The majority of Ovarian Cancers are diagnosed late, after the cancers have spread. Only about 19% of women are diagnosed early, when the disease may be curable. Many people don’t know the symptoms that might indicate Ovarian Cancer in the majority of women who develop the disease
"Ovarian Cancer is a killer disease -- early detection greatly increases the chance of survival."
• bloating • pelvic or abdominal pain • difficulty eating or feeling full quickly • urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency) • fatigue • indigestion • pain with intercourse • constipation • back pain and • menstrual irregularities
The problem is that these symptoms are found equally in women without the disease. Nonetheless early recognition of symptoms is the best existing way to save women’s lives. If women have these symptoms for longer than a couple of weeks, they should consult their doctor and express their concern about Ovarian Cancer. Research shows that about 90% of women with early-stage Ovarian Cancer do experience symptoms. Doctors do not know exactly what causes Ovarian Cancer. All women are at risk, however, some factors and conditions may increase a woman’s risk of developing this condition such as age (women over 50 are more likely), a family history of breast or colon cancer, and women who have never given birth. Women need to know if they may be at a higher risk for Ovarian Cancer, and if so, what actions to take. In fact, 90% of women diagnosed do not have a family history that might put them at a higher risk.
Although Ovarian Cancer is less common than breast cancer, the low five-year survival rate underscores its deadliness. Proven tools and methods exist for early detection of breast and cervical cancers. Through scientific advancements, advocacy and education, the breast and cervical cancer communities have dramatically increased the detection of these cancers in their most treatable stages and decreased mortality rates. This is the type of progress and the resources that need to be applied to Ovarian Cancer.
The majority of Ovarian Cancers are found at an advanced stage and there is a critical need for a reliable screening test because many lives could be saved. The tests that are currently available are: a transvaginal ultrasound which will demonstrate whether the ovaries are abnormal and additional tests needed, and a CA-125 blood test which measures a protein on the ovarian surface. Over 90% of women with advanced Ovarian Cancer will have an elevated CA-125. Women with a close family member or several family members with ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer or the BRCA1 or BRCA2 or HNPCC gene should discuss their risk factors with their doctor.
The objectives for organizing our Run/Walk is to fund and deliver an education program in the greater Williamsburg area. Hopefully money will be available to also pay for some deductibles and co-pays where otherwise treatment could not be possible.
There is no reliable and easy-to-administer test for Ovarian Cancer (as there is for cervical cancer with a Pap smear). Unfortunately less than one-third of Ovarian Cancers are detected before they have spread outside of the ovaries.
Signs to Look For
There is no definitive screening test for early Ovarian Cancer.
