SEPTEMBER IS OVARIAN
CANCER AWARENESS MONTH |
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Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause
of cancer death among women in the United States. The number of new
ovarian cancer cases is decreasing slightly each year. In addition,
fewer deaths are resulting from ovarian cancer. |
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About 1 in every 57 women in the United
States will develop ovarian cancer. Most cases occur in women over the
age of 50, but this disease can also affect younger women. |
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The age-adjusted mortality rate is highest
among white women, followed by Hawaiian women, and black women. |
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SCREENING |
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The main
screening tools for ovarian cancer are pelvic examination,
transvaginal ultrasonography, CA 125, Pap smear (or test), and
culdocentesis. |
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The sooner ovarian cancer is found and
treated, the better a woman's chance for recovery. But ovarian cancer
is hard to detect early. Many times, women with ovarian cancer have no
symptoms or just mild symptoms until the disease is in an advanced
stage. Scientists are studying ways to detect ovarian cancer before
symptoms develop. |
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WHAT YOU CAN DO |
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As we learn more about what causes ovarian
cancer, we may also learn how to reduce the chance of getting this
disease. Some studies have shown that breast feeding and taking birth
control pills (oral contraceptives) may decrease a woman's likelihood
of developing ovarian cancer. Women who have had an operation that
prevents pregnancy (tubal
ligation) or have had their uterus and
cervix removed (hysterectomy)
also have a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer. In addition, some
evidence suggests that reducing the amount of fat in the diet may
lower the risk of developing ovarian cancer. |
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Women who are concerned about ovarian
cancer may want to talk with a doctor who specializes in treating
women with cancer: a
gynecologist, a
gynecologic oncologist, or a
medical oncologist. The doctor may be able to suggest ways to
reduce the likelihood of developing ovarian cancer and can plan an
appropriate schedule for checkups. |
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Some Questions To Ask Your Doctor |
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Diagnosis |
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What tests can diagnose ovarian
cancer? |
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Are they painful? Do they carry any
other risks to my health? |
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How soon after the tests will I
learn the results? |
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What type of ovarian cancer do I
have? |
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Treatment |
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What treatments are recommended for
me? |
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What clinical trials are appropriate
for my type of cancer? |
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Will I need to be in the hospital to
receive my treatment? For how long? |
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How might my normal activities
change during my treatment? |
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Side Effects |
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What side effects should I expect?
How long will they last? |
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Whom should I call if I am concerned
about a side effect? |
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Follow-up |
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After treatment, how often do I need
to be checked? What type of follow-up care should I have? |
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Will I eventually be able to resume
my normal activities? |
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The Health Care Team |
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Who will be involved with my
treatment and follow-up care? What is the role of each member of the
health care team in my care? |
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What has been your experience in
caring for patients with ovarian cancer? |
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Resources |
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Are there support groups in the area
with people I can talk to? |
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Are there organizations where I can
get more information about ovarian cancer? |