 |
NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
|
|
|
NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
|
Gynecological oncologists say that acknowledging early warning signs of ovarian cancer is the key to surviving the disease that claims nearly 17,000 lives each year.
Ovarian cancer is the seventh most common cancer in women, and more than 20,000 new cases will be diagnosed in 2006, according to the American Cancer Society.
The ovaries, two small, almond-shaped organs located in the female pelvis, produce the hormones that regulate a woman's menstrual cycle and eggs for fertilization. Ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal cells in one or both ovaries begin growing at an uncontrollable rate.
Ovarian cancer is extremely difficult to detect at early stages and can quickly spread to surrounding organs if it goes untreated. It's critical that women see a doctor when they have abnormal physical symptoms, especially women who have gone through menopause and started bleeding again.
Researchers believe that genetics plays a major role in the development of ovarian cancer: 5 to 10 percent of all patients have a genetic link to the disease.
These steps are recommended for the prevention and early detection of ovarian cancer:
Women who have a family history of certain cancers- breast, uterine, ovarian and colon, or who experience infertility, long-term uninterrupted ovulation, early menstruation or late menopause are considered most at risk. Women living in industrialized countries who are exposed to chemical carcinogens are also at higher risk.
Research has shown that breast-feeding and oral contraceptives, both of which delay ovulation, may lower the risk of ovarian cancer.
Regardless of risk factors, women should undergo an annual rectal and pelvic exam to find any abnormal growths. If the physician detects a change in ovary size or shape, he or she will recommend a blood test or vaginal ultrasound examination to determine the extent of the abnormality.
Because the disease has very few early symptoms and there are no reliable screening techniques, more than 75 percent of ovarian cancer cases are not diagnosed until they are in advanced stages. Pelvic ultrasound and tumor marker blood tests are the only ways to detect ovarian cancer early.
Women should consult a physician immediately if they experience persistent abdominal or pelvic pain, lower-back discomfort, decreased energy levels, changes in bowel and bladder habits, lack of appetite, persistent abdominal bloating or pain during intercourse.
Ways to eliminate excess estrogen production and possibly lower your risk for developing ovarian cancer include maintaining a diet low in animal fats and free of pesticides, taking multivitamins and antioxidants for improved liver function, the liver processes excess estrogen, and exercising daily.
This article originally appeared in UC Health Line (9/27/05), a service of the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center Public Relations Department and was adapted for use on NetWellness with permission, 2006.
Last Reviewed: Nov 08, 2006
|
Nader Husseinzadeh, MD, FACOG, FACS Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology Division of Gynecologic Oncology Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology College of Medicine University of Cincinnati |
|
|
|
Please note: only your personal physician or other health professional you consult can best advise you on matters of your health based on your medical history, your family medical history, your medication history, and how information from any of these databases may apply to you. Neither University of Cincinnati (NetWellness) nor any party involved in creating, producing or delivering this web site shall be liable for any damages arising out of access to or use of this web site, or any errors or omissions in the content thereof. (More) |