Mariah was recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She posted this on her website and I thought I would pass this information along. I don't know where it came from so i can't give credit where it is due.
Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer among women, and it causes more deaths than any other type of female reproductive cancer.
The cause is unknown.
The risk for developing ovarian cancer appears to be affected by several factors. The more children a woman has and the earlier in life she gives birth, the lower her risk for ovarian cancer. Certain genes defects (BRCA1 and BRCA2) are responsible for a small number of ovarian cancer cases. Women with a personal history of breast cancer or a family history of breast or ovarian cancer have an increased risk for ovarian cancer.
Women who take estrogen replacement only (not with progesterone) for 5 years or more seem to have a higher risk of ovarian cancer. Birth control pills, however, decrease the risk of ovarian cancer.
Studies suggest that fertility drugs do not increase the risk for ovarian cancer.
Older women are at highest risk for developing ovarian cancer. Most deaths from ovarian cancer occur in women age 55 and older.
Symptoms
Ovarian cancer used to be considered a "silent killer." Symptoms were thought to appear only when the cancer was in an advanced stage. Now, doctors know this is not generally true. Even early-stage ovarian cancer can produce symptoms.
The Gynecologic Cancer Foundation, the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists, and the American Cancer Society recommend that if you have the following symptoms on a daily basis for more than a few weeks, you should see your doctor (preferably a gynecologist):
It should be understood, however, that these symptoms commonly occur and are not overly specific for ovarian cancer. While prompt follow-up with your doctor is important when one or more of these are present, there are many other explanations for these symptoms besides ovarian cancer.
Other symptoms are also sometimes associated with ovarian cancer. These symptoms include fatigue, indigestion, back pain, pain during intercourse, constipation, and menstrual irregularities. However, these symptoms are not as useful in diagnosing ovarian cancer, because they are also commonly experienced by women who do not have cancer.
Based on the symptoms and physical examination, the doctor may order pelvic imaging tests or blood tests. If these tests reveal signs of cancer, patients should be referred to a gynecologic oncologist who specializes in female reproductive system cancers.
Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer among women, and it causes more deaths than any other type of female reproductive cancer.
The cause is unknown.
The risk for developing ovarian cancer appears to be affected by several factors. The more children a woman has and the earlier in life she gives birth, the lower her risk for ovarian cancer. Certain genes defects (BRCA1 and BRCA2) are responsible for a small number of ovarian cancer cases. Women with a personal history of breast cancer or a family history of breast or ovarian cancer have an increased risk for ovarian cancer.
Women who take estrogen replacement only (not with progesterone) for 5 years or more seem to have a higher risk of ovarian cancer. Birth control pills, however, decrease the risk of ovarian cancer.
Studies suggest that fertility drugs do not increase the risk for ovarian cancer.
Older women are at highest risk for developing ovarian cancer. Most deaths from ovarian cancer occur in women age 55 and older.
Symptoms
Ovarian cancer used to be considered a "silent killer." Symptoms were thought to appear only when the cancer was in an advanced stage. Now, doctors know this is not generally true. Even early-stage ovarian cancer can produce symptoms.
The Gynecologic Cancer Foundation, the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists, and the American Cancer Society recommend that if you have the following symptoms on a daily basis for more than a few weeks, you should see your doctor (preferably a gynecologist):
- Bloating
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
It should be understood, however, that these symptoms commonly occur and are not overly specific for ovarian cancer. While prompt follow-up with your doctor is important when one or more of these are present, there are many other explanations for these symptoms besides ovarian cancer.
Other symptoms are also sometimes associated with ovarian cancer. These symptoms include fatigue, indigestion, back pain, pain during intercourse, constipation, and menstrual irregularities. However, these symptoms are not as useful in diagnosing ovarian cancer, because they are also commonly experienced by women who do not have cancer.
Based on the symptoms and physical examination, the doctor may order pelvic imaging tests or blood tests. If these tests reveal signs of cancer, patients should be referred to a gynecologic oncologist who specializes in female reproductive system cancers.
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