What is Ovarian Cancer?

Women have two ovaries in their lower abdomen, one on each side of the uterus. The ovaries are part of the reproduction system. There are two jobs that ovaries do; they produce hormones (estrogen and progesterone), and they release eggs that travel down the fallopian tubes to the uterus.



Ovarian cysts can be found on the outer surface of an ovary or inside it. An ovarian cyst contains fluid, and it can also contain solid matter. It is very important to know that most ovarian cysts are NOT cancer. They are benign cysts that will go away all by themselves over time.



When a doctor finds a cyst on an ovary, he will not rush the patient into an emergency surgery. MOST OVARIAN CYSTS ARE BENIGN! He will watch the cyst over a period of time, and if the cyst doesn't shrink and go away, or if the cyst gets larger, the doctor will then order tests to determine whether the cyst is in fact a problem.



Ovarian cancer cells can invade all parts of a woman's reproductive system. It can invade the fallopian tubes and the uterus as well as the ovaries. Ovarian cancer cells are sometimes shed from the original tumor. They shed cells can cause new tumors to form in the abdomen. Ovarian cancer cells can also spread cancer through the lymphatic system to lymph nodes in the pelvis, abdomen, and chest.



Family history seems to be the largest risk factor. Women who have a mother, a daughter, or a sister who has had ovarian cancer are at a much greater risk for developing ovarian cancer than the rest of the population. Women who have a family history of cancer of the breast, uterus, colon, or rectum may also have an increased risk of ovarian cancer.



The best policy for women is to have regular physical exams. If there is a family history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or cancer of the uterus, colon, or rectum, it is important to tell your doctor about your family history.

How to Find Out If You Have Ovarian Cancer

There are over 30 types of ovarian cancer that doctors group into 3 major categories based on the kinds of cells the cancer is formed out of. These include epithelial tumors, germ cell tumors, and sex cord-stromal cell tumors.



Many women are not diagnosed with ovarian cancer until it is in the late stages because detecting that something may be wrong on your own is difficult to do. Screening is not recommended for ovarian cancer because the screening tests are not accurate enough to be able to detect it. However, some symptoms you may have can be cause for concern. These symptoms include abdominal/pelvic discomfort or pressure, back or leg pain, bloating, changes in bowel function or urinary frequency, fatigue, astrointestinal symptoms, malnourished or wasted appearance, nausea or loss of appetite or unusual vaginal bleeding.



There are 3 main types of treatment for ovarian cancer that can be used separately but are sometimes combined. These treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. It is recommended that you learn more at site that specializes in ovarian cancer treatment.



Surgery is performed to remove cancerous tissues as much as possible. This form of treatment for ovarian cancer is usually required and can be used with other forms of treatment. Performing surgery helps the surgeon to determine aspects of the tumor and to remove as much of the tumor as possible. The best chances of a cure with this method is if there are no residual tumor masses, or if there are that they are less than 1 cm in size.



The surgeon can perform two procedures with this aspect of treatment, a laparotomy through an abdominal incision or a laparoscopy, though an incision using a tube with a light and camera on it. A sample of the tumor is immediately taken and examined to confirm the ovarian cancer exists. Once the cancer is confirmed then either a full hysterectomy, bilateral salpengoopharectomy, omentectomy, or lymphadenectomy may occur.



Chemotherapy is used to destroy cancer cells using drugs. Chemotherapy can also damage normal cells however, which can cause anemia, gastrointestinal symptoms, leukopenia, temporary hair loss, and thrombocytopenia. There are medicines that have been developed that can help to reduce these side effects.



There are four ways to receive chemotherapy. They are intravenous, intraperitoneal, oral, and intramuscular injection. Many chemotherapy treatments are given over a 3 week period using the intravenous method.



Radiotherapy, also known as radiation therapy, is not commonly used in the United States due to the cancer being found too late. Radiotherapy uses a high energy, ionizing radiation to kill cancer cells. It can be delivered in one of two ways which include radiotherapy devices and/or injection.



Gene therapy and hormone therapy are still being tested. The findings thus far have been found to be promising but the official results will not be available for a number of years still.



After being treated for ovarian cancer it is imperative that the patients continue follow up appointments with their doctors. Most women who have ovarian cancer that is in remission usually see a reoccurence within 2 years of treatment being successful however it can reoccur up to 20 years after treatment. Most patients have follow up visits every 3 months for the first 2 years.



There are several ways to help try and prevent ovarian cancer and some treatments that are still being tested. The existing ways include oral contraceptives, modification to your diet and exercise routines, pregnancy and breastfeeding, genetic counseling, tubal litigation and ovary removal. These methods may help to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by a significant percentage.

Ovarian Cancer: More Deadly Than Breast Cancer

A few years ago I was asked if I knew what the most deadly gynecologic cancer was and I answered "Well, breast cancer of course." Oh, how I was wrong. The American Cancer Society estimates that the average five year survival rate of breast cancer at any stage to actually be 89 percent. While no cancer is good that's a pretty good rate. The correct answer to the question is ovarian cancer, and its five year survival rate (estimated by the American cancer society) is only 46 percent. We need to find out why this cancer is so deadly.



Cancer is a dangerous and mysterious thing to people that don't know much about it. Well, everyone is made up of cells, cells are what make up tissue and tissue is what makes up our organs. Normally when a cell gets old and tired it dies just like we do and a new cell takes its place. Our body produces these new cells by growing and dividing healthy cells. Sometimes our body overproduces cells and this is when tumors (mass of tissue) are formed. These tumors aren't always cancer; when they are not they are called benign tumors. When they are cancer they are call malignant; these are the ones that can be life-threatening. Both types of tumors can be removed but the cancerous ones are more likely to grow back and only they also can spread to different parts of your body. When this happens the cancer cells are breaking away from the original tumor and entering the blood stream to use it like a highway to travel around your body. When the cancer cells spread like this it's called metastasis and the cancer can start to go new tumors. If these cells reach any of your organs and start to go new tumors and this is when damage can be done.



They call it ovarian cancer because the tumor first starts at the ovaries and is made up of over productive ovarian cells. The ovaries are part of the women's reproductive system and are attached to the uterus by the fallopian tubes. When a malignant tumor starts to grow these areas can also be affected because of their close proximity to the ovaries. When this tumor starts to shed cancer cells the cells typically go to the abdomen first because it's closest to where the reproductive system is located. Then as I said before the cancerous cells can start to affect your lymph nodes and enter your blood stream to travel to different organs.



Ovarian cancer is so deadly because it's very hard to detect. Every year more than 14,600 women die from ovarian cancer in the United States. This may not seem like a lot when you think of all the billion people that live here but when about 20,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year that number seems like a lot. So this means that on average 7 out of 10 women will die from this disease and this is all because it is so hard to detect. In order to detect it you have to know what the symptoms are. The most common symptoms are pain in the abdomen, pelvis, back or legs because of where the cancer is located in your body. You can also have a swollen or bloated abdomen because it can fill up with fluids. You will also feel very tired all the time and would have some nausea, indigestion, gas, constipation, or even diarrhea. Some less common symptoms would be shortness of breath, the urge to urinate often, and unusual vaginal bleeding. Now these are pretty general symptoms and many other disease or illnesses can cause them and that's why it's so hard to detect because ovarian cancer is not typical the very first thing we think of when we have one or more of these symptoms.



