2. Ovarian Cancer aka

3. “The disease that whispers” Statistics The average age when ovarian cancer is detected in women is 56.3 years. Less than 1 out of 10 of the woman said had no symptoms prior to diagnosis. More than 25% of the women sought help from a mental health professional. This suggested that women’s concerns were not being fully addressed and symptoms may have been mistakenly attributed to “stress” or “depression”. About 1 in every 70 women will develop ovarian cancer in their lifetime. More common in white women than in black woman.

4. Facts Cancer of ovary makes up approximately 2% of cancer and 2.4% mortality. Five-year survival rate for ovarian cancer is 38%. If cancer is just in ovaries the survival rate is 80% and drops 45% for cancers that have spread beyond the ovaries. Less than 20% once in other areas such as liver and intestines.

5. Types of Ovarian Cancer Epithelial caners- The most common ovarian cancer. It grows in the cell lining or covering the ovaries. Germ cell cancer- It affects the germ cells and they designed to form eggs within the ovaries. Sex cord, or stromal cells- that begin in the cells that hold the ovaries together and produce female hormones.

6. Symptoms Abnormal vaginal bleeding and discharge Fatigue and fever Abdominal swelling and bloating Infertility or changes in menstruations Gas Nausea Bowel disturbance Pelvic pain Not all symptoms can be caused by cancer. Often there are no symptoms in the early stages and the cancer has spread by the time it is found out.

7. Diagnosis The doctor asks about the women’s medical history and if anyone in her family has had ovarian cancer. A pelvic exam, x-ray, and pap smear are done.

8. Diagnosis Also, ultrasonography and biopsy on the tissue may be done. You know your body so listen to what it is telling you. If symptoms listed previously persist for 3 weeks or more see a doctor immediately.

9. Staging There are different stages of ovarian cancer and it is important to found out which one you are in for treatment. Four stages are: Stage 1- Cancer is found in one or both of the ovaries Stage 2- Cancer is found in one or both ovaries and/or spread to uterus, and/or fallopian tubes or other parts of the pelvis.

10. Staging (cont’d) Stage 3- Cancer is found in on or both ovaries and has spread to lymph nodes, and other parts such as the surface of liver or intestine. Stage 4- Cancer is found in on or both ovaries and has spread outside the abdomen or has spread to inside of liver. Recurrent- cancer came back after treatment.

11. Treatment Treatment for ovarian cancer depends on a number of individual factors, including the stage of disease, woman’s age, and general health. It may be helpful to get a second opinion about the diagnosis and treatment plan. Follow ups are done regularly after treatment and that includes a pelvic exam and pap smear.

12. Methods of treatment Surgery- the removal of the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes is called a hysterectomy. Chemotherapy- when two or more drugs are used to kill any cancer cells that remain in the body. Radiation therapy- when high energy rays are used to damage cancer cells and stop them from growing. Used in small number of patients usually after surgery.

13. Side effects Surgery- is a major operation. Several days after the patient may have trouble going to the bathroom. Pain medicine is given to help. Younger women after surgery will begin menopause right away and may use hormone replacements to stop the symptoms of menopause.

14. Side effects (cont’d) Chemotherapy- it depends on the drugs that are mainly used. Vary from patient to patient Anticancer drugs can make you more likely to get infections, bruise, bleed easily, lost of hair, nausea, vomiting, mouth sores, and less energy.

15. Side effects (cont’d) Radiation therapy- Patient are very tired and rest is important Skin in treated area becomes red, dry, tender, and itchy. May be permanent darkening. Area should be exposed to air but protected by sunlight. Radiation in lower abdomen can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, urinary discomfort, vaginal dryness and intercourse is not recommended.

16. Treatment (cont’d) There are some questions a woman may want to ask her doctors such as: What is the stage of disease? What are treatment choices? Which recommended for you? Why? What are the expected benefits of each kind of treatment and the risk and/or possible side effects of each.

17. Risk factors Family medical history- increased if close relatives has it. Use of infertility drugs Not having children Age- women over 50 are at risk and the risk increases with age Personal medical history- women with breast cancer are twice as like to get ovarian cancer