Hello, Beauties🌸 Today’s post, a crucial question for women over the age of 50. Do You Know The Subtle Signs of Ovarian Cancer?
Just What Is Ovarian Cancer?
Let’s go back to school with Biology 101 for female anatomy. Ovarian cancer is a women’s disease that begins in the ovaries. The ovaries are almond-sized reproductive organs that release eggs and make hormones and are responsible for many reproductive functions. Each woman has two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus.
Get the Facts:
◊ All women are at risk of ovarian cancer
◊ Symptoms can be vague, but they exist and increase over time
◊ A Pap Test DOES NOT detect ovarian cancer
◊ With early cancer detection at the most initial signs, women have a 93% survival rate of 5 years
Ovarian Cancer is the most challenging form of gynecological cancers to diagnose. Because there is no screening test for ovarian cancer, it is vital that you recognize the signs and symptoms. The prevalence of this silent killer is staggering. Early detection saves lives as with any malignancy. Here are the numbers from the American Cancer Society:
What are the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer?
Ovarian Cancer is on the deadliest cancers – and one of the most misunderstood. Because the ovaries are near the intestines and bladder, symptoms can appear to be common digestive disruptions or urinary problems. According to Theresa Werner, M.D., ” Many patients attribute symptoms to growing older and don’t seek medical attention.”
Risk Factors:
The many factors that may increase one’s risk of ovarian cancer:
◊ Age – Half of all Ovarian Cancers found in individuals, aged 63 and older
◊ Obesity – Obese individuals or those with a BMY (body mass index) of at least 30
◊ Inherited Genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2)
◊ Family HIstory
◊ Personal HIstory of Breast Cancer
Keep reading; there are more Risk Factors:
◊ Hormone Replacement Therapy – long-term and a high dose of estrogen hormone replacement therapy increases one’s risk
◊ Individuals who become pregnant and carry the pregnancy to full-term before the age of 26 are less likely to develop O.V
◊ Fertility Treatment – Individuals who have undergone any fertility treatment have an increased risk of ovarian cancer
◊ Birth Control Use – Ladies who have used oral contraceptives have a lower risk of ovarian cancer.
I plan to personally look into genetic testing for cancer of any kind since my mother is a survivor of breast cancer.
Tests and Diagnosis:
◊ Imaging Tests – may include ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans.
◊ Blood Tests – Certain Ovarian cancers release a protein called CA- 125. Blood tests can detect the presence of this protein.
◊ Biopsy – To further test any suspicious spots or tumors, your doctor may remove a sample tissue from your abdomen or pelvis in what’s called a biopsy.
Treatment Options:
◊ Surgery is the primary treatment
◊ Chemotherapy in some cases for the initial treatment option
◊ Hormone therapy
◊ Radiation therapy
I did today’s post to educate not only you as a woman over the age of 50, but to educate me as well. I learn as I do my homework for any health awareness post. Today’s information is helpful for my challenge.
My 81-year-old mother received her recent diagnosis of ovarian cancer from another routine examination. Her personal history of breast cancer put her at risk for ovarian cancer. It was the abdominal pain (one of the subtle symptoms) thought to be a hernia found by a regular appointment with her gastroenterologist. The extreme concern led to further diagnostic testing and a biopsy. Unfortunately, the diagnosis, ovarian cancer.
My mom is a fighter with determination. She’s claiming to live to be 100 and beyond. And she’s my weekly prayer partner. I know I will have a good report for a future post. In the meantime, I do appreciate any prayers you can say for my Mom.
My request of you, KNOW the subtle signs of ovarian cancer😘
Thank you for reading. Have a fabulous week.