Most women would think if there was a problem that it would show up on their Pap test which is a once yearly screening that women get from their doctor. However, a Pap test is only screening for cervical cancer and it cannot be used to diagnose ovarian cancer. When women do go in to your doctor for the Pap test he or she should be doing a pelvic exam as well, during this they will feel your ovaries and organs in close proximity for any lumps or changes in shape and/or size. More often than not the doctors will not be able to feel a tumor until they are a substantial size. This is why we look to other testing as well as the pelvic exam to diagnose this cancer. If women who have abdominal bloating or pain and would go to the doctor, they may check your abdomen for fluid buildup. If they some find some a sample can be taken to test for ovarian cancer cells as part of the diagnoses. There is also blood testing where your doctor would check your CA-125 level to see if it is high. The CA-125 is a substance that is found on the surface of the ovarian cancer cells but also on some normal tissue, this is why a high level might indicate cancer. Unfortunately this test cannot be used as the only test for diagnosing ovarian cancer. It is mainly used for monitoring a woman that has already been diagnosed and is going through treatment or as an early detection for the return of cancer after treatment has been completed. The next way to get diagnosed is by having an ultrasound done. There are two different types of ultrasounds that can be done; the first is the less invasive of the two. This is where they take the ultrasound device and press it up against your abdomen and the sound waves that it produces bounce off the organs to produce a picture for us to see. By using this they would be able to get a picture of the ovaries to see if there was a tumor or any abnormalities. The second type of ultrasound they can do is a transvaginal ultrasound and it does the same things as the regular one however this device is inserted into the vagina for a much better view of the ovaries. The last test to help diagnose this cancer is a biopsy. They will only do a biopsy if blood test and one of the ultrasounds have indicated that there may be a tumor. A biopsy is when they take a sample of tissue or fluid to look for cancer cells. Once they biopsy has been done a pathologist will look as the sample under a microscope for any cancer cells. If there are some found then they will be described as either grade 1, 2, or 3 and this is based off of how abnormal the cells look.



Once the doctors have determined that there are cancer cells present they have to determine what stage the disease is in before they can start any treatment. In order to find out what stage the cancer is in the doctor must know grade the tumor is which we discussed earlier and they also may need to run a series of more test such as a CT scan or a chest x-ray. The CT scan is where they would give you some contrast material and the machine would then take several pictures to get a clearer picture of your pelvis and abdomen to see any tumors or abdominal fluid. The chest x-ray is used to see if the cancer has spread to your lungs and if there is any fluid buildup there as well.



There are four stages of ovarian cancer; the first stage is called stage 1. Stage 1 is where cancer cells can be found on one or both ovaries or in abdominal fluid. Only 15 percent of the total women diagnosed have stage 1 and they have a 5 year survival rate of 93.8 percent (statistics). Stage 2 is where the cancer has spread to other reproductive organs such as the fallopian tubes and the uterus. It can also be found in abdominal fluid as well as other tissue in the pelvis area. The 5 year survival rate for stage 2 is 72.8 percent and only 17 percent of women diagnosed have this stage. Stage 3 is where the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and can be also found on the outside of the liver. This is the most common stage that women are diagnosed (62 percent) with only a 28.2 percent survival rate or 5 years (statistics). The last stage is stage 4 and this is when the cancer can be found in the lungs or in any other organs. So, at this point it has traveled out of both the pelvic and abdominal areas. This has the lowest survival rate of 27.3 percent and the lowest percent of women diagnosed at 7 percent (statistics).



Once the doctor has determined what stage you are in you can start treatment accordingly. Most women will have surgery to remove cancer cells and also both ovaries and fallopian tubes, your uterus, any nearby lymph nodes, as well as the omentum which is a thin fat pad that covers the intestines. If you only have stage 1 sometimes the doctors will leave the uterus intact and only take one ovary and fallopian tube but this depends on your age and whether or not you would like to become pregnant and have children. If the cancer is one of the other stages (2, 3 or 4) then they might have to go in further and remove as much cancer as they possibly can. They can also do chemotherapy as a form of treatment. This is when "anticancer" drugs are given to kill the cancerous cell. The drugs can be given by either inserting them into the vein (IV), intraperitoneal (IP) which is given directly into the abdomen through a very thin tube, or by mouth via pill form (ovarian cancer 13). The side effects to the chemotherapy can be hair loss, vomiting, and diarrhea. This is because the drugs also harm normal cells, so it can damage your hair cells (hair loss) and the cells that line your digestive tract (vomiting and diarrhea) but it can also damage your blood cells and make your body bruise easier and you would be more susceptible to get infections because your blood cells are what help fight infections off.



As of right now we cannot explain why one women may develop this cancer and another will not but there are some women that are at higher risk. If you have any women in your family that has had ovarian cancer, specifically your mother, daughter, or sister you or a family member are at a higher risk. But, also if you or any other family members have had uterus, colon, rectum, or breast cancer you or a family member will be at a higher risk. Most women that are diagnosed with this disease are over the age of 55 and have never been pregnant. If you or a family member is at an increase risk you want to talk to your family member to make sure they are aware of these risks. Then I would encourage those at risk people to consult your doctor and see if anything can be done to make sure if you would so some signs of cancer, it could be detected early.



They may recommend genetic testing to see if you have a certain mutation of the BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 gene which has been linked to ovarian cancer and breast cancer. If you go and have this testing done you will have to provide a detailed family history and also give a blood sample. They will test they blood for mutations in your DNA, specifically looking at your BRCA 1 and 2 genes. When you get the results back they will let you know if they found a mutation and if they did you know that you for sure are at an increase risk. If they don't find a mutation they will still put you into an at risk category based on your family history. This testing has been very important in determining the links between certain mutations and ovarian cancer. The more data we can collect the better off we are on finding a connection.



The most important thing to remember is that this is the most deadly gynecologic cancer with very nonspecific symptoms, 15,000 women die from this cancer every year. If you or anyone you know are having any of these symptoms you should talk to them and encourage them to contact their doctor in hopes of early detection. The earlier the detection the better chances you or a family member has of not becoming one of the 15,000.

Three Types of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian tumors are not necessarily cancerous, depending on the type of cells from which the tumor started. Primarily, there are three types of ovarian tumors including epithelial tumors, germ cell tumors, and stromal tumors. Epithelial tumors grow out of cells on the outside of the ovaries. Germ cell tumors start with egg cells. Stromal tumors grow from cells involved in female hormone production. All three types of tumors can develop into ovarian cancer, although cancerous germ cell tumors are rare. Other types of ovarian cancer exist but are extremely rare.



Early symptoms of cancer include abdominal swelling, pelvic pressure, loss of appetite due to feeling full quickly, or sudden urge to urinate. More advanced ovarian cancer symptoms include worsening early symptoms, but also may include other symptoms that appear on a daily basis lasting several weeks for which there is no explanation.



While many of these symptoms may relate to other conditions, you should still talk to your doctor, as ovarian cancer is often not caught until after it has spread. Additional symptoms might include fatigue, digestive upset, low back pain, pain during intercourse, or marked menstrual changes.



Your ovarian cancer prognosis will vary greatly depending on the results of staging after a diagnosis has been made. Staging is the process doctors used to determine how advanced the cancer is or the likelihood that it has spread. Ovarian cancer stages are ranked using Roman numerals I through IV, then further subdivided into A, B, or C.



