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With a dear friend recently diagnosed, can you shed some light to your
readers about Ovarian Cancer?
By RWM Experts
Although ovarian cancer is not high on the list of case specific cancers
effecting Canadian women (rated as only the fifth leading cause of cancer
death in women), it is very much a disease that all women need to learn more
about as it can be easily mis-diagnosed.
Studies have revealed that more than half of the deaths from ovarian cancer
occur in women between 55 and 74 years of age. Approximately one quarter of
ovarian cancer deaths occur in women between 35 and 54 years of age. It has
also been recorded that women who are overweight are at a higher risk.
According to Ovarian Cancer Canada (
www.ocac.ca ), “there are no
known specific environmental or lifestyle causes associated with ovarian
cancer.” The most threatening aspect of this diseases is that its symptoms
can be easily assumed as other aliments, especially those common among
menopausal-aged women. Such as:
- ongoing stomach upset or discomfort such as bloating, indigestion, nausea,
gas, constipation or diarrhea;
- abdominal swelling or feeling full even after small
amounts of food;
- unusual vaginal bleeding;
- frequent urination;
- fatigue, fever, backaches and cramps;
- sudden change in weight - weight gain or weight loss;
- shortness of breath.
These symptoms usually begin by flaring up in short durations lasting less
than an hour. In the beginning they may only recur every few weeks, but
eventually become more sever and frequent. These patterns are common with
symptoms related to menopause; the very reason why this deadly disease is
difficult to peg.
As with all cancers, prevention research is still in its early stages,
however it has been noted through studies that diets high in antioxidants,
such as vitamins A, C and E are promising toward combating ovarian cancer.
Research also reveals that vitamin D and foliates play a role in prevention.
As for food sources, ginger root, turmeric and soy have compounds that are
said to help stop the growth of ovarian cancer cells.
The best prevention however, is early detection. Listen to the signs and
don’t brush them off as menopause. Seek a professional opinion right away
and be strong.
To have your questions answered by our lineup of Experts, email
experts@risingwomen.com
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