Letter from Shelley & Amber

In 2002 our lives were forever changed when our mom, Liz, was diagnosed with Stage 1 Ovarian Cancer. In February, Mom will be a 8 year survivor.  We are are passionate about spreading Ovarian Cancer awareness and encouraging education for both women and men of all ages.

We hope you will pass this information on to all the women in your life!

Shelley and Amber

Risks and Symptoms

Risk Factors

While the presence of one or more risk factors may increase a woman’s chance of getting ovarian cancer, it does not necessarily mean she will get the disease. A woman with one or more risk factors should be extra vigilant in watching for early symptoms. Risk factors include:

• Genetic predisposition
  
• Personal or family history of breast, ovarian or colon cancer
  
•  Increasing age
  
• Undesired fertility

• All women are at risk
• Symptoms exist - they can be vague, but increase over time
  
• Early detection increases survival rate
  
• A Pap test DOES NOT detect ovarian cancer
  

• Pelvic or abdominal pain or discomfort
  Vague but persistent gastrointestinal upsets such as gas, nausea, and indigestion
• Frequency and/or urgency of urination in the absence of an infection
• Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
  Pelvic and/or abdominal swelling, bloating and/or feeling of fullness
• Ongoing unusual fatigue
  Unexplained changes in bowel habits
  

How is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed?

Unfortunately, most women with ovarian cancer are diagnosed with advanced-stage disease (Stage III). This is because the symptoms of ovarian cancer (particularly in the early stages) often are not acute or intense, and present vaguely. In most cases, ovarian cancer is not detected during routine pelvic exams, unless the doctor notes that the ovary is enlarged. The sooner ovarian cancer is found and treated, the better a woman’s chance for recovery. It is important to know that early stage symptoms are not silent – so women should be extra alert and watch out for early symptoms.

Did You Know?

The Pap test does not detect ovarian cancer. It determines cancer of the cervix.

Screening Tests

Although there is no consistently-reliable screening test to detect ovarian cancer, the following tests are available and should be offered to women, especially those at high risk for ovarian cancer.

• Pelvic Exam: Women age 18 and above should have a mandatory annual vaginal exam. Women age 35 and above should receive an annual rectovaginal exam (physician inserts fingers in the rectum and vagina simultaneously to feel for abnormal swelling and to detect tenderness).
  
• Transvaginal Sonography: This ultrasound, performed with a small instrument placed in the vagina, is appropriate especially for women at high risk for ovarian cancer or for those with an abnormal pelvic exam.
  
• CA-125 Test: This blood test determines if the level of CA-125, a protein produced by ovarian cancer cells, has increased in the blood of a woman at high risk for ovarian cancer or with an abnormal pelvic examination. While CA-125 is an important test, it unfortunately is not always accurate. Some non-cancerous diseases of the ovaries also increase the CA-125 levels, and some ovarian cancers may not produce enough CA-125 levels to cause a positive test. While CA-125 is an important test, it unfortunately is not always accurate. Some non-cancerous diseases of the ovaries also increase the CA-125 levels, and some ovarian cancers may not produce enough CA-125 levels to cause a positive test.
  
  
  For More Information Visit:
  http://www.gaovariancancer.org/