Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is one of the most deadly of women’s cancers, after breast, lung bowel, and uterine cancers. Each year around 6,800 women in the UK are diagnosed with the disease, in the United States the total is 21.500. It occurs most often in women between the ages of 40 and 60.Many women don't seek help until the disease has begun to spread, but if detected at its earliest stage, the five-year survival rate is more than 93%.

What is ovarian Cancer?

The ovaries are small female reproductive organs that reside in the pelvis. The ovary makes female hormones and stores all of the egg cells, which are released once a month during ovulation. There are two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus, or womb. Egg cells are delivered from the ovaries to the uterus by hollow organs called fallopian tubes.

Cancer begins at a cellular level. Normally, cells grow and divide to form new cells. These new cells take the place of old cells as they die. Cancer cells continue to grow and divide. These abnormal cells continue to create new cells forming a tumor.

There is currently no proven screening tool for this type of cancer but a large scale screening trial is underway and initial results are encouraging, especially in terms of the number of cases of this cancer being detected early. However, there are several years to go before the trial is completed, and the researchers will need to assess survival rates to get a clearer idea of how effectively these screening methods translate into saving lives. Improving awareness of the common symptoms of this type of cancer and developing a better understanding of how to treat it more effectively through investment in research, will play a vital role in ensuring women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer at an earlier stage and they receive the most effective treatment.

Symptoms

Pelvic or abdominal pain or discomfort; vague but persistent gastrointestinal upsets such as gas, nausea, and indigestion; frequency and/or urgency of urination in the absence of an infection; unexplained weight gain or weight loss; pelvic and/or abdominal swelling, bloating and/or feeling of fullness; ongoing unusual fatigue; or unexplained changes in bowel habits and also aching legs.

Suggestion

If symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, ask your doctor for a combination pelvic/rectal exam, CA-125 blood test, and transvaginal ultrasound. A Pap Test WILL NOT detect ovarian cancer.

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