Better Health. No Hassles. Ovarian Cancer Sokan Hunro, PAC, MPH

Better Health. No Hassles. According to the National Cancer Institute: – new cases will be diagnosed in 2010 – of ovarian cancer victims will die – Incidence rate: 12.9 per 100,000 women – Median age at the time of diagnosis: 63 years Statistics

Better Health. No Hassles. Studies have found the following risk factors for ovarian cancer: – Family history of cancer: Women who have a mother, daughter, or sister with ovarian cancer have an increased risk of the disease. Also, women with a family history of cancer of the breast, uterus, colon, or rectum may also have an increased risk of ovarian cancer. – Personal history of cancer: Women who have had cancer of the breast, uterus, colon or rectum have a higher risk of ovarian cancer. – Age over 55: Most women are over age 55 when diagnosed with ovarian cancer. – Never pregnant: Older women who have never been pregnant have an increased risk of ovarian cancer. – Menopausal hormone therapy: Some studies have suggested that women who take estrogen by itself (estrogen without progesterone) for 10 or more years may have an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Risk Factors

Better Health. No Hassles. Early ovarian cancer may not cause obvious symptoms. But, as the cancer grows, symptoms may include: – Pressure or pain in the abdomen, pelvis, back, or legsabdomenback – A swollen or bloated abdomen – Feeling very tired all the time – Painful intercourse Less common symptoms include: – Shortness of breath – Feeling the need to urinate oftenurinate often – Unusual vaginal bleeding (heavy periods, or bleeding after menopause)vaginal bleeding Most often these symptoms are not due to cancer, but only a doctor can tell for sure. Any woman with these symptoms should tell her doctor. Symptoms

Better Health. No Hassles. One or more of the following tests may be done if the symptoms suggest ovarian cancer: – Physical exam – Pelvic exam – Blood tests: Your doctor may order blood tests, including CA-125. (a substance found on the surface of ovarian cancer cells and on some normal tissues). A high CA-125 level could be a sign of cancer or other conditions.CA-125 – Pelvic Ultrasound – Biopsy – Laparotomy / Laparoscopy Diagnosis

Better Health. No Hassles. Since we do not know the exact cause of OV, we have not found a way to prevent it completely. The following factors, however, have been found to be protective: – Use of birth control pills – Multiparity (having multiple children) – Late menarche (the first menstrual period) – Early menopause Can Ovarian Cancer be Prevented

Better Health. No Hassles. While pap smear is NOT a screening tool for ovarian cancer, the routine pelvic exam associated with the pap smear does offer the opportunity for the health care providers to assess the ovaries, and, thus, detect any abnormality at its earliest stage possible. References: National Cancer Institute Health Line Final Words…