The Truth Behind Ovarian Cancer Survival Rates

What is the truth behind ovarian cancer survival rates? Well, if you were to type "the truth behind ovarian cancer survival rates" into a search engine, you might be upset at the type of information you find. This is because most sites that are dedicated towards telling the truth behind ovarian cancer survival rates tend to do so from a more negative angle. For example, in the United States only 50 percent of women who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer will live beyond five years. And this statistic does not provide any official hope that the disease will remain in remission beyond the five-year timeframe.

So, is this really the truth behind ovarian cancer survival rates? Yes and no. What many sites won't tell you is that the ovarian cancer survival rates are a lot more positive for women who have had their condition diagnosed early. In fact, for the 25 percent of women who are in this category, the ovarian cancer survival rate is an amazing 90 percent. Yet, most sites won't talk about this because the majority of women will get diagnosed in the latter stages of the disease, stages at which the disease has progressed too much for long-term survival.

How can a woman increase her chances of being part of the 25 percent that do get diagnosed early? This is a very difficult question to answer. For some women waiting until ovarian cancer symptoms start could be enough to get an early diagnosis. But there's a problem with this strategy. First of all, most of the symptoms associated with ovarian cancer are not drastic. Incontinence, abdominal swelling and painful sex, the three main symptoms of the disease, can easily be mistaken for conditions that are less serious. And even if woman suspects they are signs of ovarian cancer, it is possible that the condition has still progressed to a point that it has become lethal. This is because the symptoms are the same whether the tumors are massive or extremely small.

What's the best solution for a woman then? Well, if she has ovarian cancer in her family's history, she should consider getting periodic ovarian cancer screening whether or not she has symptoms. However, it should be noted that ovarian cancer screening, at least in its current state is not full-proof. It has a high rate of misdiagnosis, which could subject a woman to unnecessary surgery, chemotherapy or other types of ovarian cancer treatment. Yet, if a woman is in a high risk category, ovarian cancer screening could be the very thing that saves her life.

In conclusion, when it comes to the truth behind ovarian cancer survival rates, there is another more hopeful side to the story. The key is trying to get early diagnosis, especially if you have the disease in your family. For everyone else, it's best to take preventative measures, since the risk of misdiagnosis from an ovarian cancer diagnosis may be too high. Preventative measures include: breastfeeding, having your first child before 35 but not before 20, taking birth control pills and having a hysterectomy.

Ovarian Cancer - New Evidence

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Unfortunately, one of the most lethal of all female cancers, ovarian cancer is now the 5th leading cause of cancer death for women, afflicting 1 out of 58 women in the United States. When diagnosed early, the five-year survival rate can be as high as 95%. However, most cases are diagnosed in a more advanced stage, and the five-year survival rate drops to 20-30%. Until recently, ovarian cancer was labeled the "silent killer" as early diagnosis was difficult due to a lack of signs and symptoms early on. However, based on recent evidence, we now know there are specific signs and symptoms which may present earlier within the disease process- when a cure is still possible.

Background

Before we look at these signs and symptoms, it.s important to understand the definition of ovarian cancer, and how the disease progresses. Ovarian cancer begins in the cells within the ovaries, causing a tumor to grow and "seed" to other areas within the body. These malignant cells can implant anywhere in the abdominal cavity, but are more likely to implant in sites along and adjacent to the abdominal fluid circulation (bowel/bladder/spleen/liver/diaphragm/lymph nodes).

There are several thoughts as to what causes a tumor of the ovary to grow. One main theory involves the role of estrogen and progesterone in frequent ovulation- causing the ovaries to work over time. This is due to evidence that women who have had children, taken birth control pills, breastfed, or have had their tubes tied- providing a respite the ovaries- tend to have a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer than women who don't make these lifestyle choices. Other risks point to a personal or family history of breast, colon cancer or prostate cancer, being a carrier of the BRCA 1 or II gene mutation, use of talc powder, consuming high fat/processed foods, smoking, and not exercising regularly.

Promising Evidence:

Recent studies have proven that signs and symptoms are often present early within the disease. These include persistent complaints of gas, nausea, indigestion, bloating, feeling full early after meals, urinary frequency/urgency, change in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or shortness of breath. In a recent survey of 1,725 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer, 95% of the respondents indicated they experienced any one of these symptoms up to a year before being diagnosed, experiencing up to 20-30 episodes of symptoms each month. Although many of these symptoms can be attributed to other diseases, we are now aware that ovarian cancer should be considered in cases when other diseases cannot be identified as the cause.

Evaluation

As there is no specific test to diagnose this disease, ovarian cancer may often be diagnosed through a combination of exams and tests including the pelvic exam, ultrasound, blood tests, and surgical biopsy. Based on the results of these tests, treatment may involve further surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Following treatment, those with a history of this disease will require life-long follow up with periodic surveillance to identify recurrence. Survivors are encouraged to report any new symptoms to their provider, ensuring that every one of them is thoroughly investigated.

If you have any concerns, have experienced any of these symptoms, or have a family history of breast, ovarian, colon, or prostate cancer, it's important to schedule a visit with your health care provider for evaluation. Early detection is vital in order to receive the best possible treatment.

In-Spite of Cervical Cancer - Sandra Insisted to Have a Baby

In-spite of having cervical cancer, Sandra Kent still wants to have a baby and fight for her right to get pregnant. She was adamant after having been into surgical treatment right after she has recovered giving birth to her child Ariel.

The level of responsiveness, perseverance as well as motherhood

Sandra Kent's thrashing tale of life started with a twilight phone call about six years have passed. On the line was the secretary of the gynecologist telling her that after truthful and careful tests, the test that was made was invalid. She then who was at her 33rd age carried out the test again. After waiting for quite sometimes, the result was ready and she was asked to go to the clinic."In just a couple of hours I was already there," Mrs. Kent said. "The doctor made certain and told me that the result only requires removal of small lesions and could be done with local anesthesia." Later she was supported by her family and friends to Dr. Hanna Shapiro for a surgery.

And that was when her, Sandra's, worries had begun. Right after the said surgery, her doctor told her that it wasn't possible to take out all the cancer cells thus another surgical operation is needed in order to save her life. " I could hardly utter any word, should I do it, it will mean not to bear a child anymore." Yet the doctor exclaimed, "We're here for your life and not for your ambitions"

Sandra Kent was like being wrecked. On the other hand, her friend doctor, Dr. Shapiro, cheered her up. She told her about the surgery abroad which could still preserve the uterus after the operation. This kind of operation was mastered by Proffessor Daniel Edraz June - a well known expert in Lyon, France.

Sandra: "Statistics shows that there were already two Israelite women who undergone cervical operation abroad. I have called one and she motivated me and passed me to Dr. Ofer Lavie, the head of the gynecology unit of Caramel Medical Center in Haifa." He has not done the cervical operation but he has compiled the information with regards to these instances in Israel and escorted the two patient for operation abroad.

"There I met him, Dr. Lavie and he educated me that it is upon the operation with the findings would be possible to conclude whether or not to remove and or preserve the uterus. He then added that there is a great risk of miscarriage whenever pregnant. However I opted to undergo the operation."

Dr. Lavie's colleague, Prof. Uzi Beller who is also a gynecologist and the director of Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem invited Professor Edraz John, an expert from France to do the operation. The successful operation was happened on July 2003 at Caramel Medical Center and gynecologists throughout Israel watched the live broadcast airing out the good news. As Sandra open her eyes, Dr. Lavie told her, "inside the womb." Sandra, "As I heard those words, I grinned and sleep again."

Sandra was then released a week after the successful surgery informed that the lesions were taken out. Yet, she have to do follow up check up and to avoid getting pregnant within the early six months.

