Ovarian cancer awareness month is celebrated in October. This event was created to raise awareness about the disease and to encourage women to get checked if they think they are at risk. Women can learn more about the symptoms, risk factors, and how to prevent the disease from affecting them. Do you know what the symptoms of ovarian cancer are? Do you know how to detect it early? Did you know that ovarian cancer awareness month is coming up soon?
If you’ve been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, you probably know how difficult it is. The symptoms are not always apparent, the treatments can be devastating, and there’s often a long recovery time ahead. I created this list of 8 tips to help you spread the word about ovarian cancer awareness month.
Every day, more women die from ovarian cancer. The early detection and treatment of ovarian cancer is the key to preventing the death of thousands of women every year. This month, we’re highlighting Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. We want women to know that there are things they can do to help find the disease earlier, saving their lives.
What is ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that affects the ovaries, the organ that produces female eggs. It’s the second most common type of gynecological cancer after cervical cancer. Most women who develop ovarian cancer are between 40 and 75. But because the disease can remain undetected until the very late stages, many cases are diagnosed after age 75.
What is the most common type of ovarian cancer?
The most common type of ovarian cancer is epithelial ovarian cancer. It accounts for 70% of all ovarian cancers. Epithelial ovarian cancer is also the most curable form of ovarian cancer. It is found at a much earlier stage than other types of ovarian cancer and has a much better prognosis. In addition to being the most common type of ovarian cancer, it is also the most treatable. That’s why the most important thing to do is get regular checkups.
Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancers. According to the National Cancer Institute, ovarian cancer is the seventh most common type of cancer among women, and it is the second most deadly after breast cancer. Unfortunately, the symptoms are not always obvious. Women can experience pelvic pain, bloating, frequent urination, changes in menstrual cycles, and backaches. Ovarian cancer usually takes months to years to develop. While the symptoms can be alarming, it’s important to remember that the risk factors are the same for both types of cancer. The most important thing is to be aware of your symptoms, and if you notice something unusual, see your doctor immediately.
Treatment options for ovarian cancer
In the last few years, we’ve seen a massive shift in how ovarian cancer treatment is done. It’s no longer as simple as removing the ovaries and hoping for the best. We now know that several treatment options are available, and they can be combined to make the treatments more effective. For example, we can remove the ovaries and the lymph nodes under them and then give chemotherapy. Or we can remove the ovaries and then give chemotherapy, plus a blood transfusion. While all these treatments are still very effective, they can leave you with fertility issues and be very harsh on your body. I’m not saying that these are harmful treatments, but I am saying that it’s essential to have a good idea of what’s going on in your body before you make any treatment decisions.
How can I prevent ovarian cancer?
As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Unfortunately, ovarian cancer is still a severe problem. In 2018, there were nearly 14,000 new cases of ovarian cancer and 4,200 deaths from the disease. While many women can detect the symptoms of ovarian cancer early, it’s still hard to know if you’re at risk. If you are concerned about developing ovarian cancer, the best thing to do is get regular checkups. While there’s no way to prevent ovarian cancer completely, you can reduce your risk by having regular gynecological exams and watching your diet.
Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors
According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer affects nearly 25,000 women per year. But what if you already have ovarian cancer? That’s a scary thought. And if you’ve got a family history of ovarian cancer, you’re especially at risk. While there’s no way to prevent ovarian cancer, you can reduce your risk. These are the most critical risk factors to know about:
Family History: Having one first-degree relative (parent, sibling, child) with ovarian cancer increases your risk of developing ovarian cancer by 25 percent.
Age: The incidence rate of ovarian cancer is highest in the 70s and 80s. However, women of any age can develop ovarian cancer.
Race/Ethnicity: Women of Ashkenazi Jewish descent have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer than other ethnic backgrounds.
Reproductive History: Women who have never had children have a slightly increased risk of ovarian cancer than women who have had children.
BRCA 1/2 Gene Mutations: Women with a BRCA 1 or 2 gene mutation have a high risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.
These are the most common risk factors. To learn more, visit the American Cancer Society.
Frequently asked questions about ovarian cancer.
Q: What’s the most important thing people should know about ovarian cancer?
A: Ovarian cancer is silent. It’s the most common cancer in women under 40 years old. Most of the time, it is detected after it has spread through the body. The only way to detect ovarian cancer early is by taking a pelvic exam. If any changes are found in the ovaries, the doctor will need to take an ultrasound or other tests to find out if there is anything else wrong with the ovaries.
Q: How often do you need to be tested for ovarian cancer?
A: I have a CA 125 test every year. The results determine if I need to have surgery.
Q: Is there a cure for ovarian cancer?
A: Ovarian cancer is not curable; however, it can be treated with surgery or chemotherapy. In some cases, women can be cured with surgery alone.
Q: How long is your life expectancy after being diagnosed?
A: Because my cancer was in my ovary, I don’t have a good prognosis. It could be six months, two years, or longer. My mom died at the age of 51 from ovarian cancer.
Myths about ovarian cancer
1. Ovarian cancer is rare.
2. Only women over 40 should be concerned with ovarian cancer.
3. Ovarian cancer is not hereditary.
4. If you are not a woman, you do not have to worry about ovarian cancer.
5. The risk of ovarian cancer goes down after menopause.
Conclusion
One of the most incredible things about being a blogger is the ability to share your own story. And for many people, that means telling their own stories. However, sharing your own story is not just for women with ovarian cancer. I would encourage everyone to tell their own story. It’s a great way to connect with other people and gain support and inspiration. My advice is to start by writing about the topic that interests you the most.
