Ovarian Cancer
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My wife's desires with writing for this site was to let women know of this oft-hidden and very-often fatal hormonal cancer. A year after she was first diagnosed, our family learned of the familial link that ovarian can have, and in researching our family found other members who also had died from ovarian cancer. New research indicates a stronger chance that a women with breast cancer may be more likely to develop ovarian cancer as well. "In the United States, more women die of ovarian cancer each year than of cervical and endometrial cancers combined. Survival rates have not greatly improved, and screening has not been proven to decrease the death rate.1"
The preventative measures that have been published so far are: studies show that using oral contraceptives may reduce the risk, child-birth and breast feeding may reduce the risk, testing every year for ovarian when there is a family history (physical exam is one test, medical tests such as CA-125 are not reliable across all women); removal of the ovaries after child birthing is over when there is a family history, and existing cancer good sense measures such as not smoking and not being overweight. A healthy immune system is vital to preventing many cancers, and in our industrial society, this is a goal for many and not something that is automatic.
Here are some links that we found helpful. Remember too, to speak up and speak loudly if necessary to report anything that you feel that seems out of the ordinary. As Joann wrote, she began feeling a sensation in her side in April, and it wasn't until late August when a doctor finally agreed to an MRI. Before that, more than one doctor volunteered that it was a muscle strain, when it was an ovarian cancer tumor growing on her liver. Time, with ovarian cancer, is extremely important, as this cancer can grow pretty fast. I wish you Godspeed.
1 (source: University of Pennsylvania Onco-Link)
National Ovarian Cancer Organization - one of the best sites for factual information and help
Onco-Link - Ovarian Cancer - University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center
Conversations - the newsletter for women fighting ovarian cancer
Facing Our Risk - site for women who may have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer
Familial Ovarian Cancer Registry - site to inform and register families with two or more relatives of ovarian cancer
Gilda's Club - Gilda's Club is named in honor of Gilda Radner, who, when describing the emotional and social support she received when she had cancer, called for such places of participation, education, hope and friendship to be made available for people with cancer and their families and friends everywhere.
Ovarian Cancer National Alliance - is a consumer-led organization, established by ovarian cancer survivors from around the country.