Get Well, Wedding, Birth

Time goes by and she met Tom, a medical expert from China. They were exclusively dating and few months later, they were married. They have been trying to let her conceive but she wasn't able to until a couple of months. After the many attempts, she was pregnant but then miscarriage twice. Consulting to Professor Howard Achfaf pointed out that the miscarriage were associated with thyroid function which regulates the metabolism of the body.

Sandra: "I just took Altroxen pill daily and a couple of months later I was pregnant already. I really prayed and prayed that the pregnancy will endure."

On the 29th week, Sandra was bleeding so she was rushed to the hospital to save the pregnancy until giving birth. On the 36th week, she was starting contractions and water breaking. Finally, after six years from surgery, a healthy baby was born via cesarean on the 20th of July from a mother who undergone cervix tumor surgery. The baby is now five months old in the name of Ariel.

Sandra Kent says, "Do all the required tests. We also have to know that doctors don't always know all the solutions to your problems. Consult and check yourself and devote to a doctor who will treat you as human with life and emotion not just for medical records."

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms - What You Need to Know

Reproduction is one of the most essential parts of life. However, there are many things that can alter this. One of those things that can alter this is ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer attacks the reproductive organs of a female, specifically the ovaries. It is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in women, so it is important for everyone to know more about ovarian cancer and the common ovarian cancer symptoms that come with developing this type of cancer.
Symptoms Of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer in its early stages may not produce any symptoms at all. However, as the cancer grows and spreads, it produces several different symptoms. Common ovarian cancer symptoms include pressure and paint located in the back, legs and pelvis. Other symptoms of this disease include a swollen or bloated abdomen, nausea, indigestion, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and fatigue or weakness.

There are some less common symptoms that can show signs of possible ovarian cancer. These symptoms are shortness of breath, frequent urination, and heavy virginal bleeding including heavy periods and bleeding after menopause. However most, if not all of these symptoms are incredibly non-specific so it is quite impossible to tell if you have ovarian cancer unless your doctor finds it.

Doctors have several methods for diagnosing ovarian cancer. In a physical exam, your doctor may press on your abdomen to feel for any signs of tumors or abnormal buildup of fluid. A doctor could also perform a pelvic exam. In this exam the doctor feels the ovaries and nearby organs for tumors or any misshapenness. Your doctor may also order a blood test. In the blood tests, it is checked for several types of substances, specifically CA-125. CA-125 is a substance that is often found on most cancerous ovarian cells. If there is an unusual high level of the CA-125, it is likely that it is ovarian cancer. Ultrasounds are also used to look for ovarian cancer tumors. Ultrasounds look at the organs inside the pelvis and can accurately map them out. Biopsies are also used to look for cancerous cells in tissue or fluid.

Being aware of the ovarian cancer symptoms, even though they are non-specific, is incredibly important and can even save your life. It is very important to go see your doctor immediately if you have or suspect you have any of these symptoms. Arresting cancer early is incredibly important because it makes it easier to treat it and increases the survival rate. If you do have cancer, discuss with your doctor on the various treatment options available to you.

Uterine Fibroid Tumors

Uterine fibroid tumors or leiomyomas are among the most common tumors among women. In fact, it is apparent in 25-50% of women, says American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Uterine fibroid tumors are typically non-cancerous; however, there is still the need to be aware of these tumors and some dangers it may bring to your health.

To give you better understanding of these tumors, here are answers to frequently asked questions on uterine fibroid tumors:

What are uterine fibroid tumors?

Uterine fibroid tumors, medically known as uterine leiomyomata or simply myoma, are growths consisting of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissues usually found within the wall of the uterus. Some grow below the lining of the uterus; some grow between the muscles of the uterus, while some grow towards the exterior part of the uterus. Uterine fibroid tumors may grow in clusters or as a single nodule and may vary in size.

What are the causes of uterine fibroid tumors?

Scientific researches have not yet finally identified the causes of uterine fibroid tumors. It has been theorized though that uterine fibroid tumors result from hormonal, genetic and environmental factors, which may be present in combinations in every case.

Are uterine fibroid tumors cancerous?

Though considered as tumors, uterine fibroid tumors are mostly benign, which means that in most instances, they are not as dangerous as cancerous tumors. Cases of uterine fibroid tumors turning into cancer is very rare, however, it is possible. Although having uterine fibroid tumors is generally not dangerous (it also has nothing to do with cancer of the uterus), it is uneasy to live with; hence, women opt to have their uterine fibroid tumors removed.

Who gets uterine fibroid tumors?

In most instances, uterine fibroid tumors develop in women of childbearing age, usually those in the 30s and 40s. However, researches show that women who have previously given birth are less likely to develop uterine fibroid tumors. In addition, it has been found out that overweight women and young African women are more prone to developing uterine fibroid tumors. The reasons for these are not yet known, however, these facts have been prevalently observed.

What are the symptoms indicating presence of uterine fibroid tumors?

In many instances, uterine fibroid tumors do not cause symptoms, but some women having these benign tumors say they experience pain and heavy bleeding during menstrual periods while some experience bleeding in between their menstrual period. She also urinates more often (due to the pressure of the fibroids to the bladder) and feels full in the lower part of the abdomen.

Some women also experience pain in the lower back and pain during intercourse. Other signs of uterine fibroid tumors include miscarriage, complications during pregnancy and infertility.

How are uterine fibroid tumors detected?

Uterine fibroid tumors are detected through pelvic examination. This lets your doctor check your vagina, ovaries and uterus. Imaging tests such as ultrasound, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), x-rays, and CT scan can also help the doctor detect presence of uterine fibroid tumors in your uterus.

Is treatment necessary?

Treatment of the uterine fibroid tumors is not necessary however since symptoms can be severe on some women, they prefer to have their fibroids treated. The main treatment for uterine fibroid tumors is uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). This is a modestly invasive procedure wherein a small tube is inserted into an artery towards the uterine artery. This allows the interventional radiologist to bring in small plastic beads into the artery supplying blood to the uterine fibroid tumors. In this way, blood flow to the uterine fibroid tumor is blocked causing it to shrink; hence, symptoms are relieved.

Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer Overview

Stage III ovarian cancer is a more serious level of cancer, which has spread to include the pelvic area and organs, and the abdominal organs (liver, bowels, lymph nodes, etc.), and it is easier to diagnose. It is used as part of the prognosis made by a doctor.

Stage III ovarian cancer is then further defined by the TNM determination rating system. TNM is defined to mean to tumor size, node inclusion, metastasis or spread status and grade of the tumor. It will ultimately let doctors known how long a patient has to live and whether they will survive. These factors include:

Each part is defined as follows:

TNM determination rating system

Tumor size - Due to the spread of Stage III, the tumors can only be defined as one of the following:

T3: the tumor is inside one (or both) ovary; the tumor spread includes tissues in the pelvic region, outside the pelvic region and lymph node (s); cancerous cells are found in the abdominal fluids (ascites) or the abdominal cavity washes (peritoneal lavage)

T3a: the tumor is inside one (or both) ovary; the tumor spread includes tissues in the pelvic region, outside the pelvic region and beyond the pelvic region

T3b: the tumor is inside one (or both) ovary; the tumor spread includes tissues in the pelvic region, outside the pelvic region and beyond the pelvic region that are now a maximum size of up to 2cm, and can be seen without a microscope

T3c: the tumor is inside one (or both) ovary; the tumor spread includes tissues in the pelvic region, outside the pelvic region and beyond the pelvic region that is now a 2cm or more in size, and can be seen easily

Node inclusion - As the cancer is at Stage III its classification is:

N1: the tumor has spread to include the lymph nodes

Metastasis or spread determination - As Stage III cancer has been found, only the following classification can be used:

M1: metastases have been found somewhere

Grade of the tumor

The grading of a tumor shows the maturity of the cancerous cells inside the ovary (s). As the cancer is now at Stage III, it can only be classified as the following:

Grade 2: a combination of both normal and cancerous cells; cancerous cells account for about every other cell

Grade 3: very few normal cells if any are left; most or all cells are cancerous

The lower the grade, the slower a tumor will grow, and the better the patient's chance of survival. The higher the grade, the quicker the tumor may grow or spread, and the chances of survival are greatly diminished. In this case, Stage III ovarian cancer has greatly reduced the patient's chances of recovery and/or survival.

