It Whispers...So Listen

As I promised in one of my previous blogs today I'm going to talk about Ovarian Cancer.... :) I'll try and make this as comfortable as possible. :)


Definition:
Ovarian Cancer is a disease where cancerous cells are found in the ovaries, the reproductive organs that produce eggs in females (so guys...you don't have these so you don't have to worry about getting it. :) ) Cancer developes when cells in our body start to grow out of control. Normally, the cells in our body divide to form new ones so that they can replace the old and dying ones. When cancer cells appear they don't die. They outline our normal healthy cells and continue to grow and those abnormal cells create tumors and tumors can hurt by putting pressure on our organs....So cancer is just not fun. :( It's really not fun when those cells spread through metastasis to other parts of our body.


Stats:
Ovarian Cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer among women ages 35-74 and causes more deaths than any other type of reproductive cancer. An estimation of 1 out of every 58 women will develop ovarian cancer in her lifetime. In 2009 the American Cancer Society estimated 21,550 new cases of ovarian cancer. 14, 600 were expected to die from it (I don't know if this statistic is true. If you want to know you research it :) ). If Ovarian Cancer is caught in the early stages a 5-year survival rate is over 90%. Unfortunately, since symptoms in the early stages are hard to detect only 19% of cases are found. When Ovarian Cancer is caught in stage III or higher the survival rate is as low as 30.6%


Symptoms:
So one of the things that sucks about Ovarian Cancer-the symptoms...you probably experience them on a regular basis...and the ovaries are so small so they're hard to find...they're only about the size of a walnut and farther down in your abdomain than you would think...
Symptoms include:

• Bloating
• Pelvic/Abdominal pain
• Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
• Feeling like you need to pee all the time
• Fatigue
• Upset stomach/Heartburn
• Back pain
• Constipation/Menstrual changes

So...what should you do if you experience these symptoms? Well, if they persist for more than 2 weeks even after other interventions are used (diet change, laxatives, rest, exercise, etc.) see your doctor!


There are over 30 different types of Ovarian cancer. 3 common cell types are:

• Surface Epithelium - cells covering the lining of the ovaries
• Germ Cells - cells that are destined to form eggs
• Stromal Cells - Cells that release hormones and connect the different structures of the ovaries

Stages:
There are IV stages to Ovarian Cancer.
Stage I-Cancer is present in and around the ovaries only.
Stage II-Cancer in one or both ovaries and has spread to the other reproductive organs (uterus, fallopian tubes) or other pelvic organs.
Stage III-Cancer is in one or both ovaries and has spread to lymph nodes and/or abdomen
Stage IV-This is the most advanced stage and it includes cancer in the ovaries and has spread to organs located outside of the peritoneal cavity (separates organs in the abdominal cavity from the abdominal wall) or in the pleural fluid (from the cavity which surrounds the lungs).


What Can You Do?

• If you're a woman-Know your body, know your risks, get your annual pelvic exam and other stuff we don't like.
• Guys...And girls-spread awareness and support Ovarian Cancer Research! :) There's a lot of great organizations out there.
• Use goodsearch instead of google. Goodsearch let's you put in a charity of your choice and will give money to that charity.
• Wear teal.

Do Not:
Freak out and call your doctor thinking you have Ovarian Cancer! Women over 35 are at a much greater risk along with other risks involved like family history. Also another good thing about birthcontrol...progesterone decreases your risk! :) Just use it wisely. :)

All info was from the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (one of the great organizations that you can goodsearch). :)
I apologize if the info is incorrect or misleading