Stage I, the earliest stage of cancer, has an 89% relative five-year survival rate. This means that patients whose cancer is caught at the earliest stage have an 89% chance of living longer than five years. Stage II has a 66% relative five-year survival rate. Unfortunately, Stage IV, the most advanced stage, has only an 18% relative five-year survival rate.



The primary treatments are surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. One or even possibly all of these treatments maybe necessary depending on your particular situation, type of cancer or, current health condition, and staging. Ovarian cancer cures often necessitate the removal of one or both ovaries. However, not all ovarian cancers require surgery.



If you're currently undergoing traditional cancer treatments and wish to find a natural complementary treatment or you have tried traditional treatment only to have it fail and are seeking alternative natural treatments, we invite you to spend some time on All-Natural-Cancer-Cures.com for information regarding natural treatment options.

Stages of Ovarian Cancer

There are four specific stages of ovarian cancer. Knowing these stages will help you to determine what your treatment options are and what symptoms to look for so you can get the upper hand on the silent killer.



Stage one is when the cancer is limited to the ovaries only. Within this there are three stages. Stage 1A is when the cancer is limited to just one ovary, 1B is when the cancer is in both ovaries and 1C is with tumors on either one or both ovaries and a tumor on the surface.



Stage two is when the ovarian cancer involves one or both ovaries with pelvic extension. Stage 2A is when the cancer has extended to the uterus and/or the tubes, 2B is when the cancer has extended to the pelvic tissues and 2C is a tumor with a ruptured capsule that contains malignant cells.



Stage three is ovarian cancer that involves one or both of the ovaries and the cancer has spread outside the pelvis. Liver metastasis can equal stage three ovarian cancer. Stage 3A is when the cancer is limited to the pelvis but microscopic examination shows seeding in the abdominal cavity, 3B is when the cancer has become implanted on abdominal surfaces but nothing is above two centimeters in diameter and 3C is any abdominal cancers over two centimeters in diameter.



Stage four is a growth on one or both of the ovaries with distant metastasis. Stage 4A is an extension of metastasis to the uterus and/or the tube, 4B is an extension to the pelvic tissues and 3C is a ruptured capsule with malignant cells.

The Truth Behind Ovarian Cancer Survival Rates

What is the truth behind ovarian cancer survival rates? Well, if you were to type "the truth behind ovarian cancer survival rates" into a search engine, you might be upset at the type of information you find. This is because most sites that are dedicated towards telling the truth behind ovarian cancer survival rates tend to do so from a more negative angle. For example, in the United States only 50 percent of women who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer will live beyond five years. And this statistic does not provide any official hope that the disease will remain in remission beyond the five-year timeframe.



So, is this really the truth behind ovarian cancer survival rates? Yes and no. What many sites won't tell you is that the ovarian cancer survival rates are a lot more positive for women who have had their condition diagnosed early. In fact, for the 25 percent of women who are in this category, the ovarian cancer survival rate is an amazing 90 percent. Yet, most sites won't talk about this because the majority of women will get diagnosed in the latter stages of the disease, stages at which the disease has progressed too much for long-term survival.



How can a woman increase her chances of being part of the 25 percent that do get diagnosed early? This is a very difficult question to answer. For some women waiting until ovarian cancer symptoms start could be enough to get an early diagnosis. But there's a problem with this strategy. First of all, most of the symptoms associated with ovarian cancer are not drastic. Incontinence, abdominal swelling and painful sex, the three main symptoms of the disease, can easily be mistaken for conditions that are less serious. And even if woman suspects they are signs of ovarian cancer, it is possible that the condition has still progressed to a point that it has become lethal. This is because the symptoms are the same whether the tumors are massive or extremely small.



What's the best solution for a woman then? Well, if she has ovarian cancer in her family's history, she should consider getting periodic ovarian cancer screening whether or not she has symptoms. However, it should be noted that ovarian cancer screening, at least in its current state is not full-proof. It has a high rate of misdiagnosis, which could subject a woman to unnecessary surgery, chemotherapy or other types of ovarian cancer treatment. Yet, if a woman is in a high risk category, ovarian cancer screening could be the very thing that saves her life.



In conclusion, when it comes to the truth behind ovarian cancer survival rates, there is another more hopeful side to the story. The key is trying to get early diagnosis, especially if you have the disease in your family. For everyone else, it's best to take preventative measures, since the risk of misdiagnosis from an ovarian cancer diagnosis may be too high. Preventative measures include: breastfeeding, having your first child before 35 but not before 20, taking birth control pills and having a hysterectomy.

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is named after the development of cancerous tissues/ cells in ovaries (an organ that is found in women and is an important part of the female reproductive system). Like any type of cancer, the thought of ovarian cancer is very frightful for every woman. If ovarian cancer is not detected in its initial stages, it can really become life threatening. In some cases, ovarian cancer can lead to removal of ovaries.



Reducing the risk of ovarian cancer - the theories



Numerous studies and research are being carried out around the globe in order to find ways of reducing the risk of ovarian cancer and for developing a complete cure for ovarian cancer. If you look around for advice or if you go through books and newspaper articles, you will find that a number of different things are suggested for reducing the risk of ovarian cancer. So, you will find that there are suggestions on using oral contraceptives for reduction of ovarian cancer. Some other methodologies suggest tying up of fallopian tubes as an effective way of reducing the risk of ovarian cancer (of course, you should go for this option only when you are sure that you won't be looking to have more children). There are others who suggest removal of ovaries (near menopause or just during menopause) through a surgical procedure as an effective way of reducing the risk of ovarian cancer. There are other theories that are related to how long a woman has breast fed her babies and the age at which she had her last baby.



Framing an approach for tackling the risk of ovarian cancer



So, all those newspaper articles and research studies seem to suggest a lot of different things for preventing ovarian cancer (or at least reducing the risk of ovarian cancer). However, they also make it difficult for you to decide on what your approach should be towards tackling the risk of ovarian cancer. The best thing to do is to contact an expert and seek their advice on what approach would be best suited to you for tackling the risk of ovarian cancer. Since the doctors/ consultants (who work in the field of ovarian cancer) know much more about ovarian cancer and ways of tackling the risk, they would be able to guide you much better than you forming an approach all by yourself (by reading those articles etc). However, do not get overly worried about the risks of ovarian cancer lest you end messing up your life with the thoughts and fears of ovarian cancer overwhelming you.

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

The symptoms of ovarian cancer come into notice mostly when it grows for some time and the cancer mass becomes large enough. Some women, however, may feel some symptoms, like pelvic pain, even in the early stages. As the symptoms are vague and are often similar to those of common benign conditions, the victims often tend to ignore them.



Detection of ovarian cancer is difficult in its early stages because the two small, almond shaped organs are deep within the abdominal cavity, one on each side of the uterus.



Among the common initial symptoms are bloating, pressure, pain or discomfort caused by fluid buildup or masses within the abdominal cavity. Fluid may also accumulate around the lungs, causing breathing problems, in case the cancer spreads to the diaphragm.



