Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Over 20,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year. The disease develops when malignant cells form in the tissue covering the ovary.

Risk Factors
· A family history of ovarian cancer or a personal history of cancer
· 55 years of age or older
· Menopausal hormone therapy

Symptoms
· Ongoing bloating
· Pelvic or abdominal pain
· Changes in eating habits
· Frequent or urgent urination

Treatment
· Surgery confirms and treats cancer by removing cancerous tissue. If the stage is advanced and the woman does not want children, the surgery may include a total hysterectomy or a salpingo-oophorectomy, which removes the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
· Chemotherapy is recommended after surgery, and can last for 4 to 6 months. It can be taken through the mouth to enter the bloodstream to reach cancer cells throughout the body, or be placed directly in the organ to affect the cancer cells in that area.

Any woman who has a high risk factor, or has experienced the above symptoms for a week or more should talk to her doctor.