Ovarian cancer - also known as the silent murderer

The Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Florida (OLAF) held its Annual Teal Magnolia lunch fundraiser this weekend in Central Florida.

During the event, I had the honor of sitting next to a woman who lost her daughter 28 years for ovarian cancer several years ago. Although they have treated patients suffering from cancer 12 years, I was impressed even by the young age of his daughter. Ripper!

According to the National Cancer Institute, the definitionOvarian cancer: Cancer that forms in tissues of the ovary (one of a pair of female reproductive glands in which form the ova or eggs). Most ovarian cancers are epithelial ovarian carcinomas (cancer that begins in cells in the ovary) or malignant germ cell tumors (cancer that begins in egg cells).

Estimated number of new cases and deaths from ovarian cancer in the United States in 2009:

Newcases: 21,550
Deaths: 14,600

There is no test for ovarian cancer. The Pap test does not detect this type of cancer! This makes it difficult to diagnose why a woman should pay attention to your body and have symptoms checked out.

Please take a moment to review the symptoms of ovarian cancer as provided by OLAF:

- Swelling
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Difficulty eating or feeling as soon as all
- Urinary symptoms(Urgency or frequency)

Consult your doctor, preferably a gynecologist, if these symptoms are unusual for you, and occur almost daily for more than a few weeks.

Experts suggest a combination pelvic exam / rectal, transvaginal ultrasound, CA125 blood.

If ovarian cancer is suspected, experts suggest seeking a second opinion from a gynecologic oncologist before surgery is performed.

Ovarian cancer is not an "old lady"disease. This cancer affects women of all ages. In 2003-2007, the average age was 63, but there have been cases of women under age 20 and over 85 years. Due to the difficulty in diagnosing this cancer is often at an advanced stage before being detected. This has earned the nickname "the silent murderer."

If diagnosed when found, is simply a rate of 93% survival at five years. Therefore it is very important to know the symptoms and careto what your body is telling you!

Be your own advocate. Listen to your body. If you suspect anything unusual, take control and get a check! You owe it to yourself and your loved ones.

The symptoms of ovarian cancer - Silent Symptoms You Should Know

Symptoms of ovarian cancer is unlikely to be detected unless they are aware of early signs and symptoms. Cancer celebrates its reputation as "the silent murderer" because of the lack of obvious symptoms in its early stages, when its still curable. In three of four patients, the cancer has spread from the lower abdomen to other organs before it was discovered in its final stages. And although 95% of womenfirst signs of the experience before diagnosis, but unfortunately most of these women do not recognize them as symptoms of ovarian cancer. Therefore, it is essential to understand the hidden signs that can move quickly from where it becomes too late to heal . Read carefully to learn some early signs and symptoms.

Signs and symptoms

The following may also be several health problems, but be careful if you feelone or more of the following symptoms for 1-3 weeks, consult your doctor for a pelvic exam and a recto-vaginal component, which will show the best estimate of a timely diagnosis.

Symptoms include lower abdominal pressure or discomfort, increased frequency of gas, lack of appetite, unusual weight change, abnormal menstrual cycle, a feeling of heaviness in the pelvis, increased frequency and urgency of urination and / or burning or spasms urination, bloating, fullness, bloating, constant indigestion, changes in bowel movements, tiredness or fatigue, nausea and vomiting, bleeding, especially if you are in menstruation, back pain that worsens over time, difficulty breathing , acne, pain during or after sex, pain in or around the ovaries or pelvic area and fever.

The link between ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer> Cancer

Although not a fact, studies have found that those who relapse, and sustained or had ovarian cysts, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) showed a higher risk for the development of ovarian cancer. Ovarian cysts fact most of women worldwide. Statistics show that nearly 80% of women will develop ovarian cysts at some point in their lives, but not all women experience symptoms. It is important to learn to treat cysts and polycystic ovary syndromeand reduce the risk of developing cancer.

Treatment of ovarian cysts and cancer risk reduction

You can reduce the risk of cancer with only the treatment of ovarian cysts or PCOS before they start to become dangerous. Taken or hormonal birth control pills did not remove the cysts or PCOS, because prescription drugs may affect only some symptoms, but do not actually prevent the recurrence of the cyst. However, the rightward shiftdiet, exercise, and alternate with natural treatments as herbal medicines, were found to fall sharply and also prevent the recurrence of cysts and PCOS, and reduce the risk of developing cancer. 's definitely something that your doctor does not talk But many women are actually a great success with natural treatment options that have eliminated their cysts in a very short period of just two months.

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms - Silent Symptoms You Must Know

Ovarian cancer symptoms are very unlikely to be detected unless you have knowledge of the early signs and symptoms. The cancer holds its reputation as "The Silent Killer" because of the lack of obvious symptoms in its early stage when its still curable. In three out of four patients, the cancer has already spread from the lower abdomen to other organs before it was discovered in its later stages. And though, 95% of women do experience early signs prior to diagnosis, but sadly the majority of these women do not recognize it as symptoms of ovarian cancer. Therefore, it is crucially important to understand the hidden signs that may pass by swiftly in which it becomes too late to cure. Read thoroughly to learn some of the early signs and symptoms.

Signs & Symptoms

The following can also be from varies other health issues but be cautious if you experience one or more of the symptoms below for one to three weeks and contact your doctor immediately for a pelvic examination test, and a recto-vaginal component, which will show the best prediction of a timely diagnosis.

Symptoms include lower abdominal pressure or discomfort, increased frequent gas, lack of appetite, unusual weight change, abnormality in your menstrual cycles, sense of heaviness in the pelvic, increased frequency and urgency to urinate and/or burning or spasms while urinating, abdomen swelling, feeling full, constant bloating, indigestion, changes in bowel movements, unusual tiredness or fatigue, nausea and vomiting, vaginal bleeding or discharge especially when your not in your menstrual period, lower back pain that worsens over time, difficulty breathing, onset of acne, pain during or after intercourse, sharp pain in or around the ovaries or the pelvic area, and fever.

The link between ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer

Although it is not a fact, studies did find that those who have constant onsets of ovarian cysts or had polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) showed a much increased risk to developing ovarian cancer. Ovarian cysts effects a high majority of women worldwide. Statistics has shown that almost 80% of all women will develop an ovarian cyst at some point in their life, but not all women will experience symptoms. It is vital to learn how to treat cysts or PCOS and reduce your risks of developing cancer.

Treating ovarian cysts and decreasing your cancer risks

You can decrease your cancer risks simply by treating your ovarian cysts or PCOS before they start to get dangerous. Taken birth control or hormonal pills will not take away cysts or PCOS because prescription medication may only cover some symptoms but do not actually prevent the cysts from reoccurring. However, changing to the right diet, exercise, and alternating to natural treatments such as herbal remedies, were found to dramatically shrink and even prevent cysts and PCOS from reoccurring and lowering risks to developing cancer. It is surely something your doctor never mentions to you, but many women actually found great success using natural treatment options that eliminated their cysts within a very short period of only two month.

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