Because of the pressure on the stomach, one can also lose appetite or experience a feeling of fullness even after an extremely light meal. When the tumor begins exerting pressure on the bowel or bladder, the victim may experience nausea, vomiting, gas, diarrhea, constipation, or frequent urination. Some other symptoms, though not so frequent, are fever, vaginal bleeding and lower backache. One may also experience unexplained weight gain or loss, abnormal fatigue or changes in bowel habits.



If the symptoms persist in spite of normal procedures of diet change, exercise, or the use of laxatives, the patient should not delay in consulting a doctor. As the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer are vague or silent, only a small percentage of cases are detected in the early stages. Symptoms begin to manifest themselves in the advanced stages, when tumor growth exerts pressure on the bladder and rectum, and fluid begins to form.



If these vague symptoms persist over four to six weeks, it is wise to go for a thorough recto-vaginal examination. In recto-vaginal pelvic examination, the doctor simultaneously inserts one finger in the rectum and one in the vagina.

Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer Overview

Stage III ovarian cancer is a more serious level of cancer, which has spread to include the pelvic area and organs, and the abdominal organs (liver, bowels, lymph nodes, etc.), and it is easier to diagnose. It is used as part of the prognosis made by a doctor.



Stage III ovarian cancer is then further defined by the TNM determination rating system. TNM is defined to mean to tumor size, node inclusion, metastasis or spread status and grade of the tumor. It will ultimately let doctors known how long a patient has to live and whether they will survive. These factors include:



Each part is defined as follows:



TNM determination rating system



Tumor size - Due to the spread of Stage III, the tumors can only be defined as one of the following:



T3: the tumor is inside one (or both) ovary; the tumor spread includes tissues in the pelvic region, outside the pelvic region and lymph node (s); cancerous cells are found in the abdominal fluids (ascites) or the abdominal cavity washes (peritoneal lavage)



T3a: the tumor is inside one (or both) ovary; the tumor spread includes tissues in the pelvic region, outside the pelvic region and beyond the pelvic region



T3b: the tumor is inside one (or both) ovary; the tumor spread includes tissues in the pelvic region, outside the pelvic region and beyond the pelvic region that are now a maximum size of up to 2cm, and can be seen without a microscope



T3c: the tumor is inside one (or both) ovary; the tumor spread includes tissues in the pelvic region, outside the pelvic region and beyond the pelvic region that is now a 2cm or more in size, and can be seen easily



Node inclusion - As the cancer is at Stage III its classification is:



N1: the tumor has spread to include the lymph nodes



Metastasis or spread determination - As Stage III cancer has been found, only the following classification can be used:



M1: metastases have been found somewhere



Grade of the tumor



The grading of a tumor shows the maturity of the cancerous cells inside the ovary (s). As the cancer is now at Stage III, it can only be classified as the following:



Grade 2: a combination of both normal and cancerous cells; cancerous cells account for about every other cell



Grade 3: very few normal cells if any are left; most or all cells are cancerous



The lower the grade, the slower a tumor will grow, and the better the patient's chance of survival. The higher the grade, the quicker the tumor may grow or spread, and the chances of survival are greatly diminished. In this case, Stage III ovarian cancer has greatly reduced the patient's chances of recovery and/or survival.



Stage groupings



The stage groupings are used to show the order of the varied factors included in the TNM determination rating system. Stage III groupings are as follows:



Stage III



Stage IIIa: T3a, N0, M0



Stage IIIb: T3b, N0, M0



Stage IIIc: T3c, N0, M0, or T(varied), N1, M0

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

Cancer of the ovary, a disease affecting one of both of the ovaries, is one of the most serious and under-recognized ailments affecting women. In United States, it is considered as the fifth among the most fatal gynecologic cancers (affecting the female reproductive organs). It is said that in every 57 women, one may be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and almost half of those women diagnosed with the said cancer may die in a span of five years.



Ovarian Cancer: Overview



Ovarian cancer is characterized by the malignant growth of one or of the two ovaries. The cells in the ovary multiply progressively and abnormally to the point that they can no longer be controlled. As a result, excessive tissues start to form tumors, which may be benign or malignant. The malignant ones are those that cause cancer.



The growth of the tumor may not necessarily start from the ovary or the ovaries, but may have spread to the ovary from other parts of the body, oftentimes the breast. The malignant tumor in the ovary may likewise spread to other parts of the body. The most common cases of ovarian cancer arise from epithelial cancer, which affect the epithelial cells (cells found in the tissues covering surfaces of the ovary).



Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer



It is important for women to be aware of the nature and symptoms of ovarian cancer as this deadly cancer can affect women of any age. However, women face higher risk of ovarian cancer as she gets older, particularly after she reaches the age of fifty.



Most of the time, the symptoms of ovarian cancer do not show up until the cancer is widespread or in its advanced stage. This makes a woman at higher risk since it can be too late before she may be able to detect symptoms of ovarian cancer. Moreover, there are only very few symptoms of the cancer, which may be mistaken as symptoms of other health conditions.



The very first symptom of ovarian cancer is vague abdominal discomfort and bloating, which is caused by the excess fluid in the abdominal cavity. One always feels full even when she has not eaten much. As time passes by the swelling of the abdomen intensifies that some of your clothes may no longer fit you. Usually, it is because of this unusual swelling (way different from a woman's monthly water retention) that most women go to the doctor for check up.



Bloating is accompanied by digestive disturbances, unexplained changes in the bowel habits and urinary patterns. There are frequent trips to the bathroom even in the absence of a urinary tract infection or other health problems. One may feel nauseous, very tired and she may feel like vomiting at times. She may also feel discomfort and pain during an intercourse.



Pain and swelling in the pelvic area is also noticeable upon closer physical examination. This is due to the swelling in the pelvis. In very rare instances, a woman in her postmenopausal stage experiences abnormal bleeding.



Other vague and non-specific symptoms of ovarian cancer include back and leg pain, loss of appetite, undernourished appearance, weight gain or weigh loss, and unusual bleeding in the vagina (heavier and longer than the usual menstrual bleeding).



Detecting Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer



Screening is a way to detect the symptoms of ovarian cancer. The earlier the patient is screened, the better so as to decrease the mortality and morbidity of ovarian cancer. One of the most effective ways to detect the cancer in its early stage is through pelvic and rectal exam.

Ovarian Cancer- It Whispers, So Listen

Ovarian cancer is the biggest killer amongst all of the female cancers. Nearly 80% of those treated for ovarian cancer will experience a recurrence. The chances of death within the first five years of treatment is nearly 50%, no matter if it is stage 2,3, or 4. These grim statistics are now a reality for my own life. I am an ovarian cancer survivor.



One reason ovarian cancer is so deadly is because it is very difficult to detect. Often, by the time it is diagnosed, the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. There is no reliable screening for ovarian cancer like there is for breast cancer and cervical cancer. It can only be detected through an exam by an Ob/Gyn. So, it is important for all women to make an effort to get those yearly exams.



There is a tumor marker,CA-125, in the blood that may show the presence of ovarian cancer. It is not used as a screening procedure because it is not reliable enough. However, in cases where a woman is at a high risk, the CA-125 marker may be used to alert a Dr. for further testing.



A woman's worst nightmare is the diagnosis of cancer. Yet, early detection is the best way to prevent any cancer from spreading and growing. Take care of yourself and take the time to get your yearly exam. It could save your life.

