Study reveals discouraging finding that getting treated quickly may not extend women's lives
Article Source: msnbc.com
from:msnbc.comCatching ovarian cancer early may not help survival
Seeded on Tue May 3, 2011 2:45 PM EDT (msnbc.com)
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This article does not specify the different stages at which the women in the study were diagnosed and therefore is lacking a very critical piece of information. It should include what percent of the approximately 1,500 women were diagnosed at each stage. Only 20-25% of ovarian cancer patients are diagnosed at at early stage (stage 1 or 2). But those that are diagnosed early have a much better chance of long-term survival and research supports this.
I was 27 when I was diagnosed with stage 1 ovarian cancer. It's been 4 years and I have not had a recurrence, something I'm thankful for everyday. For a long time, it was believed that symptoms are not present in early-stage ovarian cancer. Then, a few years ago, a list of symptoms was identified. Any woman that experiences any of the symptoms mentioned in the article should see a doctor, regardless of age or family history. (only a small percentage of ovarian cancers are hereditary). And if you are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, make sure you are referred to a gynecologic oncologist as they are the only specialists specifically trained in treating gynecological cancers (ovarian, cervical, uterine, etc.).
After going through menopause, I would have my ovaries and uterus removed if I could. Why is it necessary to keep these organs, especially the ovaries if they are no longer useful?
This article is misleading. Pelvic pain, abdominal pain and bloating are all symptoms of advanced ovarian cancer. Bloating is the most common symptom of ovarian cancer. These are also very non-specific symptoms of everything from eating too many beans to advanced abdominal cancers of a lot of other types that occur in the abdomen. It is relatively unusual to diagnose ovarian cancer early, which is why regular check-ups are important. A lot of gynecologic oncologists do recommend a hysterectomy and oophorectomy after the child-bearing years in most women.
A lot of cancers produce symptoms that are non-specific and occur late. The most common symptom of lung cancer is a cough.
My sister-in-law was diagnosed in December 09 with stage 4 ovarian cancer. She had gone to her doctors with symptoms the previous April, but the doctor blew her off and said there was nothing wrong and she probably had indigestion. She continued to complain about the abdominal symptoms until one nurse called her a hypochondriac. Finally, she went to another Dr. and was diagnosed. I wonder how much the cancer grew in those 8 months and how it will impact her survival. Drs. need to take the symtoms seriously when a woman describes having them. If the first Dr. had ordered an AC125 test, she could have started treatment sooner.
92point-I'm very sorry about your sister. I've heard stories like that far too many times. I wasn't taken seriously by the first doctor I saw either. He said that because I was in my 20's I was too young to have cancer. It doesn't help that the symptoms can be attributed to other things. My prayers go out to your sister and family.
Sadly, this seems to happen all too often. I belong to a cancer survivors network and it's filled with people with similar stories. Regular paps are important but they are for cervical cancer, a skilled physician might feel an abnormality but only a small % of uterine or ovarian cancers are found this way. My mother passed away from stage IV uterine cancer in 09.. she was 78 at time of diagnosis , 79 when she passed 4 mos. into 'Treatment" She'd been complaining of aches and pains, and general pelvic discomfort.. she was patted on the head and told it was arthritis... she dev. a little cough, the chronic cough.. a red flag now.. was told it was "age related asthma" and when she first started spotting, was told it was a "kidney infection" Ladies, get second opinions, ask for copies of all your bloodwork, xrays, scans as you go. Do not allow anyone to patronize you .
My beloved mother died from ovarian cancer in 2008. She was diagnosed at Stage 3C in late 2004. We have lots of cancers in my family, but ovarian was not very common. It was a COMPLETE shock to us. I took the BRCA1 & BRCA2 genetic test and it was negative. Not knowing why, where, how etc. she had damn cancer has been hard on my family. I will always encourage women to get rid of those damn organs after you have children or, if you're like me and don't want kids, get rid of them while you are young. Start saving money now for the surgeries since most insurance companies will not pay for these preventative surgeries.