Stage groupings

The stage groupings are used to show the order of the varied factors included in the TNM determination rating system. Stage III groupings are as follows:

Stage III

Stage IIIa: T3a, N0, M0

Stage IIIb: T3b, N0, M0

Stage IIIc: T3c, N0, M0, or T(varied), N1, M0

What is Uterine Sarcoma Cancer?

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Uterine sarcoma cancer is a rare type that begins in the muscle or other tissues of the uterus. Most often, it can be found in women who have completed menopause.

There are basically two types of uterine sarcoma cancer: (1) leiomyosarcoma (cancer that begins in smooth muscle cells); and (2) endometrial stromal sarcoma (it begins in connective tissue cells).

It seems that the greatest risk factor for developing this type of cancer is exposure to x-rays. If a woman has had radiation therapy to the pelvic area, her risk for developing uterine sarcoma cancer is increased significantly.

Women who have taken the drug tamoxifen for breast cancer are also at a much higher risk for developing the disease. Women who have taken this drug need to have regular pelvic examinations and report any abnormal bleeding to their doctors immediately.

Now, it is very important to know that every growth in the uterus after menopause is NOT cancerous. There are many, many more benign (noncancerous) growths than malignant ones diagnosed every year.

There is also treatment for uterine sarcoma cancer. Like all cancer, the earlier it is diagnosed, the better the chances are that the patient will make a full recovery. It is classified into four stages. The first stage is the mildest form that is confined to the uterus itself. The fourth stage means that the cancer cells have spread beyond the pelvic area.

There are four basic treatments for uterine sarcoma cancer; surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. The most frequently used beginning treatment for uterine sarcoma cancer is surgery, and even if the surgeon removes all visible cancer cells, surgery is most often followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy in an attempt to kill cancer cells that the surgeon didn't remove.

Some Early Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Do you know the early symptoms of ovarian cancer? One out of seventy women will develop ovarian cancer, and if detected early, the survival rate is about ninety percent. Ovarian cancer can progress from stage to stage quickly, and it is even more aggressive than breast cancer, so it is important to identify this disease in it's early stages.

For a long time ovarian cancer was considered asymptomatic, and has been called the silent killer. Now we know it does have early symptoms. The problem is women often ignore them and physicians do not always recognize the potential urgency of evaluating the symptoms.

According to medical records of ovarian cancer patients, the most common symptom was cramping abdominal pain. In women diagnosed with Stage I and II ovarian cancer the most common symptoms were abdominal pain and urinary urgency, frequency or incontinence.

Patients in the later stages, Stage III and IV ovarian cancer, the most commonly documented symptoms were abdominal pain and increased abdominal girth. These symptoms are not considered unique to ovarian cancer or directly related to the reproductive pelvic organs such as the fallopian tubes, the uterus, or cervix and ovaries, therefore, the possibility of ovarian cancer is often overlooked with these early symptoms.

These early symptoms can indicate many conditions, not just ovarian cancer. Women should pay special attention if they have incontinence and abdominal pain that do not improve when treated. If a woman has been treated for abdominal, urinary or pelvic symptoms and the tests for the most common causes are negative, then more tests should be conducted and the possibility of ovarian cancer should be contemplated.

When the above symptoms are present and the doctor is unable to arrive at a clear diagnosis, then ovarian cancer must be considered. It will require a pelvic examination and ultrasound along with a blood test to ensure it is not present.

The urinary tract symptoms are usually due to the tumor pressing on the bladder, which causes an increased pressure inside the abdomen, resulting in urine loss. The symptom of abdominal pain more than likely is caused by pressure from the tumor or from fluid in the abdomen prompted by the tumor.

Women should be aware of the early symptoms of ovarian cancer. The symptoms are quite vague and can easily be mistaken for another disease.

5 Most Common Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

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Ovarian cancer presents a real risk to all women. Around 20,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Unfortunately many of the symptoms go unnoticed, so it is important to know the 5 most common symptoms of ovarian cancer.

What makes ovarian cancer frightening is that many of the symptoms do not manifest until the later stages. One of the most common symptom is frequent bloating. This often goes overlooked because of the normal bloat that comes with a woman's monthly cycle.

Other notable symptoms include pain in your belly region, particularly around the pelvis region. People also experience difficulty eating and tend to feel full quickly. In addition, many women experience urinary problems. These can include urgency and frequency.

Make sure you are watching your menstrual cycle closely. Changes in your cycle can also be a symptom of ovarian cancer. These can include both an increase in bleeding and the stoppage of bleeding all together.

If you have three or more of these symptoms, daily for two weeks, it is important to see your physician. The symptoms typically start suddenly and feel much different from your normal menstrual or stomach troubles. They also happen each day and do not go away with medicine and time.

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause for deaths among women. Over 100,000 women die each year from the disease. Therefore, it is very important that you listen to your body. If something does not seem right, visit your physician. Early detection is the key.

What Are the Warning Signs of Ovarian Cancer?

Both the patient and the doctor often don't recognize an ovarian cancer warning sign until the cancer is in the advanced stage.

Often once the cancer is identified; it will have already spread throughout the body and occurs in 70-75% of patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Recent studies have proven that ovarian cancer indicators aren't as entirely undetectable as originally thought.

There are some typical warning signs of cancer of ovaries that women should be familiar with.

The issue with ovarian cancer warning signs is the fact that they can resemble the symptoms of other common ailments that aren't linked to cancer. This is why it can take awhile for a doctor to determine if a physical symptom is actually linked to ovaries.

It is unknown what percentage of starting stage actually results in symptoms that are detectable. This means it is difficult to determine if women actually had symptoms before the cancer started spreading. The good news is that 90% of women who are diagnosed with Stage 1 ovarian cancer are those who went to their doctors before diagnosis.

Often the warning signs associated with this cancer are nonspecific and can be mistaken for other illnesses. For example, urinary problems and fatigue aren't sure signs of cancer because they can be a signal of many different ailments.

This is why many health care professionals are apprehensive to publish the symptoms associated with ovarian cancer since there is the chance to people will misdiagnose themselves because of the commonality of the symptoms and other health conditions.

However, it is important to educate yourself about various women specific illnesses since knowing the signs can save your life if you are diagnosed in the early stages of the cancer.

If you are aware of the signs associated with ovarian cancer, you can at least be aware of the risk of having it when symptoms start to show up.

Take a look at some of the major warning signs linked to ovarian cancer:

o Abdominal swelling/bloating
o Back pain
o Difficulty breathing
o Fever
o Fatigue
o Gastrointestinal problems
o Inexplicable weight gain/loss
o Loss of appetite
o Pain or pressure in the abdomen/pelvis or during sex
o Urinary problems
o Vaginal discharge or bleeding

Of all the symptoms linked to ovarian cancer, abdominal pain not linked to diarrhea or nausea and lasts over two weeks is the most common sign. This symptom is present in 22% of cases while 18% of cases have urinary problems that continue to get worse.

Less than a fourth of women with this ilness have gynecological symptoms. This is why most doctors don't first consider cancer diagnosis when patients complain of symptoms. In many cases symptoms are similar to gastrointestinal or urinary tract problem.

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above it is a good idea to talk with your doctor when the symptoms last over two to three weeks.

Ways to Prevent Cervix Cancer

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What is cervix cancer? This is a type of cancer that develops in the cervix or the neck of the uterus. It is a slow growing cancer and you can either have symptoms or it can be without symptoms. Usually cervix cancer is detected by means of a pap smear which is nothing but taking a smear of the cells and then checking them under a microscope. A pap smear is a regular part of a gynecological examination.