Stages of Ovarian Cancer

There are four stages of ovarian cancer. When you get diagnosed, your doctor will try to determine which of the stages you belong to. If you are diagnosed in the earlier stages then you have a greater chance of survival. On the other hand, diagnosis in the latter stages could mean that your disease has progressed too much to be cured by conventional means. Either way, you should be aware of these stages so you can know what to expect as your ovarian cancer progresses. Each of these stages are described in greater detail below.



Stage 1 - Stage 1 is the first stage that a women will go through. Stage one is the most treatable stage and where you ideally want to find out you have ovarian cancer. The only issue is going to be detecting the cancer at such an early stage. Anyway, with Stage 1 ovarian cancer, a person has cancer inside one or both of the ovaries, though in Stage 1c it is possible they could have spread into a woman's abdominal fluid. Stage 1c ovarian cancer could also involve rupture of the affected ovary due to the presence of the tumors.



Stage 2 - Stage 2 indicates that the tumors have spread from the ovaries. However, it has not gone beyond the pelvic region. Organs that could be affected by the metastasized ovarian cancer include the bladder or the rectum. And, like Stage 1, it is possible for the tumors to result in a ruptured ovary.



Stage 3 - With Stage 3 ovarian cancer, the tumors have spread into the abdominal cavity. They can attack the lymph nodes, the groin area or the area that is behind the womb. The cancer is visible from the tissues of the abdomen, (not the abdominal fluid like Stage 1 and 2). The tumors start at 2 centimeters and grow from there.



Stage 4 - Stage 4 is the deadliest of the stage. At this stage the cancer has escaped the pelvic region and the abdominal cavity. Any organ is game for attack, though the most common will be the liver or the lungs. It should be noted that when the tumors attack these organs, the doctors will still offer ovarian cancer treatment instead of liver cancer treatment or lung cancer treatment. This is because the origin of the problem is in the ovaries, so in order to try and treat the condition, the tumors will need to be attacked there.



All in all when it comes to the stages of ovarian cancer, you will want to avoid getting diagnosed at any stage further than 1. You can increase your chances of getting diagnosed at this stage by going to the doctor when you have abdominal pain and/or urinary incontinence, as these are the very early signs of ovarian cancer. Also, if you are at high risk for the condition, press your doctor for ovarian cancer screening. Granted, you might get misdiagnosed, but if you do have the condition, the screening can help save your life.

Ovarian Cancer - What Is It?

Ovarian cancer is a common type of cancer that consists of cancerous growths on or around the ovary. Due to the organs that are affected, the illness is only present among women and features symptoms such as bloating, pelvic pain, constant urination, and decreased hunger. It is the second most common form of gynecological cancers, with just over eighty thousand patients being diagnosed with it each year.



Because of the subtle and common nature of the condition's symptoms, they're occasionally mistaken for symptoms of other diseases. This, along with the fact that most women do not experience any significant symptoms at all, usually leads to the condition not being diagnosed quickly enough. It is common practice to advice anyone who is complaining of regular constipation, stomach pain, or bloating to visit their physician as quickly as possible. If it is not diagnosed and treated in time, the disease can lead to more drastic issues such as colon obstructions and painful fluid in the pelvic area.



Because the disease is so common and life threatening, the American Cancer Society and the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists put together some helpful pamphlets about its symptoms so women could be more informed. The statement stresses the importance of annual checkups and taking any one of the illness's four most common symptoms very seriously.



When ovarian cancer is properly diagnosed in its early stages, it is nearly ninety percent curable but that percentage drops dramatically as time goes on so it is very important for women to listen to their body.



As of now, the exact cause of the disease isn't yet known but there are a number of mitigating factors that can put you at a higher risk of contracting it. Examples of higher risk patients include women over the age of forty, those with relatives who suffer from the disease, those who have never given birth, and those who have undergone postmenopausal hormonal replacement therapies. Many of the factors such as infertility, endometriosis, and other types of cancers can be linked to genetics.



However, those who give birth to more babies, have their babies earlier in life, take certain contraceptive pills, and undergo tubal ligation surgeries are at a much lower risk of ever getting ovarian cancer.



As with any other form of cancer, the sooner that this particular disease is caught the better off a person will be towards making a total recovery, though due to the lack of official early screening tests, the disease unfortunately has a poor long-term prognosis. Roughly sixty percent of all girls who receive a diagnosis will be in stage four or three of the condition already.



A physician with a woman who is presenting with certain symptoms will quickly check for any other signs of this condition. This includes an in-depth pelvic exam, blood tests, and abdominal ultrasounds. If they find enough signs to unveil that a cancerous growth is there, they will then do an exploratory procedure in order to confirm it.

Cancer - Ovarian

Women desperate for pregnancy may be setting themselves up for cancer if they take fertility drugs. Mary Rossing, PH.D. and colleagues at the University of Washington at the Cancer Research Center found that women taking fertility drugs had 2-1/s times the normal risk of developing ovarian cancer, especially ling-term use of the drug clomiphene, at the Stanford University school of Medicine found a threefold greater risk of ovarian cancer among women using fertility drugs.



Ovarian cancer is thought to stem from genetic mistakes that occur as cells divide to repair the ovary after it ruptures to release an egg. Since pregnancy, which stops ovulation for months at a time, has been shown to greatly reduce the chances of a woman developing ovarian cancer, it stands to reason that anything that stimulates ovulation will have the opposite effect.



This genetic defect, by the way, may be corrected through good nutrition. All the illnesses that befall us are caused or influenced by genes. Just because you are born with faulty genes, does not mean you have to live with them. The fact is, the body has enzymatic machinery designed to destroy and repair faulty nuclear DNA (genes). This offensive line depends on good nutrition for optimum performance. Emanuel Cheraskin, M.D., says, "think of the gene as the seed, the environment as the soil. You can grow a healthy plant in good soil even if you start out with a weak seed."



A friend told me they recently discovered the gene for being overweight. "It was discovered at the bottom of a container of Haagen Daz ice cream," she laughed.



The consumption of dairy products has been connected to a higher-than-normal incidence of cancer. In 1989, Gynecologist Daniel Kramer at Harvard Medical School in Boston linked galactose consumption with an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Galactose has been found to be toxic to human eggs, it may be that it somehow interferes with our enzymatic offensive line.



If you want to avoid ovarian cancer, do not eat fatty foods, and concentrate of fresh, whole vegetables. Harvey Risch, M.D., Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale University School of Medicine found that the bad cholesterol-raising properties of Tran fatty acids, saturated fat an eggs increased a woman's chances of getting ovarian cancer. He found eating vegetable fiber decreased the risk as it decreased the cholesterol. He concluded that reducing the intake of saturated fat and consuming more vegetables appears to lower the risk of ovarian cancer. If your cholesterol is high and you are concerned about cancer, take aged garlic extract.

Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer - How Does it Work?

There are three main treatments for ovarian cancer, once a diagnosis is made. These are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. In some cases it will be recommended to have two or even all three of these treatments. When chemotherapy is recommended, it is usually given after the surgery in 6 doses spaced 3 weeks apart. This is called "first line" because it is the first time chemo is administered.



The chemotherapy drugs are injected intravenously, often by way of a port which your oncologist will place in your chest or arm. Sometimes intraperitoneal chemo is used which injects the drugs directly into the abdomen.



