The Other 'O'

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

In 2009, approximately 21,550 women in the United States will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and 14,500-15,000 of them will lose their lives to this silent killer. Unfortunately, because the signs and symptoms can be subtle, many women do not seek help until the cancer has spread.

Urge your Representative to become a co-sponsor for the reauthorization of Johanna’s Law: The Gynecologic Cancer Education and Awareness Act. Sign the petition: Bring Awareness to Ovarian Cancer

Who is at risk of ovarian cancer? Women who

have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer

have a personal history of cancer

are over the age of 45

have never been pregnant

are on menopausal hormone replacement therapy

From OvarianCancerAwareness.org: Ovarian Cancer by the NUMBERS:

What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?

pelvic pain or swelling

difficulty eating or feeling full quickly

urinary urgency or frequency

nausea, indigestion, gas, constipation, or diarrhea

extreme fatigue

shortness of breath

backaches

How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?

complete physical examination including pelvic exam

blood test

ultrasound

biopsy

How is ovarian cancer treated?

surgery – may include removal of one or both ovaries, fallopian tubes, or a total hysterectomy

radiation therapy

chemotherapy

What is the prognosis for ovarian cancer?

If caught in the earliest stage, the five-year survival rate is 93 percent. Early diagnosis and treatment is key!

What about research?

More research is needed to develop an early detection test and cure. Although the death rate hasn’t changed in 30 years, federal funding has declined.

What can you do to help?

In 2007, Congress approved Johanna’s Law that awarded three year’s worth of funding to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to increase awareness of the symptoms of gynecologic cancers. But the funding is about to run out.

Urge your Representative to become a co-sponsor for the reauthorization of Johanna’s Law: The Gynecologic Cancer Education and Awareness Act. Sign the petition: Bring Awareness to Ovarian Cancer

Sources:

OvarianCancerAwareness.org

Ovarian Cancer National Alliance

National Cancer Institute

Photo: WomensHealth.gov

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Anumpeshi A.

9:39PM PDT on Sep 14, 2009

WE ARE ALL MOTHER EARTHS CHILDREN,WE MUST REMEMBER OUR ANCESTORS WAY OF LIFE ,CONNECTING TO ALL LIVING BREATH AS ONE,HEALING BEGINS IN THE HEART

send a green star

Hattie P.

7:38AM PDT on Sep 14, 2009

In spite of avoiding toxins, eating heaIthily etc. for many years, I had surgery for ovarian cancer in 2002. I decided not to have chemo or radiation as there was no evidence of spread.

The past seven years have been wonderful.

Don't let fear of cancer make you think that symptoms are probably the menopause, or irritable bowel syndrome or fibroids etc. Get checked out.

Barbara L.

4:30AM PDT on Sep 14, 2009

That is so sad Raine. It's unfortunate that not enough people know that one of the main causes of any cancer including ovarian cancer is toxicity from heavy metal and chemical contamination. The first step should be to remove the heavy metals and toxins and allow the body to work normally again.
I know of a product that is safe and effective and removes heavy metals. I don't think this forum allows me to post my website but if anyone would like to contact me personally I would give you any information you may want.

Raine W.

11:51AM PDT on Sep 11, 2009

My Mama died Spetember 24,2005 from ovarian cancer that was diagnosed in stage 5.She died three weeks and a day after she was diagnosed.