Friday, January 15, 2010

Are You At Risk? Know the "Facts".

Two years ago today my mother died from Ovarian cancer. This cancer affects women worldwide. 1 in 70 will develop ovarian cancer worldwide. In the United States, about 1 in 56 women develops cancer of the ovary. More than 26,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the U.S and 190,000 Worldwide. Think about it, this does not mean it is rare! Last year over 15,000 women died from ovarian cancer. It is called the Silent Killer. Mostly due to the fact that most people do not know the warning signs. Yes there are some. If any of the following signs are happening more then a couple of weeks a month you should go to the doctor.

-Abdominal Swelling/Bloating/Clothes Too Tight
-Abdominal/Pelvic Pain or Pressure or Feeling "Full"
-Gastrointestinal Symptoms (such as gas, indigestion, nausea, or changes in bowel movements)
-Vaginal Bleeding or Discharge
-Urinary Problems - Urgency, Burning, or Spasms
-Fatigue and/or Fever
-Pain During Intercourse
-Back Pain
-Difficulty Breathing

Just having some of these does not mean you have ovarian cancer, but why not get checked out. If caught early enough you can survive.
The incidence of ovarian cancer varies greatly. Globally, Scandinavia, Israel, and North America have the highest rates. Developing countries and Japan have the lowest rates. Is this a environmental cancer? They are not sure however it does tend to raise a Question. I remember the Oncologist telling us she was not sure about the cause but one research is showing it could be environmental. Heredity accounts for only about 20% of the cases. This raises the question of other sources. What ever the source it is important to know the facts. Look at the above symptoms if you , your mother, sister or friend have them a lot, go to the doctor get check out, be persistence and make sure you are satisfied with the outcome. Early detection is essential for survival.
I made a promise to my Mom that I would tell people. Warn them about the Cancer. Mom knew her time was limited when she was diagnosed. She tried to learn all about it and get me educated on the cancer. It was amazing how little research goes into a cure for ovarian cancer verse Breast cancer. I have seen a rise in ovarian awareness since her death. I have placed a link for more information on Ovarian cancer.
a link to Ovation for the cure of Ovarian Cancer

1 comment:

  1. Ovarian Cancer really is a hard thing to deal with. I have office mates that have been recently diagnosed with Polycyctic Ovarian Syndrome which is also something that could lead to ovarian cancer and they are now undergoing hormone treatment to take care of it. I think that people should take extra precaution most especially when it is something that has happened in the family.

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