Ovarian Cancer

September is ovarian cancer awareness month. Ovarian cancer is fairly rare and is often called "the silent killer." My mom was diagnosed with this disease four years ago. She has one of the healthiest lifestyles that I know of, and yet cancer still took over her body. God, in His mercy, allowed us to catch the disease in stage one, because one of the tumors burst and filled Mom's abdominal cavity with fluid. She looked four months pregnant. However, she had been having some odd symptoms for six months, and we never knew to even think "ovarian cancer."

Cervical cancer is the number one killer of women world-wide, but it is easily detectable by a pap smear. Thanks to the push for annual pelvic exams and pap smears, women in the US are much more likely to detect cervical cancer early and receive treatment. Breast cancer research and awareness is supported by the powerful Susan Komen foundation, so women know to conduct monthly self-examinations. Women over the age of 40 are encouraged to have regular mammograms to look for cancer in their breasts.

Ovarian cancer will be diagnosed in over 22,000 women this year. Over 15,000 of those women will die from the disease, because it is often not detected until stage 3 or 4. Ovarian cancer is not silent; it whispers. Be alert to these symptoms:

*Changes in bladder or bowel habits
*Increased waist size or feeling full quickly
*Abnormal vaginal bleeding
*Unusual fatigue or sudden change in weight (up or down)

The key to these symptoms is that they don't come and go, but are rather consistent over a period of months. If you are concerned, ask your physician. A pelvic ultrasound can detect tumors growing around the ovaries or in the uterus (endometrial cancer). A blood test for CA-125 can also sometimes be helpful.

Tell your friends. Tell women that you love. Cancer sucks, and a little education never hurt anyone.

My sister-in-law, my mom (cancer survivor!), and me in teal, the color of ovarian cancer awareness.