The standard initial therapy suggested by doctors uses a combination of a platinum-based drug such as carboplatin or cisplatin along with a taxane such as paclitaxel or docetaxel.



Chemotherapy drugs kill cancer cells that are left in your body after surgery, but they also damage normal cells, as the drugs do not differentiate between normal and diseased. The simple explanation is that they work by destroying rapidly-dividing cells which is a description of cancer cells. Unfortunately, other cells in the body also fall under this category and are also damaged in the process. The hair follicles are an example, which is why most patients experience hair loss. It is only a temporary condition though and the hair will begin to grow back almost immediately after the chemo is stopped, although in some cases it will look different at first. Other healthy cells that are damaged include red and white blood cells, platelets (which are needed for clotting), and cells that line the gastrointestinal tract. This can often cause the nausea which is so common with the treatment.



Because the chemo drugs can damage the bone marrow that normally produce cells, patients can experience low blood cell counts and often must take yet another medication to encourage the bone marrow to begin producing cells again. The combination of all of these drugs sometimes causes people to have mild forgetfulness and memory loss often referred to as "chemo brain." This should go away once treatments end.

Critical Indicators Connected With Ovarian Cancer

Because ovarian cancer can have such a high mortality rate, it's important that women be vigilant to watch out for possible ovarian cancer warning signs.  



A woman's chances of survival are strong if the ovarian cancer is caught early, but approximately 75% of women are diagnosed after it has already spread beyond the ovaries, and this is when survival rates drop to only around 20 or 30 percent.



To learn more about symptoms and signs of ovarian cancer that you should watch out for, read on. 



Abdominal Bloating



Constant and persistent bloating is often a clear indicator of ovarian cancer, especially if it's a significant change in a patient's bloating habits. So, if you've noticed an increase in how much and how often you're bloating, talk to you doctor.



Abdominal or Pelvic Pain



Chronic pelvis and stomach pain along with constipation and digestion problems are more common in women diagnosed with ovarian cancer.



Loss of Appetite and Decreased Weight



Like many cancer patients, one of the clearest ovarian cancer warning signs is a significantly decreased appetite, trouble eating and, subsequently, significant weight loss. Patients who often feel full after eating just a little bit of food or who have recently developed trouble eating should consult a doctor.



Urinary Dysfunction



Urinary incontinence and a frequent or urgent need to urinate are both common symptoms of ovarian cancer. Patients often compare these symptoms and warning signs to a painless urinary tract infection (UTI). That is, the increased need to urinate but without the burning or pain during urination often associated with a UTI.



Fatigue and Pain



Unfortunately, the fatigue and back pain experienced by many patients with ovarian cancer is similar to pre-menstrual symptoms experienced by many women without the disease. The systems are generalized and not specific enough, but they can be helpful when diagnosing the problem.



However, unlike women without ovarian cancer, patients with this disease typically experience these symptoms on most days, not just several days a month.



Genealogy



If you know that your family has a history of ovarian cancer, it's important to tell your doctor and be screened or evaluated on an ongoing basis. Essentially, if one immediate family member or two members of your extended family have been diagnosed with the disease, then it could be a clear warning sign and an indicator that you need to watch out for possible symptoms.



The good news is that even early stage ovarian cancer can produce many of these warning signs, and early detection often results in a stronger prognosis. So, watch your body, be aware of changes and don't be afraid to consult with your physician.

Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer - A Happy-Ending Story

Ovarian cancer most often presents in stage III, comprising more than 50% of all cases. Briefly, a stage 3 diagnosis means that cancer is found in one or both ovaries and has spread to other parts of the abdomen. This is a serious challenge for anyone to endure, but although it may seem initially overwhelming, I am writing this article as a measure of hope for those who are going through this right now.



Ten years ago a woman I knew, let's call her "Lisa," was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer. She had no risk factors of the disease, was diligent about going for her annual gynecological exams and checkups, and she never missed her yearly mammogram. Unfortunately, she was not aware of the early warning signs she was experiencing including indigestion, bloating, pelvic discomfort and pain, and a change in her menstrual periods. Had she realized these were signs and symptoms she should be on the lookout for, she would have seen a doctor earlier and it might have been the difference in stage 1 and stage 3. But she didn't know the symptoms to look for.



Once finally diagnosed, she underwent surgery with removal of a large tumor, and then 6 sessions of chemotherapy over a period of 15 weeks. During this time she listened to her doctor's prognosis (not great) and researched the disease, discovering the 5-year survival rate was somewhere around 20%. But she was a strong woman and she was determined to watch her 3 children grow up, finish college, have careers, and raise a family themselves. She was determined to beat this disease. She changed a few things in her life, exercising at least once a day, drinking more water, and eating healthier. Of course she had to go for checkups every few months for the first couple of years, and then every 6 months thereafter.



Just a few months ago, Lisa had the most amazing news. She went for her regular checkup at her oncologist's office and she was told that since she has been with no evidence of disease (known as NED) for 10 years she is now considered cured and she was discharged from the oncologist's care.



If you have been diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer, don't even read the statistics because you are not a number. Especially in this day and time, it is so easy to find negative information on the Internet. I will tell you that I believe the reason for this is people go on the 'net with their problems and rarely go to talk about things that are going great in their life. This is why I wanted to share this with everyone. Take heart from Lisa's story and know that a cure is possible for anyone, regardless of what the numbers say.

Ovarian Cancer Cyst - What Every Woman Should Know

The condition of ovarian cancer cyst has resulted in a serious number of deaths among women in the United States. In 2009 alone, there were more than 21,500 new cases of ovarian cancer. Sadly, 14,600 have died of the disease last year. It is called the "Silent Killer", but there are various ways to prevent it from happening. Learning about this type of cancer and what to do about it is the key. Ovarian cancer forms in the tissues of the ovary (one of a pair of female reproductive glands in which the ova, or eggs, are formed), and according to the National Cancer Institute, there are three types of ovarian cancer cyst:



1. Ovarian epithelial carcinomas or cancer that forms from cells on the exterior of the ovary. 2. Malignant germ cell tumors or cancer formed from the egg cells. 3. Stromal tumors or cancer formed from hormone-producing tissues in women (estrogen and progesterone).



The symptoms for this condition are fairly common this is why early detection is important. Abdominal and pelvic pains, frequent urination, changes in bowel movement, loss of appetite, increased abdominal size, dyspareunia or pain while having intercourse, stress and changes in monthly menstruation are some indications of early ovarian cancer cyst. A woman's threshold for pain is quite remarkable and they tend to shrug off any discomfort felt until it is too late. Never disregard any unusual abdominal hurting because it might cause you to lose your life.



Currently, no one knows how these types of cysts develop. Some scientists speculate that they may have been formed before and during the ovulation process since there are high levels of hormones involved that can cause cell abnormalities. But since this condition has been causing a great deal of damage to human mortality, ovarian cancer cyst has been thoroughly studied to find ways to deal with it. If you are feeling or experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, schedule an appointment with you OB-GYN/Oncologist right away. There is no need to prolong your agony and the earlier you become aware of the problem, treatment can begin and your life can be saved.



With the help of modern technology this condition is treatable at its primary stages. A surgical procedure called a laparotomy can be performed to extensively check the tumor to see if cancer is present or not. Samples will be removed from your reproductive organs and if there is a presence, a proper diagnosis and prognosis can be determined. There is always hope. What's important is that you are now knowledgeable about this problem and you can avoid it if you have regular doctor check-ups.