Cervix cancer is preventable and there are many steps you can take to ensure that you do not get it.

Ways to Prevent Cervix Cancer:

o Avoid Getting HPV: HPV stands for Human Pappilovirus. This virus is transmitted through sex and results in genital warts. These warts can turn into precancerous growth or cancer. It has been seen that nearly all women get cervix cancer because of HPV infection. You can avoid getting HPV by using protection, not having multiple sex partners and not having sex at an early age.
o Avoid Smoking: Smoking causes many types of cancers and cervix cancer is one of them. You will reduce the risk of getting cervix cancer if you quit smoking. Women who smoke are twice as likely to get cervix cancer compared to women who do not smoke.
o Eat Healthily: If your diet does not contain ample helpings of fruits and vegetables, you are at risk of developing cancer of the cervix. Therefore, change your eating habits and eat as much fruits and vegetables as possible.
o Healthy Body: A healthy body means having a healthy immune system. The risk of developing lesions in the cervix increases with a weakened immune system. These lesions can turn cancerous with time.

If cervical cancer runs in your family, you will be better off trying the prevent it. The chances of getting cervix cancer will be there but these chances will decrease if you follow the above mentioned ways to prevent cervix cancer.

Adenosquamous Cancer Of The Uterus

The uterus or womb located inside the pelvis of a female is prone to problems such as fibroids, cervical cancer, scarring,uterine cancer and endometriosis. The uterine wall consists of various cell types.

Cancer is named according to the cells affected by it. About 95% of uterine cancer cases are where the endometrial cells lining the uterus are affected. Cancer affecting glandular cells is called an adenocarcinoma and sometimes has squamous cells - as found on the surface of the skin and cervix. Non-cancerous squamous cells are called adenocanthomas cancer and malignant ones are called adnosquamous carcinomas.

These cancers may look different under a microscope, but are often treated the same. Adenosquamous cancer of the uterus is more invasive and aggressive which can lead to more complications and a decreased cure rate (recent research and technological advances shows an improvement in rates). Symptoms are similar to that of uterine cancer and a biopsy and histology report will determine the cancer type.

Symptoms could include unusual vaginal bleeding occurring outside normal monthly periods, watery and bloody discharge in the middle of a cycle or after menopause, discomfort and bloating in the abdomen and are similar to symptoms of endometriosis and fibroids without pain. A physical examination will determine your medical status by checking for swelling in the abdomen and distortion or swelling of the uterus.The health of the uterus, ovaries and thickness of the endometrium within the uterus can be determined using transvaginal ultrasound.

After blood tests and x-rays, a D&C (Dilation and curettage procedure) may be necessary for lab analysis of tissue from inside the uterus. Causes of other uterine cancers or adenosquamous cancer are unknown. Biggest risk factors for women include menopause, infertility, overweight, high animal fat diet, high blood pressure, endometrial hyperplasion, family history of breast or bowel cancer, diabetes, prior pelvic radiation treatment and estrogen hormone replacement therapy. Treatment of this cancer is structured and becomes individualized once the reaction of the cancer to standard treatments is determined. Often removal of the uterus is required and may include the fallopian tubes and ovaries. Lymph nodes in the abdomen, the cervix and a small portion of the upper vagina may be removed if cancer is present in the muscle walls of the uterus.

Radiation may be recommended (after surgery) to kill the remaining cancer cells. External x-rays are directed to affected areas or internal radioactive implants can be used. Treatment may also include chemotherapy which kills fast growing cells (such as cancer) and is specific to certain phases of the multiplication process and types of these cells.

Estrogen can help cancer cells grow and drugs are used to block it during treatment of endomtrial cancers, adenocarcinomas and adenosquamous cancer. Side effects mimic menopause including dry skin, weight gain and hot flashes.

Cervical Dysplasia - Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Today, many diseases have become quite rampant like cervical dysplasia.

Cervical dysplasia is a syndrome in which abnormal (cancerous) cells somehow appear on the periphery of the cervix of a female. There are many forms of this disease like mild, moderate, severe and invasive dysplasia. In the first form of dysplasia, only few cells are present on the boundary of cervix. In the second form 50% of the cervical lining consists of abnormal cells. In the third kind of dysplasia the complete lining of the cervix is, inflicted with these cells. It has to, be cured right on time otherwise, it can develop to cancer. In the last form of dysplasia, all the cells on the boundary of the cervix and in cervix have become cancerous. There can be many reasons behind the appearance of dysplasia.

The first is the human papilloma virus or HPV. It has, been recognized as a common cause of this disease. It's an illness through appearance of genital warts lead to appearance of abnormal cells. In almost 80 to 90% of the cervical dysplasia cases, it is, also preceded by genital warts. Every year, almost 2,50,000 females get affected by this disorder. The women who are quite vulnerable to getting this disease are those who have a large number of sexual partners, cigarette smoking and have been using contraceptive pill for higher duration of 5 years. This kind of a disease generally happens in the age gap of 25 to 35 years in females. However, females in all age groups are susceptible to this disease.

The worst part is that this disease cannot be, easily diagnosed. You can follow some precautions that include that you quit smoking. Also, use protection while having sex. Everyone knows that HPV is a sexually transmitted disease and once you get it, cervical dysplasia is bound to happen. However, evidence has shown that condoms cannot avert spreading of HPV virus. If a female is exposed to genital warts, then show can't help the situation through the use of condoms. Its better that you abstain from sex with a man who has such warts otherwise infection will happen. Diseases like AIDS can also lead to this disease because they reduce the immunity of the body.

In addition, other kinds of weaknesses in the immune system can also cause origin of dysplasia. In a pap smear test, some cells of the cervix are, brushed by a doctor and then sent to a laboratory for finding whether they are cancerous or not. Every woman who is more than 18 years old and has a sex life should get these tests done so that dysplasia is, revealed on time. Pap smear has dangerous restrictions as far as discovering the disease is concerned. The capabilities of PAP smear in finding out about this disease in the precancerous stage are quite low, only 20-30%.

This technology just belongs to the last century. You just can't trust the pap smear tests for telling about the truth of your infection. The best way to find about this disease is through biopsy. A small section of cells get tested in a biopsy to reveal presence of cervical dysplasia.

Possible Ovarian Cyst Issues and How to Deal With Them

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Ovarian cysts are a common issue among women, but in most cases they're not considered too dangerous. Still, it is a possibility that women need to be aware of and is the main reason why it is so crucial to take care of yourself and make sure you get regular pap tests. You're much less likely to end up dealing with ovarian cysts issues if you stay on top of things and get in to see the doctor regularly. The problem lies in ovarian cyst complications, which is constantly a possibility when a cyst is found.

Issues can variety from being something as easy as slight discomfort to the onset of ovarian cancer. The woman might experience this in the pelvic or abdominal area, and it can variety from getting mild to so severe that they could hardly move. Larger cysts can wind up causing the ovaries to twist which is an extreme situation, for which immediate surgery is almost constantly necessary. Within the absolute worst-case scenarios, ovarian cysts can wind up getting malignant and cause ovarian cancer.

The worst point about ovarian cancer is that there are frequently no signs and symptoms so a woman may not even realize that there's anything wrong until it is as well late. That includes bloating, pelvic pain and indigestion which are all also typical signs and symptoms of the start of a woman's menstrual period. Actual risk factors include inherited gene mutations, infertility and the hormone replacement therapy which has been linked with ovarian cancer and highest among ladies who have taken hormone replacement therapy for a lot more than five years. You can find no standardized screening tests that are specifically for ovarian cancer, but if doctors discover any cysts that seem suspicious they could decide to send the woman for screening tests.

