Yesterday I had the privilege of attending a free informative seminar are Sibley Hospital titled: Ovarian Health: Knowledge Is Power. As many of you may know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Around this time of year, I often see many women sporting pink ribbons in honor of this month. But, how often have you seen an individual wearing a ‘teal’ colored ribbon? Probably not often.
Not to demoralize or minimize the severity of breast cancer, but I sometimes feel that ovarian cancer doesn’t quite get the recognition it should. It’s one of the most deadly forms of cancer that affect women, and often when it’s diagnosed, most women are in stages 3 or 4. I know first hand how scary this form of cancer can be, as a close family member of mine was treated for this very disease. I truly appreciate the doctors who took time out of their busy schedules to inform us, the public, about this deadly form of cancer. The doctors that spoke on this issue are four of the most outstanding leading medical professionals in the field Gynecologic Oncology. And I know that two in particular specialize in ‘bloodless’ surgery – which in and of itself has a host of health benefits whether you have cancer or not.
While there’s no way I can relay all the information discussed in this seminar, I would like to summarize some of the notes that I took. I was quite shocked that I was one of three women between the ages of 20-30 to attend this seminar. The other audience members were mostly comprised of middle aged to elderly men and women. More women need to educate themselves about ovarian cancer, as it truly is a ‘silent malignancy’. There are rarely any glaring symptoms, as some symptoms are often mistaken for gastric problems. I think you will find the points below very interesting. If you suspect that there could be any problem at all, you should definitely follow up with a doctor. I personally think prevention for any disease can start with regular check-ups – especially if you notice something out of the ordinary.
Wednesday September 29, 2010
6:30pm – 8:00pm
Sibley Memorial Hospital
Program MC: Frederick R. Smith, MD, Medical Oncologist
Click here for seminar description
Not to demoralize or minimize the severity of breast cancer, but I sometimes feel that ovarian cancer doesn’t quite get the recognition it should. It’s one of the most deadly forms of cancer that affect women, and often when it’s diagnosed, most women are in stages 3 or 4. I know first hand how scary this form of cancer can be, as a close family member of mine was treated for this very disease. I truly appreciate the doctors who took time out of their busy schedules to inform us, the public, about this deadly form of cancer. The doctors that spoke on this issue are four of the most outstanding leading medical professionals in the field Gynecologic Oncology. And I know that two in particular specialize in ‘bloodless’ surgery – which in and of itself has a host of health benefits whether you have cancer or not.
While there’s no way I can relay all the information discussed in this seminar, I would like to summarize some of the notes that I took. I was quite shocked that I was one of three women between the ages of 20-30 to attend this seminar. The other audience members were mostly comprised of middle aged to elderly men and women. More women need to educate themselves about ovarian cancer, as it truly is a ‘silent malignancy’. There are rarely any glaring symptoms, as some symptoms are often mistaken for gastric problems. I think you will find the points below very interesting. If you suspect that there could be any problem at all, you should definitely follow up with a doctor. I personally think prevention for any disease can start with regular check-ups – especially if you notice something out of the ordinary.
Wednesday September 29, 2010
6:30pm – 8:00pm
Sibley Memorial Hospital
Program MC: Frederick R. Smith, MD, Medical Oncologist
Click here for seminar description
- Ovarian Cancer is often found after it has spread to other organs
- Risk Factors include: Family history, BRCA 1 + 2 mutation, age; and women who have not had children, and women who have had other cancers increase the risk.
- Individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent have a higher risk of carrying the BRCA mutation
- Factors that decrease the risk of Ovarian cancer: Having been on birth control for 4+ years and removal of ovaries (though not 100% effective)
- Ovarian cancer is the most lethal form of cancer, and the symptoms are often very vague.
- Symptoms of ovarian cancer: excessive bloating, abdominal distention, pelvic pain, urinary symptoms, feeling ‘full’ quickly, gas/nausea/indigestion, tiredness and fatigue.
- Ovarian Cancer is typically diagnosed by: a pelvic exam, a rectal exam, abdominal exam, tests-such as a pelvic ultrasound, CA125 (although there can be false negatives and false positives), and a CT scan.
- Ovarian cancer is rarely found in stage 1, and because of this, there is not much data available for stage 1 patients.
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