Facts About Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer begins in the cells of the ovaries. It is often described as a "silent" disease. Many of the symptoms that women experience can be similar to symptoms caused by gastric problems; so, they are sometimes overlooked or misdiagnosed. There are many types of tumors that begin in the ovaries. Ovarian cysts are one of the causes but are not always cancerous. Cysts usually go away without treatment, but a doctor may recommend removal, especially if the cyst seems to be enlarging or is accompanied by other symptoms.
- Ovarian cancer, the deadliest of gynecologic cancers, is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among American women.
- Ovarian cancer occurs in one out of 57 women - regardless of age. The five year survival rate continues to improve and there are some long term survivors among those who present with advanced states of ovarian cancer. The five-year survival rate among African-American women is lower than among Caucasian women. Only 48 percent of the African-American women survive five years. This statistic could be changed by earlier diagnosis.
- Over 23,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Over 14,000 die yearly from the disease.
- Two-thirds of cases will be diagnosed in later stages with a 30 percent chance of a five-year survival rate.
- 56 percent of all cases are diagnosed in women over 65 years of age.
- There is no reliable screening test for detecting ovarian cancer but a number of research initiatives are under investigation. The CA125 is used to measure the increase or decrease of cancer cells from existing cancers. The protein produced by the cancer cells is elevated in 80 percent of women with advanced cancer and 50 percent of those in early-stage cancer. The PAP smear does not test for ovarian cancer. It is a test for cervical cancer.
- Ovarian cancer may be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are confused with many gastric disorders.
- Ovarian cancer is very treatable when detected early.
Risk Factors For Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian Cancer Produces Symptoms
What Every Jewish Woman Should Know About Breast & Ovarian Cancer - download a PDF of this new brochure from FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered Hereditary Cancer Brochure
Two-thirds of cases will be diagnosed in later stages with a 30 percent chance of a five-year survival rate.