Awareness
and Early Detection Improve Survival
Medical research
has shown that early detection dramatically improves longevity.
When ovarian
cancer is detected while confined to the ovary, at an early stage, women have a
significantly improved 5-year life expectancy.
Sadly, current government data show that most U.S.
women are diagnosed after the cancer
has spread into the abdomen or to other organs, indicating an advanced stage
(stage III and IV). Five- year life
expectancy declines dramatically for advanced stage disease.
Awareness of risk
factors allows a women to seek appropriate guidance from her doctor. The
Women's Cancer Network offers a risk
screening tool on their web site, www.wcn.org
. However, a concerned woman should always visit her doctor for an
individual health assessment based upon her unique factors.
Risk Factors:
"The risk of ovarian cancer increases with age, especially around the
time of menopause. A family history of ovarian cancer is one of the most
important risk factors. Infertility and not bearing children are also
risk factors. Pregnancy can decrease the risk of developing ovarian
cancer." Gynecologic Cancer Foundation
- Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer:
"Risk factors include obesity, hypertension, diabetes, inappropriate
estrogen use, tamoxifen use and late menopause. Women who have not
been pregnant also have slightly higher risk for uterine cancer."
Gynecologic Cancer Foundation
"Failure to receive regular examinations often eliminates the
opportunity for early diagnosis through cervical cancer screening.
Persistent high-risk HPV (human papillomavirus) infection has been shown to be
the cause of virtually all cervical cancers, through other risk factors
include smoking, HIV infection, and early age of first intercourse."
Gynecologic Cancer Foundation
"Risk Factors include diabetes, advanced age (70s, 80s and 90s) and
chronic vulvar irritation." Gynecologic Cancer Foundation
Source:
Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF), Gynecologic Cancer Awareness
Month Fact Sheet, 2003. Chicago, IL
OGCC compiled this information from sources we consider to come from reputable
authorities.
Links are provided to these sources.
Revised: December 01, 2004.
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