Natural Remedies For Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer begins to form in one or both of the small, almond-sized ovaries which are located on the sides of the uterus. The cancer forms on the cells on the inside of the ovaries and spreads to the outside, and eventually to other parts of the body. There are ovarian tumors which are not cancerous, and usually are not considered to be a health threat.



Ovarian cancer is treatable if caught at an early stage, but the sad part is that most of these cancers go unnoticed until it is too late. Only about 20% of these cancers are diagnosed before they have spread past the ovaries. Many of the symptoms of ovarian cancer are those similar to other common diseases, which is why these symptoms go undiagnosed.



Some of these symptoms are constipation and other digestive problems, bladder disorders, lower back pain, fatigue or lack of energy.



The best defense against ovarian cancer is to switch to a raw food diet, and avoid most cooked foods and all processed and junk foods if possible. You should also drink lots of fluids and engage in regular exercise. If the symptoms are present there are many home remedies which can be taken along with a raw diet, and may help to relieve and even reverse the symptoms.



Ginger has shown to be able to destroy cancerous cells in ovarian cancer. This is due to the antioxidants and other cancer fighting agents that ginger contains. To take advantage of this, simply start adding ginger to your daily diet in your salads, teas, stir-fries and baked dishes. However, the best way to consume ginger is in its raw state.



Wolf-berry berries also known as goji berries can also help to reduce the symptoms, simply by adding them into your diet. These berries are great by themselves, in trail mixes or in your morning smoothies.



Other essential foods to include in your regular diet are graviola, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, blueberries, rosemary, sage and avocados. You can also make tea from the leaves of spearmint, bamboo leaves, Korean pepper, grape seeds and dandelion roots.



To make the most out of these foods you should avoid eating toxic foods that contain unnatural ingredients and high amounts of processed sugar as they contribute to the formation and growth of cancerous cells. Red meat has also been linked to cancer, and thus you should avoid or at least reduce your intake of that as well.

Signs and Treatment of Ovarian Cancer

Cancer is a very efficient and skilled silent killer. There are various types of cancer in fact, and these cancers are nothing but a condition in which the cells multiply in an uncontrollable manner forming masses of cells called tumors.



Ovarian cancer is associated with women and it is a very dangerous situation. Ovaries are the most important reproductive organ in any women. These ovaries produce eggs or ova and are passed through the fallopian tubes to the uterus where these eggs are fertilized by sperms, if any sperms are available at that time. Ovary cancer affects these ovaries. Let us take a look at some of the signs and treatments usually done for ovarian cancer.



Let us always keep in mind that cancer is not like common cold and can't be treated in that way. Some cancers show signs at a very early stage whereas some show signs only at a later stage. Usually there are no specific signs just for ovary cancer. Signs usually show up at a later stage and these signs are also associated with many other medical situations. So it is pretty tough to draw out conclusions when you face certain symptoms. At a beginning stage ovary cancer remains silent and signs start popping out only when the tumor has got big enough to affect other parts of the body as well.



The only earlier symptom known to be associated with ovarian cancer is the irregularity of menstrual cycles. Later symptoms include excessive pain or pressure in the pelvic area. You might feel terrible pain while having intercourse; a slight swelling of lower abdomen is also a symptom at a later stage, feeling of fullness and an urge to urinate frequently, constipation is another situation associated with ovary cancer at a later stage.



Nausea and also vomiting is noted at a later stage, frequent diarrhea and forming gas, abdominal pain due to fluids formed and etc. These signs however show up at a later stage and one might mistake these symptoms for some minor health issues. Always get a check up when you come across any symptoms; a stitch in time always saves nine.



Treatment of ovarian cancer is usually chemotherapy and surgery. In the early stages only the ovary infected with cancer cells and that particular fallopian tubes will be removed. But if the stage worsens, even the uterus will have to be removed along with ovary and fallopian tubes. The preventive techniques are basically stopping ovulation or preventing ovulation, like taking birth control pills, getting pregnant so often, tying the fallopian tubes. However these are not 100 percent guaranteed preventive measure.



Keep a check on your health from time to time. If there are any symptoms that show up frequently then get it clarified. Regular full body checkups can be of great help as you can figure out things that go around in your body. Health is always wealth, so try to always save some budget for your health and always keep you health insurance valid. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and eat healthy.



You should consider taking regular workouts and a proper routine that your body will find peace with. If everything goes well you can stay away from such situations to a great extent. Ovarian cancer is a dangerous situation, and make sure you do everything from your side to prevent it.

Diagnosing Ovarian Cancer by Various Scans and Tests

It is a very easy way to visualize the ovaries and tubes, and probably - I will say the most accurate way is the vaginal probe, which is something over the last 20 years. It's painless, but it gives a much better resolution, and it gives you very quick answers, especially about the backside of the uterus. Depending if the ultrasound is very definitive, it's an inexpensive, quick test, but a second test might be a CAT Scan. I'm sure again almost everybody knows what a CAT Scan is. It's a series of x-rays and image - it's an imaging device that can show cystic, solid, semi-solid images, a little bit more accurate than ultrasound.



And of course there's a variety of other tests that can be drawn, there's certain blood tests. And I don't want to scare people. There are certain cancer indicating markers called a CA125. This is something, it's a type of a test - the CA125 is a cancer marker. However, it's not very accurate, and there's a lot of other conditions that can cause an elevated CA125. In fact I had a woman once say well but my doctor did a cancer test, and obviously it was a CA125, but she had absolutely nothing wrong, and then she was worried maybe there was something missed. But there are so many conditions that are beyond the scope of this discussion, I will just say that that's not a very accurate test and probably should be reserved for women who are more in the cancer risk age group, which we'll get into in a minute.



So you've got the imaging tests. You've got the CA125. New York OB/GYN Christopher Freville describes other tests, but basically some rare tumors quite frankly can cause symptoms of pregnancy, they can cause an elevated pregnancy test, there's a whole gamut of tests that can be used. But these are not very, very specific. It's more or less what's felt, what's seen.



And that leads us into when we find something, what do we do about it? And I think yeah, you have to say well okay, we found something. And this is a function of three things. First of all, the most important, I think, is probably the woman's age, and the - let's divide these into three categories. You can have before you have periods, pre-menopausal or pre-pubital, pre-menarchal, before periods - so you've got children. Another group, of course, is the childbearing years, anywhere from 13 to probably 50, and the last category is post-menopausal. Let's just say beyond 50.



So that's one criteria. Another criteria would be the size of the ovarian cyst and how it looks on the ultrasound. And then the third criteria is certainly the symptoms.



And let's run through those real quick. As far as the age, why is that important? Well, again, if we're just sticking here with even tumors. Let's stick with cysts. Almost all tumors, all ovarian cysts, anything in the reproductive age group is probably going to be benign, if it's cystic. Most tumors, even if it is cystic and solid, is probably going to be benign. The children age group, anything that shows up, and it's usually going to show up in the form of an abdominal mass because most children don't go in for pelvic exams. They're not going to routinely have an ultrasound. They're going to have pain or a growth. And I'd say 50 percent of those children, if you have a cystic mass, probably 50 percent of those are, unfortunately, going to be cancerous - and most likely treatable, by the way.

