Tag Archives: ovarian cancer

Straight, No Chaser: Ovarian Cancer

General Health and Wellness, Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, , , , , ,

 ovarian-cancer

You are likely aware that the ovaries produce a women’s eggs as well as being the main source of the female’s sex hormones. Ovarian cancer is not the most common gynecological cancer. In fact, it only causes approximately 3% of cancers in women. However, it’s an important one to know because it causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. It is impossible to do justice to ovarian cancer in one blog, so this Straight, No Chaser will feature frequently asked questions on the topic.
How serious is ovarian cancer?

Ovarian Cancer_1in71women

Very. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), in 2014 the following is expected:

  • Approximately 21,980 new cases of ovarian cancer
  • Approximately 14,270 deaths from ovarian cancer

The lifetime risk of dying from invasive ovarian cancer is about 1 in 100.
Who is relatively more likely to obtain ovarian cancer?

  • Ovarian cancer is more common in whites than African-Americans.
  • Approximately half of those diagnosed are 63 years or older.

What increases the risk of developing ovarian cancer?

ovarian-cancer-risk factors

Factors linked to an increase in ovarian cancer risk include the following:

  • Increasing age, particularly after menopause
  • Obesity
  • Breast cancer (those with or have had breast cancer also have a higher risk of ovarian cancer)
  • Family history of ovarian cancer
  • Family history of breast or colorectal cancer

Do any actions reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer?
This needs to be discussed with your physician, as your individual circumstance has a lot to do with actions you can take to lower your risk. That said, general factors linked to a lower risk of ovarian cancer include the following:

  • Consuming a low-fat diet
  • Having been pregnant
  • Having had a hysterectomy (i.e. uterine removal) without removing the ovaries
  • Having had a tubal ligation (i.e. having had your “tubes tied”)
  • Having engaged in breastfeeding
  • Use of birth control pills
  • Use of the contraceptive injection depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA or Depo-Provera CI®)

ovarian cancer anatomy

Can ovarian cancer be found early? Are there screening tests?
Only about 1 in 5 ovarian cancers are found at an early stage. Those that do find it early have an improved chance of successful treatment. About 9 out of 10 women treated for early ovarian cancer will live longer than 5 years after the cancer is found. The best way to find ovarian cancer is to have regular women’s health exams and to see the doctor if you have symptoms.
So far, no screening tests have been shown to lower the risk of dying from ovarian cancer, therefore no tests are recommended.
What are the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer?

ovarian cancer BEAT

Two of the issues in detecting ovarian cancer are symptoms often aren’t present early in the cancer process, and even when symptoms occur, they are easily confused with symptoms more often caused by other things. It’s reasonable to suggest to you that routine evaluation for problems in your gynecological system, particularly those that make you feel different than normal and/or are persistent should prompt an evaluation by a physician.
The most common symptoms are:

  • Abdominal or pelvic pain
  • Abdominal swelling or bloating
  • Difficulty eating and/or a quick sensation of feeling full while eating
  • Frequent and/or urgent urination

Other symptoms can include:

  • Abdominal swelling that is accompanied by weight loss
  • Back pain
  • Constipation
  • Fatigue
  • Menstrual changes
  • Painful sexual intercourse
  • Upset stomach

If you have any of these problems, talk to your doctor so that the cause can be found.
Diagnosis, treatment, staging and recovery considerations are discussed at www.sterlingmedicaladvice.com.
Feel free to ask any questions you may have on this topic.
Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new book Behind The Curtain: A Peek at Life from within the ER at jeffreysterlingbooks.com, iTunes, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and wherever books are sold.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2016 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser: Gynecological Cancer Awareness

Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, , , , , , , ,

Gyne cancers

September is Gynecological Cancer Awareness month, and the challenge is to become empowered through knowledge in an effort to avoid becoming a victim. Consider this post your “essentials” for awareness and prevention. The group of gynecologic cancers include cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulvar. This Straight, No Chaser will provide a quick overview on the three most common types (uterine, cervical and ovarian cancers) and will be followed by posts on each.

