Ovarian cancer is the 8th most common cancer among women and the American Cancer Society estimates around 21,550 new cases of ovarian cancer will be diagnosed during 2009. This cancer mainly develops in older women and around two-thirds of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are over age 55.
The ovaries are glands containing germ cells or eggs. They are a part of a woman’s reproductive system and are the primary source of hormones that influence breast growth, body shape, body hair and regulate the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Ovarian cancer begins when normal cells in the ovary begin to change, grow without control, forming a mass called a tumor, which can be noncancerous, or cancer. There are three types of ovarian cancer:
Epithelial cancer – this is the most prevalent form that begins on the outer surface of the ovary.
Germ cell tumor – this is an uncommon type developing in the egg-producing cells of the ovaries.
Stromal tumor – Rare form of ovarian cancer developing in connective tissue cells that hold the ovaries together and produce female hormones.
“The sooner ovarian cancer is found and treated, the better a woman’s chance for recovery. Unfortunately, ovarian cancer is hard to detect early and there is no definitive screening test for early ovarian cancer,” states Jennifer Slaven, CNS, of Dr. Deborah Hajovsky’s office. Traditionally, it was believed that ovarian cancer does not produce characteristic symptoms until the tumor is widespread, however, in June 2007, the American Cancer Society, along with other medical societies, released a statement about some of the early symptoms of ovarian cancer. Symptoms include the following:
- Bloating
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Urgent or frequent urination
- Difficulty eating or feeling full very quickly
If you have any concerns or questions about ovarian cancer, please contact your healthcare provider. You may contact Jennifer Slaven, CNS, of WTMA at 325-224-5358.
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