September Is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. — According to the American Cancer Society, more than 20,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year and 15,000 will die from the disease.”This cancer often presents in late stage, which greatly impacts the chance of survival,” said Dr. Zoyla Almeida with Broward Health. The warning signs of ovarian cancer include abdominal pain, bloating, difficulty eating, frequent urination and feeling full quickly.”These were things I didn’t know about,’ said June Riddle, who was recently diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer.”It started with bloating, then I had back pain, then I had pelvic bleeding,” said Riddle. “After the bleeding started I went to see a doctor.”Family history is the primary risk factor for ovarian cancer.”This means all the women on both sides of your family,” said Almeida. “A family history of breast cancer also increases your risk.”Women can protect themselves by visiting a gynecologist every year for a pelvic and vaginal exam.”If the doctor feels something suspicious, they will order an ultrasound or request a blood test to check for a specific tumor marker,” said Almeida.Researchers are investigating more exact methods of screening for ovarian cancer.”We’re making progress but we’re not there yet,” said Almeida.once diagnosed, treatment usually involves surgery and chemotherapy.”It’s not an easy thing to go through but I’m hopeful, and I want other women to be aware,” said Riddle.To reach Dr. Almeida call 954-420-9182.

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