Ovarian cancer is the deadliest form of female reproductive cancer and can be developed by women at any age. The main reason for its deadliness is its difficulty to detect. In many cases, this disease it diagnosed when it is already too late for treatments to have a positive effect. Darlene Gibbon, MD, chief of Gynecologic Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, spoke recently to myCentralJersey.com about how important it is for women to educate themselves about ovarian cancer.
Dr. Gibbon noted that although the cause of ovarian cancer is still unknown, it is imperative for women to be aware of the risk factors that may lead to the development of this disease to ensure the proper treatment plan is made at the earliest possible stage. Some of these factors are out of the individual’s control, such as a family history of cancer diagnosis, being older than 55, or a having history of infertility.
However, there are other factors that can be monitored by the individual and should be taken very seriously. Here are a few controllable risk factors for the development of ovarian cancer:
- Consistent unhealthy diet
- Using estrogen replacement therapy after menopause
- Having your first 9-month pregnancy after the age of 35
- A history of the use of talcum powder products on the genital area
To reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer, Dr. Gibbon says women should make a concerted effort to manage these controllable factors effectively, or at least be aware of them.
Also, she says it is important to note the early symptoms of ovarian cancer development to help detect the disease as early as possible. Early detection of this disease is crucial to any woman’s chance for survival. Women whose ovarian cancer is detected early have a survival rate of nearly 94 percent. With this being said, here are a few symptoms to watch out for:
- Abdominal pain
- Urinary symptoms such as urgency or frequency
- Difficulty eating
- Back pain
- Irregular menstrual cycle
“Educate yourself on the signs and risk factors of ovarian cancer and learn about early detection programs, risk factors and even treatment choices so you can make smart decisions about your health care,” Dr. Gibbons told myCentralJersey.com. “Stay on top of your regular appointments with your ob-gyn, and if you have any concerns or feel you are at risk, always consult with your doctor.”
This should not be taken lightly, as it could make the difference in life or death.