When there are cancerous cysts in a woman's body, they tend to spread quickly and even to other areas from the body for example the abdomen and chest. This is when it truly gets serious and when ladies find out they have ovarian cancer as well late, there's a really slim chance of recovery. Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, for the ladies who do notice them, could range from abdominal pressure, bloating and pelvic discomfort to indigestion, changes in bowel habits and loss of appetite. These symptoms are so general so there are lots of women who might be experiencing them but who may just pass them off as being caused by their menstrual cycle or foods they've eaten.

Ovarian cyst complications are quite rare but they do happen. While there's no surefire way to avoid developing a disease like ovarian cancer, the most crucial thing is catching it early. You know your physique much better than anyone. You know yourself better than anyone and have to feel comfortable talking to your doctor if you're ever worried that something's wrong.

What is Cervical Cancer?

Do you know much about cervical cancer? Have you ever thought that you might be at risk? Well, you are not alone in your thinking. Women around the world do not realise that they are at risk. The facts are that cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women aged between 15 and 44 years. In the UK, alone, there are about 2800 new cases of cervical cancer every year and about 1100 deaths; this means that on average 21 women die each week from cervical cancer, yearly. Getting educated, finding more information and ensuring your personal health is your responsibility, make sure you take care and use the information provided to you to maintain a healthy body and a healthy life.

These shocking statistics and facts will show that many people are ignorant to cervical cancer; if more was known about this common, lethal disease the statistics would not be so shocking. This is because cervical cancer is treatable if caught early. Prevention is the best method to ensure this cancer never affects you; regular cervical screening and early detection are the best preventative methods. You may wonder why regular screening is necessary: the fact is that a virus called human papillomavirus nearly always causes cervical cancer, and most women will be exposed to this virus in their life. Another shocking statistic is that up to 80% of sexually active women will have an infection in their lifetime. Most of these infections are cleared and fought by the body's immune system, and you will not notice any symptoms.

Looking at the facts, and taking into consideration that up to 80% of sexually active women are at risk, all women should take precautionary measures to ensure optimum health. Preventative measures are simple: getting expert advice from your doctor or local family planning centre will help you take the first steps to prevention of cervical cancer. Depending on your risk factors, your doctor will inform you how often you need to have a smear test (cervical screening test).

If you think that you are not at risk, because you use a condom, the facts remain that condoms will not always protect you from picking up the human papillomavirus. Women can have been exposed to the virus many years before the virus creates abnormal cells, leading to cervical cancer. We recommend that you do not risk your health and your life by taking risky chances. There are many good websites on the internet, where you can find more information, or you can talk to your health-provider. Make sure you do not become a statistic, educate yourself about cervical cancer and live a long and healthy life.

A Brief Overview of Ovarian Cancer

According to statistics, ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer among women and the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in women in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 20,000 new cases of ovarian cancer will be diagnosed this year, and approximately 15,000 women will die from ovarian cancer this year.

Ovarian cancer is often called the silent killer because its symptoms can be subtle, leading to a delayed diagnosis and poorer outcome. However, if ovarian cancer is detected early, approximately nine out of ten women will live for at least five years with the disease.

Ovarian cancer starts in the cells of the ovary or ovaries. The ovaries are two small, oval-shaped organs that lie deep in the pelvis on either side of the uterus (womb), close to the end of the Fallopian tubes. The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system.
 
Each month, in women of childbearing age, one of the ovaries releases an egg (ovum). This is called ovulation. The egg travels down the Fallopian tube to the uterus, where it may be fertilized by a sperm and develop into a fetus. If the egg is not fertilized, it is shed as part of your monthly period.
 
The ovaries also produce the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen and progesterone help control reproduction and sexual development. As a woman ages and reaches menopause, the ovaries make less of these hormones and periods gradually stop.

If left undetected and untreated, ovarian cancer can spread from the ovaries to other organs in the pelvis, such as the Fallopian tubes, uterus, rectum, colon or bladder.

In the most advanced form, ovarian cancer can spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver or lungs.

All Age Groups Are at Risk For Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecological cancer in the United States as of now. It affects close in 1 in every 70 women in their lifetime and is a debilitating disease. All women after puberty are considered to be at risk for developing ovarian cancer; however some age groups are more prone to developing the disease. This is due to the importance of personal and family history while mapping out cancerous cells and many other factors. The occurrence of ovarian cancer is seen most frequently in the age groups of 40 and above. Women with ages lower than 40 are also at risk but it is a significantly lower one.

Women who have never been pregnant and are above the age of 30 also run a high risk. It is of three types and all three types' shows significant risk in the age group of 35 to 65 years. Below the age of 15 years, there is very little risk of developing ovarian cancer since the ovaries do not function fully till puberty. However, with females who have been identified as having the genes linked to breast cancer and have had a family history of ovarian cancer, the risk increases even for those under the age of 15.

All age groups that have used fertility drugs or hormone therapy to help with childbirth are at an increased risk for cancer. This risk increases to every 1 woman in 50 under these considerations. Those who have been tested positive for endometriosis also have an increased risk, especially women above the age of 55. The development of breast cancer before the age of 40 further increases chances of having ovarian cancer, bringing it to every 1 woman in 10. Family history of other abdominal cancer can also be a reason to have regular screenings for ovarian cancer.

Genetic counselling can easily determine the risk of cancer. Women who have crossed the age of 35 with instances of abnormal vaginal bleeding are at heavy risk for ovarian cancer and should consult a doctor immediately. Those who suffer from fatigue, sudden and persistent abdominal cramps, nausea, and diarrhoea should also get screening done immediately. Overall, the rates of survival start to decrease as the age of a woman increases and so do the chances of being affected by other gynecological problems. The peak of this occurs in the age group of 65-75 years of age.

The rate of death is marginal in the lower age groups, but with increasing age and use of fertility drugs, this increases in percentage. It also lowers the chances of successfully bring a pregnancy to term after having had ovarian cancer. Even though this form of cancer is difficult to screen in its earliest stages, continuous screening and awareness regarding its symptoms can help in curing it with surgery as early as possible. It is only when the cancer reaches stage IV of its progress, does it become very difficult to treat it and reduces life expectancy to no more that eight months to a year.

How You Can Survive Stage 4 Cervical Cancer

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Being diagnosed with stage 4 cervical cancer is not something everyone wants to hear in their lives. However, it does happen and you're probably reading this article because it has happened to you. Or perhaps a loved one has been diagnosed. Or maybe you just want to find out more information out of personal interest. Whatever the case, knowing the information contained in this article can come in handy.

Sufferers of stage 4 cervical cancer can be divided into 2 categories. The first category which is known as Stage IVA cervical cancer means that the disease is confined to the pelvis and the organs surrounding it. On the other hand, sufferers of Stage IVB cervical cancer have the disease spread out to other organs further away from the pelvis. Unfortunately, today's treatments can only successfully treat patients in the first category while medicines can alleviate the pain and symptoms of those in the second category.

Regarding treatment for those in the first category, the main way of managing the disease is through a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells in your body. Essentially, it involves putting small capsules of radioactive material close to the cervix.

Chemotherapy involves the administration of drugs to kill cancer cells and often works more effectively when done with radiation therapy. While these 2 treatments are known to be successful in increasing survival rates of sufferers, they do come with various side effects such as anemia, hair loss, nausea and vomiting just to name a few.

Stage 4 cervical cancer is not a pleasant disease to have, but it's comforting to know that today's technology means that you can have hope and overcome this dreadful disease.

What is a CA 125 Blood Test and Should I Get One?

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A CA 125 blood test is the best way to check right now for ovarian cancer. CA 125(or cancer antigen 125) is the best indicator that doctors have discovered in the female body to signify the existence of ovarian cancer. This test certainly isn't for everyone and it is riddled with its own set of flaws, but it's the only thing that we have right now to go by. In the future we hope to find better indicators with less possible flaws, but for now CA 125 is the best test available.

