There are many survivors today...but not as many as there could be with education, awareness, early detection and treatment. These are the facts:
All women are at risk
Symptoms exist-they can be vague, but increase over time
Early detection increases survival rate
A PAP test does not detect ovarian cancer
Risk factors are:
Genetic predisposition
Personal or family history of breast, ovarian, or colon cancer
Increasing age
Undesired infertility
Potential symptoms include:
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 changes in bowel habits
Unexplained weight gain or loss
Pelvic and/or abdominal swelling, bloating and/or feeling of fullness
Ongoing unusual fatigue
It is important to know that early stage symptoms are not silent-so women should be extra alert and watch out for early symptoms! Call your physician if you have any concerns or questions!
i wanted to say THANK YOU!!
ReplyDeletei am a survior of Endometeral cancer.I have been free of it for 3.5 yrs. I have gotten really tried of the media and how they worry about Breast Cancer. You rarely here anything on Ovarian Cancer. In my eyes it is much more deadly then Breast because of how "silent" it is. Looking back and reading I now see the signs. I did ask my gyn but they said that all was normal. so I let it go. I always had normal tests. You ask well then how did I find out. well, I had a hystorectomy 10ys prior to my Cancer. So when I had a couple of bloody spots I went to the doc. and well make a long story shorter... in dec 05 I had surgery. had 33 treatments of Radiation treatments.And have been given a good bill of health. Which after reading your "Potential symptoms" makes me wonder if it has not come back. guess it is time to go talk to the doc's again. :(
I am really glad that you bloged about this.
sorry I went on about me.....
Again Thanks!!!!!
lori
Hey Lori! Congratulations for all you've been through! What a testimony...I'm so glad you shared with me. I agree that breast cancer is the more 'popular' cause and disease. I tell people all the time I wish that as much attention was given to ovarian and other 'female' cancers. Ovarian cancer is now where breast cancer was twenty years ago. My mom's in her third remission now. Every day is a gift. Go to your doctor and know that I'm praying for you...let me know what you find out! So nice to meet you!
ReplyDeleteDee