgery be done by a gynecologic oncologist who specializes in this type of surgery.
Fact 2: A Pap smear is used to detect cervical cancer and not ovarian cancer. There is no consistently reliable, accurate screening test to detect ovarian cancer at this time. An annual rectovaginal exam for women over age 35, and transvaginal ultrasound for women at high risk, and a blood test to determine the level of a tumor marker called CA 125 are tests that are available and should be used if ovarian cancer is suspected. There are also clinical trials available for early detection and those can be found by visiting the “Links” section.
Fact 3: Only 5-10% of ovarian cancer is the result of an inherited cancer susceptibility gene. A woman who carries an altered or mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, inherited from either parent, is at a significantly higher risk then the general population. During a lifetime a woman has a 1.8% chance of developing ovarian cancer. If she has a first degree relative, ie. Mother or sister, her risk increases to 4-7%. If there is a family pattern of ovarian, breast or other cancer the risk increases to 45%. Remember that most ovarian cancers are sporadic, meaning they occur in women who do not have a family history of ovarian cancer. It is important to remember that both men and women carry BRCA mutations, although medically there are different implications.
Fact 4: Many people do not know that ovarian cancer often presents with the following symptoms: abdominal pressure, bloating, or discomfort; nausea, indigestion, or gas; constipation, diarrhea, or frequent urination; abnormal bleeding; unusual fatigue; unexplained weight loss or gain; shortness of breath. While these symptoms are often not acute or intense, they are not silent. Many of us experience these symptoms from time to time – do not be alarmed. But if they persist and seem unusual then seek a professional opinion.
Fact 5: Early recognition of symptoms is the best way to save women’s lives. Without increased education about ovarian cancer, many women and their doctors will continue to ignore or misinterpret the symptoms of the disease.
Recognition of women who are at higher risk for developing ovarian cancer is also important. Remember that 90% of women diagnosed do not have a family history that puts them at a higher risk for ovarian cancer.
R.O.A.R!
P. O. Box 102, Dallastown, Pa. 17313
Toll free: 1.877.441.7957
email:info@ovarianhope.org
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