Most women might think that getting screened this way would be a common practice, much like a Pap smear or any other annual test. The problem though is that because the test isn't perfect, most results will often lead to unnecessary surgeries and worry on the person tested. The only women that should definitely get a CA 125 Blood Test are those who have a history of ovarian cancer in their family. These women are obviously more at risk of developing such cancer, and they should therefore be more aware of their potential to have it.

Some people estimate that every one correct CA 125 Blood Test is accompanied by 30 false positives, making most women want to stray far away from them. Sure the test does have its advantages, but it is advised that most women don't take it unless they are showing definite signs of ovarian cancer. Women who are showing persistent signs of abdominal bloating or discomfort could consider getting a pelvic ultrasound before proceeding with this test. It's best to consult a doctor about the testing options as each woman has a unique set of requirements.

So it's not the test itself that's the problem, but it's the chance that the test may show results that can lead to false concern that poses the issue. No woman wants to get news of having ovarian cancer, start going through treatment, and then find out that it wasn't cancer from the start. It can lead to a lot of unnecessary stress that could easily be avoided without taking the test in the first place. The screening itself isn't bad, but the stress that can occur as a result can be more devastating and more unhealthy than a lot of medical diagnoses. Only get tested if your doctor thinks that you really a candidate for ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer is hard to diagnose in its initial stages, and most women who actually have it don't get proper treatment until it's too late. Doctors are working round the clock to figure out a new way to detect ovarian cancer, but they're making slow progress. In the meantime, the CA 125 Blood Test will just have to do. Luckily, ovarian cancer is a very prominent amongst women, and most who don't have a problem with it in their family don't have to worry about getting tested. Certainly, all women should consult a doctor if they are feeling any type of pelvic pain whatsoever, but it isn't necessary to jump to the conclusion that it's ovarian cancer.

The Cervical Cancer Health Check

If you are a female, it is absolutely imperative to ensure that you undergo a cervical cancer health check on a regular basis. This cancer has been established as the easiest in terms of prevention. Unfortunately, if you do not have regular screens performed, it could turn into one of the most deadly.

Medical professionals and researchers have established that if a pap test or a HPV test is conducted on a regular basis, cervical cancer may be prevented. In many instances, this type of cancer may be detected early enough to be treated and resolved successfully.

When Should a Health Check Be Performed?

If you are a female, it is important to know and understand when to have a cervical cancer health check performed. It is ideal to have a pap test within the first three year period after becoming sexually active. If you have not yet had a pap test by the age of twenty one, this should be performed.

If you have a pap test performed and receive word that it was abnormal, you should start having HPV tests performed on a regular basis. If you find that your pap tests are normal, you should start having the HPV test performed by age thirty.

On the most part, if you are showing clear and normal results by age thirty, your chances of developing cervical cancer is drastically reduced. However, if you have more than one sex partner or a member of your family has had cervical cancer, it is important to ensure that you continue to get screened regularly.

Preparing for a Cervical Cancer Health Check

In order to receive the most accurate results in a cervical cancer health check, it is important to understand the strategies involved in preparing for the test. First, you will want to avoid doing certain things within forty hours of the examination. You should avoid using any type of douche or internal feminine cleansing product, avoid using tampons during your menstrual cycle, and avoid using birth control measures such as foams, lubricants, and creams.

In addition to this, you should avoid having sex. It is also important to avoid utilizing medications in and/or around the vagina. All of these activities may affect the results of your pap test to one degree or another. If you follow these tips, your doctor will be able to provide you with accurate medical information related to your reproductive health.

Are you At Risk for Cervical Cancer?

While many women know and understand that a cervical cancer health check is important, many women do not know whether or not they are at risk for developing this form of cancer. You should understand that this cancer is caused by a virus. The specific virus is referred to by medical professionals as the "Human Papillomavirus" or "HPV". This virus is common, and it is passed from one individual to another during the course of sexual activity.

If left untreated, this could result in cancer. There are other viruses that result in the development of cervical cancer as well. This is especially true if the virus weakens the immunity. Take the steps that are necessary to prevent and detect cancer early today, such as a cervical cancer health check, and you will avoid many health complications in the future.

Cervical Cancer Vaccination

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a malignant growth of the cervix uteri or surrounding cervical area. Symptoms are often not visible until the cancer is very advanced although some cases will present with vaginal bleeding or an odorous vaginal discharge. Due to the lack of clear symptoms women aged between 25 and 49 are invited for a smear test every 3 years.

Diagnosis

The smear test involves taking a sample of cervical cells which are then tested for abnormalities. If abnormalities are found this is not necessarily indicative of cancer. If an abnormal smear is taken, the person will then visit a gynecologist for a colposcopy which involves an internal vaginal examination. This can sometimes involve a biopsy which is where a sample of tissue is removed to examine under a microscope.

HPV

Cancer involves a change in the DNA so that cell replication and growth becomes unregulated. Causes of this are widespread and include Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), smoking, numbers of children and more. HPV is the biggest cause of cervical cancer with over 99% of cases being associated with an infection. HPV can lie dormant in mucous membranes of the body and eventually leads to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia which is the stage before cancer. HPV does not always cause cancer but it is a significant risk factor. HPV is spread through sexual intercourse and so women with multiple partners are most at risk.

HPV Vaccine

Since September 2008 there has been a recent move to vaccinate girls aged 12-13 against two of the strains of HPV which are those thought to be involved in causing cancer. It involves three injections over a 6 month period given routinely in schools.

There has been some controversy over the new program. As with any vaccination there are also some possible side effects. Most of these are very mild and might include some mild flu like symptoms or swelling. However, there is also a very small chance that the vaccination could incur a more severe allergic reaction leading to anaphylactic shock. Particular to this vaccine there has been some worry that by giving a vaccine against a virus that is sexually transmitted it could encourage sexual promiscuity or apathy against sexually transmitted diseases. Some argue that the cost of the vaccination programme is not justifiable when infection could be prevented by safe sex practices.

A girl recently died suddenly after receiving the vaccination in a school in Coventry. As of yet there has been no confirmed link between the vaccine and her death but vaccination programs have been terminated until a result can be determined. Since the start of the programme 1.8 million girls have been given the vaccine and no other deaths have been reported. Other girls given the vaccine in the same school also reported side effects but none needed admitting to hospital. This has newly awakened the debate over the vaccine and whether it should really be given at all.

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Ovarian Cancer Teal Ribbon of Hope

The ovarian cancer teal ribbon of hope is some particular type of ribbon that is basically designed for purposes of giving support to those women who have undergone the ordeal of suffering from cancer of the ovaries. Not only can it be worn to give hope to the survivors of ovarian cancer but it is also a ribbon hope for the families of the survivors. It comes in different forms to fit the taste of the one wearing it. For instance there is a large variety of ovarian cancer teal ribbon of hope that comes in form of wrist watch and also bracelet depending on one's taste. There are also the teal ribbons found on necklaces that are either beaded or made of glass and have the ribbon embedded on them.

Whatever the design of the ribbon it matters less because the most important thing is that awareness about ovarian cancer is raised to the world and these women who have suffered the disease known to be terminal have a ray of hope in their lives and this is a big inspiration to them because it enables them feel thought of and allows them to live each day with a gratuitous heart. The ovarian cancer teal ribbon of hope advocates for awareness and this is made possible by the ways in which this ribbon is displayed. T shirts are the major way in which ovarian cancer teal ribbon of hope has been used to raise awareness.

