Q: I just heard that the American Cancerdefine Society and other organizations have announced that there are early symptoms of ovarian cancer -- bloating and other stomach issues. I've read this before. What's new?
A: You're correct. The symptoms that cancerdefine experts have listed as possible signs of ovarian cancer have been known for some time. I discussed them on my Web site in 2005.
What's new is that there is finally agreement that if women were more aware of the possible significance of these symptoms, some cases of ovarian cancerdefine could be caught and treated sooner, lives would be saved and survival prolonged. More than 22,000 women are diagnosed with this disease in the United States every year. For the record, here are the symptoms:
Of course, these symptoms are very common, so bear in mind that they need attention only when they're new and unusual, occur almost daily, and persist for more than two or three weeks. If so, women should see their gynecologists for pelvic and rectal examinations (the best way to physically check the size of ovaries), along with an ultrasound examination if needed. A blood test for the CA-125 antigen may also be useful.
We don't yet know what this new, more aggressive approach will yield. Testing can create anxiety and expense and, in most cases, will not turn up cancer. It may even lead to unnecessary surgery. Nevertheless, I believe that publicizing the possible early symptoms of ovarian cancer will make doctors take them more seriously.
The fact is that women complaining of these symptoms have often gotten the medical brush-off, only to discover weeks or months later that they had ovarian cancer. In a survey of more than 1,700 women published in the June 9, 2004, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, 36 percent of patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer initially were misdiagnosed with disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome or depressiondefine, and 12 percent were told it was all in their heads.
We have to do much better than that. A definitive screening test to find ovarian cancer early is urgently needed, but so far, none is available. Until we have one, the new awareness campaign for women and physicians should prove useful.
"Ask Dr. Weil" does not provide specific medical advice and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other health-care professional. You should always consult your physician to discuss specific symptoms and conditions.
COPYRIGHT 2008 UNIVERSAL PRESS SYNDICATE and Weil Lifestyle, LLC
Submitted by Cindy (not verified) on Wed, 10/29/2008 - 13:59.
Academy Award Winning Actress Kathy Bates Opens Up to OCNA about her Experience with Ovarian Cancer
A few weeks ago, the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance (OCNA) had the opportunity to sit down with Academy Award winning actress Kathy Bates to listen as she told the tale -- for the first time publicly -- of her personal fight with ovarian cancer. The interview was very personal and in-depth and shares insights about how she was diagnosed with the disease. Additionally, Ms. Bates filmed a 30-second TV Public Service Announcement (PSA) about ovarian cancer and its symptoms, which launched in NYC Taxi Cabs during September, National Ovarian Cancer Awareness month, and is running on TV networks nationwide.
“OCNA recognizes the personal strength it took Kathy to talk publicly about her run-in with cancer,” says Karen Orloff Kaplan, Chief Executive Officer of OCNA. “We appreciate her willingness to share her story and be an advocate for the organization in its mission to educate women across the country about ovarian cancer.”
“As an ovarian cancer survivor, I have decided to join forces with the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance by sharing my story and helping educate women about one of the deadliest cancers affecting women today.” -- Kathy Bates
Raising awareness about ovarian cancer on a national and local level is essential because diagnosing the disease is difficult. The number of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer in its early stages is so small that the survival rates continue to be low. In more than 30 years since the War on Cancer was declared, ovarian cancer mortality rates have not significantly improved. About 22,000 American women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2008 and about 15,000 women will die from the disease.
If interested in learning more about the Kathy Bates interview and PSA or would like copies to share with your community, please contact Faryl Greller, Director of Communications & Marketing, at OCNA by phone at 202.331.1332, ext. 307 or email at fgreller@ovariancancer.org.
New Delhi, November 18 -- Since its outbreak in June this year, the H1N1 influenza has taken a widespread toll. With four more H1N1 deaths in India, the toll goes up to 530, as per an official statement.
We seeks happiness even as it continues to elude many of us. However, the fact is that if we focus our attention on other things and not strive for happiness itself, we will experience this emotion more often.
You have just met your Mr. Right and with all your womanly intuition you feel that he is the one you have been waiting for. You are excited, can`t stop smiling and your cheeks turn red the moment he enters.
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Ovarian Cancer National Alliance
Academy Award Winning Actress Kathy Bates Opens Up to OCNA about her Experience with Ovarian Cancer
A few weeks ago, the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance (OCNA) had the opportunity to sit down with Academy Award winning actress Kathy Bates to listen as she told the tale -- for the first time publicly -- of her personal fight with ovarian cancer
. The interview was very personal and in-depth and shares insights about how she was diagnosed with the disease. Additionally, Ms. Bates filmed a 30-second TV Public Service Announcement (PSA) about ovarian cancer and its symptoms, which launched in NYC Taxi Cabs during September, National Ovarian Cancer Awareness month, and is running on TV networks nationwide.
“OCNA recognizes the personal strength it took Kathy to talk publicly about her run-in with cancer,” says Karen Orloff Kaplan, Chief Executive Officer of OCNA. “We appreciate her willingness to share her story and be an advocate for the organization in its mission to educate women across the country about ovarian cancer.”
To view the OCNA Kathy Bates 5-minute interview clip and 30-second TV PSA, visit http://www.youtube.com/user/ovariancancerorg
“As an ovarian cancer survivor, I have decided to join forces with the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance by sharing my story and helping educate women about one of the deadliest cancers affecting women today.” -- Kathy Bates
Raising awareness about ovarian cancer on a national and local level is essential because diagnosing the disease is difficult. The number of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer in its early stages is so small that the survival rates continue to be low. In more than 30 years since the War on Cancer was declared, ovarian cancer mortality rates have not significantly improved. About 22,000 American women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2008 and about 15,000 women will die from the disease.
If interested in learning more about the Kathy Bates interview and PSA or would like copies to share with your community, please contact Faryl Greller, Director of Communications & Marketing, at OCNA by phone at 202.331.1332, ext. 307 or email at fgreller@ovariancancer.org.
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