Gynecologic-Cancer-Projections-chart_800x462

General considerations:

  • All women are at risk for gynecologic cancers.
  • Generally, risk increases with age.
  • Treatment is most effective after early detection.

gyne cancer female reproductive system

Cervical cancer:

  • How you get it – It is thought to be caused by a virus named the Human Papilloma Virus.
  • How you address it – It is preventable if you get vaccinated before you become sexually active, and risk is lowered by not smoking. Detection occurs by Pap smears as recommended by your gynecologist or family doctor.
  • What to look for – There are usually no early symptoms, although you should be alarmed by the presence of bleeding after intercourse or between menstrual periods, or by the presence of excessive and persistent vaginal discharge.

Uterine/Endometrial Cancer (the most common gynecological cancer)

  • How you get it – Family histories of endometrial or colon cancers are important contributors to subsequent development of uterine cancer. Additional risk factors are the use of estrogen alone or use of the drug tamoxifen. Uterine cancer usually occurs around menopause.
  • How you address it – Your best bet is to reduce your risk by managing your weight and keeping blood pressure and blood sugar under control. You must be diligent here; routine Pap tests do not detect uterine cancer.
  • What to look for – Vaginal bleeding after menopause or the presence of irregular or very heavy bleeding in younger women could be signs.

Ovarian Cancer

  • How you get it – Risk factors notably include increasing age and obesity. Protective considerations include early use of birth control pills and carrying a pregnancy to term delivery by age 26.
  • How you address it – You really must have a conversation with your physician about ovarian cancer. There is no screening exam or test for it. Your best protection is to learn and reduce the risks, and you should promptly seek evaluation in the presence of symptoms.
  • What to look for – Symptoms can be easily attributed to other problems. If symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, don’t delay getting evaluated. Such symptoms include bloating, abdominal or pelvic pain, difficulty eating or quick sensations of feeling full and urinary frequency or urgency.

gynecologic_cancer_awareness_month_v3_card-p137711908862306718envwi_400

Although these are topics that you likely would prefer not to think about, they represent disease that you really don’t want to endure, so learn the risks, lower them through prevention and keep your regularly scheduled appointments. If you develop one of these cancers and get detected early, you’ll be very glad you took these simple steps.
Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new book Behind The Curtain: A Peek at Life from within the ER at jeffreysterlingbooks.com, iTunes, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and wherever books are sold.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright, Sterling Initiatives, LLC. 2013-2015

Straight, No Chaser: Ovarian Cancer

General Health and Wellness, , , , ,

 ovarian-cancer

You are likely aware that the ovaries produce a women’s eggs as well as being the main source of the female’s sex hormones. Ovarian cancer is not the most common gynecological cancer. In fact, it only causes approximately 3% of cancers in women. However, it’s an important one to know because it causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. It is impossible to do justice to ovarian cancer in one blog, so this Straight, No Chaser will feature frequently asked questions on the topic.
How serious is ovarian cancer?

Ovarian Cancer_1in71women

Very. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), in 2014 the following is expected:

  • Approximately 21,980 new cases of ovarian cancer
  • Approximately 14,270 deaths from ovarian cancer

The lifetime risk of dying from invasive ovarian cancer is about 1 in 100.
Who is relatively more likely to obtain ovarian cancer?

  • Ovarian cancer is more common in whites than African-Americans.
  • Approximately half of those diagnosed are 63 years or older.

What increases the risk of developing ovarian cancer?

ovarian-cancer-risk factors

Factors linked to an increase in ovarian cancer risk include the following:

  • Increasing age, particularly after menopause
  • Obesity
  • Breast cancer (those with or have had breast cancer also have a higher risk of ovarian cancer)
  • Family history of ovarian cancer
  • Family history of breast or colorectal cancer

Do any actions reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer?
This needs to be discussed with your physician, as your individual circumstance has a lot to do with actions you can take to lower your risk. That said, general factors linked to a lower risk of ovarian cancer include the following:

  • Consuming a low-fat diet
  • Having been pregnant
  • Having had a hysterectomy (i.e. uterine removal) without removing the ovaries
  • Having had a tubal ligation (i.e. having had your “tubes tied”)
  • Having engaged in breastfeeding
  • Use of birth control pills
  • Use of the contraceptive injection depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA or Depo-Provera CI®)

ovarian cancer anatomy

Can ovarian cancer be found early? Are there screening tests?
Only about 1 in 5 ovarian cancers are found at an early stage. Those that do find it early have an improved chance of successful treatment. About 9 out of 10 women treated for early ovarian cancer will live longer than 5 years after the cancer is found. The best way to find ovarian cancer is to have regular women’s health exams and to see the doctor if you have symptoms.
So far, no screening tests have been shown to lower the risk of dying from ovarian cancer, therefore no tests are recommended.
What are the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer?

