Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer in women and the second most common gynecologic cancer but if detected early is easily treatable.
Ovarian cancer can develop at any age but is most likely to occur in women who are 50 years or older. More than half the cases are among women who are aged 65 years and older. the risk of developing the disease increases with age.
It accounts for four percent of all cancers in women. However, because of poor early detection, the death rate for ovarian cancer is higher than that of any other cancer among women. the American Cancer Society estimates about 21,990 new cases of ovarian cancer in 2011 in the United States and about 15,460 deaths.
Only 50 percent of the women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer will survive five years after initial diagnosis. This is due to the cancer being at an advanced stage at the time of diagnosis. With early detection, however, survival at five years post diagnosis may be 95 percent.
Ovarian cancer symptoms are often vague, and women and their doctors often blame the symptoms on other, more common conditions, but most often there are no symptoms.
The actual cause of ovarian cancer remains unknown, but several factors are known to increase one’s chances of developing the disease. These are called risk factors. Women at a higher risk than average of developing ovarian cancer include women who:
—have never been pregnant or had children.
—are Caucasian, especially of Northern European or Askenazi Jewish descent.
—are over 50. half of all diagnosed cases are in women over 65.
—have a family history of breast, ovarian, endometrial (uterine), prostate or colon cancer.
—have had breast cancer.
—have a first-degree relative (mother, daughter, sister) who has had ovarian cancer. (The risk is greater if two or more first-degree relatives had the disease. having a grandmother, aunt or cousin with ovarian cancer also puts a woman at higher-than-average risk.)
Since ovarian cancer is often referred to as a silent killer, and women either are unaware of having it, or have symptoms that are not accurately diagnosed until the disease is in an advanced state, it is important to have an annual pelvic exam and to discuss family history and any suspicious symptoms with a health care provider.
When women are in the know about their own health care, they’re in control.
Women between the ages of 40-64, should contact Michelle Sharp at Rural Solutions 970-526-3616 if they are interested in learning more about free or low cost health care programs in their community.
Holyoke Enterprise October 20, 2011