Others are found as badges, others are displayed on mugs and cups, some are found as key holders, some are on caps and the most unique is that there are even tattoos for this teal ribbon. This thus shows how much people have taken cancer of the ovaries into account and are doing all ways possible to ensure that this becomes common knowledge to everyone and if there is any stigmatization, it becomes a form of teaching and a lesson to those that are estranged to the disease. People have very different reasons as to why they wear the ribbon since it is how the whole thing that revolves around ovarian cancer touched them. Others are activists of the disease and wear the ribbon for such reasons; others wear it for reasons based on cure as well as those who have reasons of advocacy and support.

The ovarian cancer teal ribbon of hope in the recent past has enabled the education on this disease which was the basic reason for its existence in the first place. This further aids in terms of funding and legislation in the national level. So many organizations have come up with similar ways of assisting and have also worked with hospitals in order to raise funds and also do more research on cancer of the ovaries. This is basically the main agenda of such organizations and the ovarian cancer teal ribbon of hope has been the best way to spread the word on it and helping to eradicate the ignorance on cancer of the ovaries and to give the affected hope for the future.

How to Avoid Cervical Cancer Using Natural Methods

Part of taking care of a woman's health is to have a regular Pap test, it is also known as Pap smear test. It's a simple process of checking if there are any changes in the cells of your cervix. According to studies there are natural methods that a woman can simply follow to help avoid the main causes of cervical cancer. Below are some methods that may serve as a guide:

• Strengthen your defenses by eating cabbage. According to studies consuming cabbage and other closely related vegetable helps in fighting cervical cancer-infected cells. It also strengthens the immune system. Eating other vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower will also be a big help, but overcooking is not recommended.

• Strengthen the immune system by simply reading. It is no longer a secret that experiencing chronic stress produces harmful effects in a person's health. It is highly advised to forget problems in our life at least ten (10) minutes each day by reading entertaining books. According to studies it can lower stress levels up to sixty eight percent (68%).

• Eat high folate rich foods. People who have a low intake of folic acid in their bodies are more prone to have pre-cancerous injuries. According to written articles by some experts, people with inadequate intake of vitamin B causes the cervical membrane to become weak and easily be infected by viruses that attacks the cells in a more faster rate. It is highly advice to consume folate rich foods like fortified breakfast cereals, spinach and asparagus.

• Maintain the health of your tissue by drinking green tea. Green tea is known to be a good source of antioxidant which fights cancer cells. One may protect herself from the threat of cervical cancer by consuming few cups of green tea every day.

Silent Killer - What Women Should Know About Ovarian Cancer

The American Cancer Society estimated that approximately 15,280 women died from ovarian cancer in the United States during 2007. Ovarian cancer ranks fifth among cancers in women, and accounts for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. Part of the reason for ovarian cancer's high mortality rate is the difficulty in diagnosing a disease with few warning signs. Another aspect of ovarian cancer that makes the disease one of the most challenging to treat is the fact that tumors can grow quickly, and aggressively spread through the abdomen to other organs.

Like any cancer, the sooner ovarian cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better a woman's chances of survival. If the cancer can be treated before it has spread outside the ovary, the five year survival rate is 93%. However, only 19% of all ovarian cancers are found at this stage, so it is crucial that women of all ages are familiar with symptoms, which can initially be quite vague. These include:

Bleeding from the vagina
Pain in the lower abdomen
Pelvic and/or abdominal swelling, bloating, and/or a feeling of fullness
Unexplained weight gain or loss
Vague but persistent gastrointestinal upsets such as gas, nausea, and indigestion
Unexplained changes in bowel habits
Ongoing unusual fatigue

Women who experience any of these symptoms, but particularly bloating , pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full very quickly, and having the urge to urinate frequently on a daily basis for more than two or three weeks, should contact her gynecologist immediately and schedule a pelvic exam. One of the diagnostic tests available is the transvaginal ultrasound, which helps determine whether there are abnormal growths present or other signs of cancer in the ovaries.

A woman can also inherit an increased risk of ovarian cancer. This is particularly true if a direct relative (mother, father, sister, or daughter) has, or has had ovarian, breast, colon, or prostate cancer. Women with a strong family history of ovarian cancer are more likely to develop the disease at a younger age (prior to 50).

While statistics indicate ovarian cancer mainly occurs in women 55 or older, one third of women who develop this disease are much younger. Regardless of age, one thing for all women to keep in mind is that a Pap Test does not detect ovarian cancer. Currently, there are no reliable, accurate screening tests in existence. However, women should still have annual vaginal exams, as the detection of abnormal swelling or tenderness can be an indication of more serious problems.

Two of the diagnostic tests available are generally used with women having a higher risk of ovarian cancer. The transvaginal sonography or ultrasound (discussed above) is an ultrasound performed with a small instrument placed in the vagina. The second test involves blood work to determine if the level of a tumor marker called CA-125 has increased in the blood. Again, this test is primarily used with women at high risk or who have had an abnormal pelvic exam.

The good news is that rates of this terrible disease are declining. But, to continue making strides in early detection, treatment options, and survival rates, all women need to familiarize themselves with the symptoms associated with ovarian cancer and consult their gynecologist and discuss concerns.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, there are numerous organizations committed to eradicating the disease. These organizations also provide education on treatment and prevention, resources such as support groups, and information on the latest research. Here are some of the most well known:

Gynecologic Cancer Foundation - Established in 1991 by the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO), the mission of GCF is to promote public awareness about the prevention, early detection, and treatment of gynecologic cancers.

www.thegcf.org

National Ovarian Cancer Coalition - Their mission is to raise awareness and promote education about ovarian cancer. The site offers state chapters, breaking news, support and services, clinical trails, and resources.

www.ovarian.org

National Cancer Institute - This organization is under the umbrella of the U.S. National Institute of Health. The site provides extensive information on treatment, prevention and causes, clinical trials, and research.

www.cancer.gov

American Cancer Society - The ACS is a community-based, voluntary organization with chapters throughout the United States. The mission of the ACS is to prevent cancer and save lives.

www.cancer.org

Here Are Some Ways of Identifying Ovarian Cyst Symptoms

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An ovarian cyst is a small sac of liquid with a very thin skin that is found within a woman's ovary. They are very common in premenopausal women. Most of them are benign and they can vary in size from a pea to the size of an orange. Large ovarian cysts may bleed and be extremely painful, so when this happens they are usually surgically removed.

Ovarian cyst symptoms can vary but here are some of the most common ones. Usually, the first to appear is a sharp intermittent or constant pain in the lower back or abdomen. Also, this pain can sometimes extend to the pelvis and vagina.

Other cyst symptoms can include irregular periods and/or pain before the start of menstruation. A woman who is experiencing ovarian cysts may feel her breasts and vagina tender to the touch and they may also feel extremely sensitive and hurt sometimes with the slightest touch or brush against a shirt or underpants. These symptoms may be followed by a change in urinary frequency and in the amount of urine released. This is a sign that the bladder may be under pressure.

Some of the common outside or visual symptoms are weight gain, headaches, an increase in body hair growth and infertility. Some women have also experienced feeling tired and irritated and find they react very slowly to outside stimulus. Others have expressed feeling depressed and out of shape with sharp rib pains as well.

Ovarian cysts are diagnosed with an ultrasound or CT scan. Most of the time small cysts will be left alone and monitored for their growth and general effect on the woman's body. Cysts that persist for more than three menstrual cycles or that are found on post menopausal women may be indications of other more serious diseases like ovarian cancer.

Every woman who feels any symptoms like those mentioned above should take the time to speak with her gynecologist and have an ultrasound exam done to make sure she does not have cysts. Although most cysts tend to be harmless however, sometimes there may be the possibility of them turning into a more serious condition.

Having yourself checked out or examined regularly or whenever the slightest symptom exists is also part of a good preventative plan that can be extremely helpful in assuring that the possibility of an ovarian cysts becoming a more serious condition lessens

Common Ovarian Cyst Symptoms and Treatments

Today ovarian cyst is considered an ordinary situation among women worldwide. Often it shows no symptoms that is why some women are not aware that they have already this dreadful disease. Ovarian cyst will cause pain and other forms of anxieties to the person who has it. Although many of the developed cysts are benign and harmless, there are cysts which can lead to cancer. This kind of ovarian cyst requires an extraordinary attention.