ovarian cancer BEAT

Two of the issues in detecting ovarian cancer are symptoms often aren’t present early in the cancer process, and even when symptoms occur, they are easily confused with symptoms more often caused by other things. It’s reasonable to suggest to you that routine evaluation for problems in your gynecological system, particularly those that make you feel different than normal and/or are persistent should prompt an evaluation by a physician.
The most common symptoms are:

  • Abdominal or pelvic pain
  • Abdominal swelling or bloating
  • Difficulty eating and/or a quick sensation of feeling full while eating
  • Frequent and/or urgent urination

Other symptoms can include:

  • Abdominal swelling that is accompanied by weight loss
  • Back pain
  • Constipation
  • Fatigue
  • Menstrual changes
  • Painful sexual intercourse
  • Upset stomach

If you have any of these problems, talk to your doctor so that the cause can be found.
Diagnosis, treatment, staging and recovery considerations are discussed at www.sterlingmedicaladvice.com.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what 844-SMA-TALK and http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) offer. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2014 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress.

Straight, No Chaser: Gynecological Cancer Awareness

Health Prevention, Obstetrics and Gynecology, , , , , , ,

Gyne cancers

September is Gynecological Cancer Awareness month, and the challenge is to become empowered through knowledge in an effort to avoid becoming a victim. Consider this post your “essentials” for awareness and prevention. The group of gynecologic cancers include cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulvar. This Straight, No Chaser will provide a quick overview on the three most common types (uterine, cervical and ovarian cancers) and will be followed by posts on each.

Gynecologic-Cancer-Projections-chart_800x462

General considerations:

  • All women are at risk for gynecologic cancers.
  • Generally, risk increases with age.
  • Treatment is most effective after early detection.

gyne cancer female reproductive system

Cervical cancer:

  • How you get it – It is thought to be caused by a virus named the Human Papilloma Virus.
  • How you address it – It is preventable if you get vaccinated before you become sexually active, and risk is lowered by not smoking. Detection occurs by Pap smears as recommended by your gynecologist or family doctor.
  • What to look for – There are usually no early symptoms, although you should be alarmed by the presence of bleeding after intercourse or between menstrual periods, or by the presence of excessive and persistent vaginal discharge.

Uterine/Endometrial Cancer (the most common gynecological cancer)

  • How you get it – Family histories of endometrial or colon cancers are important contributors to subsequent development of uterine cancer. Additional risk factors are the use of estrogen alone or use of the drug tamoxifen. Uterine cancer usually occurs around menopause.
  • How you address it – Your best bet is to reduce your risk by managing your weight and keeping blood pressure and blood sugar under control. You must be diligent here; routine Pap tests do not detect uterine cancer.
  • What to look for – Vaginal bleeding after menopause or the presence of irregular or very heavy bleeding in younger women could be signs.

Ovarian Cancer

  • How you get it – Risk factors notably include increasing age and obesity. Protective considerations include early use of birth control pills and carrying a pregnancy to term delivery by age 26.
  • How you address it – You really must have a conversation with your physician about ovarian cancer. There is no screening exam or test for it. Your best protection is to learn and reduce the risks, and you should promptly seek evaluation in the presence of symptoms.
  • What to look for – Symptoms can be easily attributed to other problems. If symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, don’t delay getting evaluated. Such symptoms include bloating, abdominal or pelvic pain, difficulty eating or quick sensations of feeling full and urinary frequency or urgency.

gynecologic_cancer_awareness_month_v3_card-p137711908862306718envwi_400

Although these are topics that you likely would prefer not to think about, they represent disease that you really don’t want to endure, so learn the risks, lower them through prevention and keep your regularly scheduled appointments. If you develop one of these cancers and get detected early, you’ll be very glad you took these simple steps.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what 844-SMA-TALK and http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) offer. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2014 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress.