*** Any advice and knowledge of ovarian cancer given here is coming straight from the Chief M.D. of gynecological oncology of the Miami Cancer Institute. This article is meant to increase ovarian cancer awareness.
The month of September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. I wanted to take a moment to share some information about Ovarian Cancer and symptoms to look out for from the health experts and doctors at Baptist Health South Florida.
Growing up my mother always shared with me that we are of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. After completing my 23 and me genetic research, it showed a large part of my genetic makeup (21% to be exact), is actually Ashkenazi Jewish. What does this mean? This means that my predisposition to genetic diseases like Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer are much higher than non Ashkenazi women. Something that was taken very seriously during my first pregnancy and every OB appointment since.
Today, with the help of Baptist Health South Florida, I wanted to share 5 Things Every women Should Know About Ovarian Cancer & Symptoms That Should Not Be Overlooked
According to this article, ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer in women over 40 years of age. A women’s odds of getting ovarian cancer is only 1 is 78, which seems fairly high to me!
So what can be done? Nicholas C. Lambrou, M.D., chief of gynecologic oncology at Miami Cancer Institute offers a few ways to take charge!
- Genetic Screening is key: Knowledge is power! Dr. Lambrou states that there are no pap-smear like tests for ovarian cancer so genetic testing is key. Women with Ashkenazi ancestry have a higher rate of carrying mutated BRCA genes, which puts them at risk of increased varieties on cancers. His suggestion, get screened! “Information is power and if you know you have the gene, there is something you can do, proactively, to prevent yourself from getting it.”
- Know Your Family History: Many people believe only a mother can pass the gene down to a daughter, but the truth is there is a 50/50 chance! Fathers can also pass the gene down. Knowing your family history, maternal and paternal could potentially avoid these types of cancers through genetic screening.
- Early Screening/Testing is Paramount: Ovarian cancer is treatable, but rigorous. Early testing and diagnosis usually leads to better outcomes. African American women are also at a higher risk of gynecological cancers, but often to due socioeconomic disparities in access to screening and testing can lead to negative outcomes. Nicholas C. Lambrou, M.D., suggest making your yearly gynecological exam a priority.
- Understanding Symptoms Can Be Life Saving: According to this article there are 10 signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer to look out for:
- Easily fatigued/tiredness
- Pain during intercourse
- Upset stomach or heartburn
- Persistent or worsening constipation
- Abdominal enlargement or swelling
- Abdominal fullness and pain
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
- Unintentional weight loss or weight gain
- Clothes not fitting well
- Feeling full after eating very little
5. Management of Ovarian Cancer Has Undergone Dramatic Changes: Treatment and management of ovarian cancer has continued to improve over the years and Nicholas C. Lambrou, M.D. says, Dr. Lambrou says, and as treatments continue to progress, so does the patient’s outlook. “Surgery by an experienced gynecologic oncologist is still the mainstay of treatment but there is also a new class of drugs called PARP inhibitors that have changed the standard of care, improving progression-free survival in women.”
For more on ovarian cancer please see this article and/or contact the amazing doctors at Baptist Health South Florida.