A full knowledge on the cysts on ovaries symptoms will make you decide faster the kind of treatment you should implement in your complicated ovarian cyst. There are countless natural treatments for you to choose from once the cyst ruptures.

o If there is bleeding though it is not time for your monthly menstrual cycle, this mean that the cyst has spurt.
o You can feel continuous hurting of your pelvic region. The pain is unusual menstrual cramp.
o You often suffer from early of delayed, irregular and painful menstrual period. This is because of the cyst in your ovary.
o You encounter unusual urge to urinate because the cyst in your ovary has been burst. The weight of the cyst to the abdominal area has a great impact to your urination and bowel movement.
o You are not pregnant but you feel like vomiting and you also feel the other signs of sickness.
o Ruptured ovarian cyst can cause the imbalance of the female hormones. If this happen you can encounter some changes in your body such as unexpected added weight and the softness of your breast.

As soon as you feel some of the said symptoms, the first thing you should do is to see your doctor to be examined. You must not forget that prevention is always better than cure. If you do not want to suffer from serious damages then you should know as early as possible if you have cysts on your ovary.

Ovarian cyst can change your entire life because of the symptoms you should live trough but it is definitely not the end of the world for those who suffer from this disease because you can cure it using some natural remedies.

o Make sure that nutritious foods are included in your daily diet.
o Refrain from eating too much red meat and dairy products.
o Make drinking herbal teas as one of your daily habit. It will give you long lasting relief from all the discomforts you are suffering.
o Practice exercising daily to maintain your ideal weight. o Always make sure that you have enough time to take a rest.
o You should have self discipline to oblige yourself to take care of yourself properly.

Ovarian Cancer Continues to Challenge Researchers - Multinational Clinical Trial Underway

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 22,000 cases of ovarian cancer will be diagnosed this year, and 15,000 women will die from it. More common in women over 55, there is about a one in 69 chance that a woman will contract ovarian cancer during her lifetime. Ovarian cancer remains the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among women, and though it is a survivable disease, early detection is vital.

If detected and treated before it spreads past the ovaries, 93 percent of women will live longer than five years. Unfortunately, only about 20 percent of the cases are caught before this crucial stage. Fewer than half of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer will survive beyond those five years.

Ovarian cancer frequently becomes resistant to standard chemotherapy drugs, which is known as "chemoresistance." Chemoresistance makes it difficult to successfully manage and treat ovarian cancer.

A Proactive Approach Towards Detection

Although ovarian cancer was once coined "the silent killer," today, increased knowledge regarding what symptoms to look out for has made it easier for women to detect the cancer in its earliest stages.

According to the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance (OCNA), some symptoms appear much more frequently in women with ovarian cancer than other women. These symptoms include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and urinary problems such as excessive urgency or frequency.

OCNA encourages women to see a doctor, preferably a gynecologist, if they experience these symptoms almost daily for more than a few weeks or simply feel abnormal. Women with family histories that include cancer should be especially alert to these types of changes in their bodies. "Better safe than sorry" is the idea, and doctors will conduct pelvic exams, blood tests and transvaginal ultrasounds to look for ovarian cancer.

Once diagnosed, treatments vary widely. Depending on what stage the cancer is in, treatments can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or investigational treatments in clinical trials. Phenoxodiol, one investigational (experimental) drug researchers are studying, is currently beginning Phase III of the clinical trial process. Phenoxodiol, which has designated "Fast Track" status by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is believed to help chemotherapy drugs, such as carboplatin, kill chemoresistant cancer cells by removing factors in the cells that block the killing action of chemotherapy. In laboratory studies, phenoxodiol has demonstrated that cancer cells pretreated with phenoxodiol were killed with lower doses of chemotherapy drugs. Importantly, phenoxodiol has been shown not to adversely affect normal cells in animal and laboratory testing.

A clinical trial called "OVATURE," for OVArian TUmor REsponse, is underway to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of phenoxodiol. The trial, which aims to recruit 470 patients, is being conducted at clinical sites in the U.S., Europe and Australia. Researchers hope that when used in conjunction with chemotherapy (carboplatin), phenoxodiol will battle the cancer better than the chemotherapy can on its own.

In 2007, the National Institutes of Health will invest $106 million in ovarian cancer research. Yet despite continual advances in medicine, ovarian and other cancers remain difficult to detect and treat. It remains important for women to be alert to changes in their bodies and maintain a willingness to take action when something doesn't feel right. While perhaps ovarian cancer can no longer be called a "silent killer," it is still a quiet one. Increased awareness and more research are keys to helping women fight this deadly disease.

Symptoms, Causes, and the Diagnosis of the Ovarian Cyst

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Usually, most of the cysts don't show any symptoms, they are small and benign. Problems can appear if you have larger cysts. Your periods may change, becoming irregular, lighter or heavier than usually, you may feel discomfort low down in your abdomen, or even pain. Sometimes, this pain becomes stronger after you have sex.

The cyst may put pressure on the bladder or bowels, determining you to go to the toilet more often, or sometimes it can cause the production of abnormal quantities of hormones to start. Of course, other symptoms can appear too, especially if you have polycystic ovarian syndrome or endometriosis.

Cysts can cause other problems too. A cyst may burst, having as a result the apparition of a great pain in the lower abdomen. The intensity of the pain depends on a few factors like whether the cyst is infected, or whether there is any bleeding, and it also depends on what the cyst contained. If this problem occurs, you will have to go immediately to the hospital for treatment. Another problem that may appear is when the cyst is growing on a stem from an ovary. In that case, the stem can become twisted, and that will cause a deep pain in the lower abdomen, because the blood supply to the cyst will be stopped.

A functional ovarian cyst appears more often. The follicular cyst appears when, after releasing the egg, the follicle doesn't shed its fluid, or, if the follicle does not release an egg. Continuing to fill with fluid, the follicle becomes a cyst. This is the most common cyst, it can reach five or six centimeters wide, and usually it disappears in a few weeks without any treatment.

Another type, that is not as common as the follicular cyst is the corpus luteum cyst. It appears when the corpus luteum fills with blood or fluid. This kind of cysts can grow up to six centimeters wide and usually disappear in a few months. Although, the cyst can split, and that will cause pain and internal bleeding.

Another type that can appear is the dermoid cyst. It develops from cells that produce eggs in the ovaries, and can contain tissues like skin, hair or teeth. This cyst usually appears in younger woman, and it might be necessary its surgical removal.

Cystadenomas are cysts that also need to be removed, although they are not usually cancerous. They can grow very large, and are often attached to an ovary. Some of them are filled with a mucous substance, and others with a watery liquid.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is provoking the apparition of small benign cysts, which will develop if the hormones produced by the ovaries are not proper balanced. Endometriosis can also determine the apparition of ovarian cysts.

Usually, an ovary cyst is found by chance, during a medical examination. That happens because a lot of ovarian cysts show no symptoms. If the doctor suspects that you have an ovarian cyst, he will send you to the gynaecologist. The gynaecologist will perform a vaginal examination, to see if there is any swelling, and usually you will have an ultrasound scan too. Another method the doctor might follow is to put a small rounded tube in your vagina, to scan the ovaries. After having the ultrasound scan, the doctor will know whether the cyst is functional or not, will have information about how dense it is, but it is possible that you will need to have additional CT or MRI scans also. A blood test is another method to see if there is a tumour. The doctor is looking after the CA-125 protein's level, because a high level can be the sign of ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cysts are very common, and it rarely means they will turn into ovarian cancer. About 95% of the ovarian cysts are non cancerous.