Ovarian Cancer Survival Rate - Know Your Chances

People have always wondered about the truth behind cancer survival statistics. If somebody researched about ovarian cancer survival rate over the internet, most information that would be seen is always the negative aspect rather than positive ones. In today's modern researches about cancer of the ovary, its states that 50 percent of women infected with this type of cancer have lived beyond 5 years. Another reference would say that the possibility of cure of this malignant disease is not as positive as others when we refer to it to the survival statistics of cancer.



The real truth in ovarian cancer survival rate is that every woman who have been diagnosed in the early stages of this type of cancer, have a splendid ovarian cancer survival rate of 90 percent. Most information sites when searched on the internet would only provide the latter stages of the disease wherein the survival rate is already pretty slim.



A woman can join the percentage of women who have been enjoying the success in being treated of this dreaded disease. A woman should not wait until a symptom of this kind of cancer to show up; she should at least have a regular check up with an ob gynaecologist to check on her well - being. The symptoms of this type of cancer are mostly associated with blood in the urine, abdominal pains and uncomfortable sex. Though these conditions can be categorized as symptoms of other type of disease, one must be proactive in terms of her health. If a woman sees signs of ovarian cancer, she must immediately seek the help of a specialist. Early detection will help a lot to increase the survival rate of any cancer. A chance to undergo medications immediately might be a huge chance of survival.



The best option for women who have a family history of cancer of the ovary is to have a periodic ovarian cancer screening. This is whether she has symptoms or not. But one must bear in mind that the screening for this type of cancer is not entirely perfect. Some patients with this disease are not diagnosed positive with it immediately even with the advancements in modern technology. However a woman shouldn't take ovarian screening for granted, for this might be the key to increasing her ovarian cancer survival rate.



The final say is that there is hope for anyone who suffers from this type of cancer. The very key to improving one's ovarian cancer survival rate is early detection and diagnosis. One shouldn't be afraid to go to the doctor to see about her well - being. Preventive measures and being pro active is the key to survival in any types of cancer.

5 Useful Ovarian Cancer Tests

Ovarian cancer is contracted by around 7,000 women in the UK each year. It generally affects older women and develops when the cells of the ovary start to grow in a rapid and out of control way. There are a number of symptoms associated with ovarian cancer including a bloated stomach, irregular periods and abdominal pain. If you notice any of these symptoms then you should go see your doctor right away. They will then be able to perform the necessary tests. In this article I will be discussing five of these tests.



1) PHYSICAL EXAM:- The first ovarian cancer test your doctor will recommend is a physical exam. This will be performed by either your doctor or a gynaecologist and will involve them placing one or two gloved fingers in to the vagina. They will then put their other hand on the lower abdomen to feel the position, shape and size of the ovaries. If this test reveals any abnormalities your doctor will then suggest further testing.



2) BLOOD TEST:- Certain types of ovarian cancer produce a protein called CA125. Therefore, a blood test that reveals higher than normal levels of this protein may be an indicator for this type of cancer. However, there are other conditions such pelvic inflammatory disease that can cause blood levels of CA125 to be elevated so whilst this test can indicate ovary cancer it is not a certainty.



3) ULTRASOUND SCAN:- This test involves using sound waves to build an image of your ovaries. This image can then be investigated to see if your ovaries look normal. It can also reveal whether any lumps found are fluid or solid. If any sold lumps are found they may be cancerous and will require further investigation.



4) LAPAROSCOPY:- This ovarian cancer test involves a small incision being made in the abdominal wall whilst you are under general anaesthetic. An instrument called a laparoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end) is then inserted in to this incision and this transmits an image of your ovaries on to a screen. Your doctor can then look at this image for any abnormalities which could potentially be cancerous. Most laparoscopes can also be used to take a tissue sample and these tissues can then be tested in a laboratory to see if they are cancerous.



5) ABDOMINAL FLUID ASPIRATION:- A swollen stomach is a potential sign of ovary cancer. If your stomach does become swollen then this fluid will need to be removed. To do this your doctor will give you a local anaesthetic, insert a long, thin needle in to your abdomen and drain the fluid in to a container. This fluid can then be examined in the laboratory for the presence of cancer cells.



I hope this article has given you a greater understanding of the possible tests for ovarian cancer. This type of cancer is much more treatable in the early stages so if you have any reason to believe you may be suffering from this disease go and ask your doctor about testing. They will then be able to recommend the most suitable test and determine whether you have contracted ovary cancer.



Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Ovarian cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

Raising Ovarian Cancer Awareness

Even though September is the 'official' month for ovarian cancer awareness, women of all ages need to be known about the disease. That's right... women of all ages. Why would ovarian cancer awareness matter for women who are not at the age for which there is a greater risk for getting the disease? Well, first of all there are pre-menopausal women who get ovarian cancer, though such a situation is not as common. Secondly, with proper ovarian cancer awareness, a young woman can make lifestyle choices that may help decrease her chances of getting the disease later on in the future.



So, what are some issues that should be of concern when it comes to ovarian cancer awareness? Well, the first element to proper ovarian cancer awareness involves the preventative measures a woman can take to reduce the her risk of developing the condition. These preventative measures include: having babies in one's 20s, breastfeeding, taking birth control pills, avoiding talcum powder both on oneself and when changing a baby's diaper and eating a healthy diet with a limited number of saturated fats and dairy products. Women who are at greater risk can also consider getting their ovaries removed or getting a hysterectomy when they get elderly.



The next are of concern when it comes to ovarian cancer awareness involves educating women of the symptoms associated with the condition. These symptoms involve urinary incontinence and abdominal pain in the disease's very early stages. As it progresses these symptoms will become worse and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as increased abdominal girth, digestive problems, post-menopausal bleeding and painful sex. By knowing these symptoms, (which tend to be mistaken for other less serious conditions), women can at least consider the possibility that they may be suffering from ovarian cancer.



The final element of ovarian cancer awareness should involve giving a voice to the women that do have the disease. Too often in ovarian cancer awareness campaigns so much emphasis is placed on preventing the disease or even diagnosing the disease that the women who actually have the condition are forgotten. These women should be encouraged to speak about their condition, so other women who have it can develop strategies for which they can better deal with living with such a deadly illness.



So, how can a woman increase ovarian cancer awareness? She can make a donation to any ovarian cancer awareness causes as well as participate in any fundraisers such organizations might be having. A common fundraiser could be a walkathon. Additionally, women who already have ovarian cancer can increase awareness by writing about their condition on message boards or on networks that accept articles from individuals. She can also consider starting a website or a blog about her condition, so the world can know that even if you are unfortunate enough to get the disease, it doesn't mean your life has to end. All in all if ovarian cancer awareness is going to be successful, both ovarian cancer sufferers and women who are not at risk need to find ways to contribute to such causes.

The Complications of Ovarian Cancer

The ovaries are truly one of nature's most beautiful and mind-boggling developments. They produce the ovum that eventually results in the miracle of human life. But, as with any part of the body that is complicated and involves multiple processes (and really, which parts don't?), the ovaries are vulnerable to cancerous growths.



Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer in women, claiming around 15,000 lives every year. It develops primarily on the outer wall of the ovaries, known as the epithelium, but can appear in other regions as well. There is no definite cause of the disease, but there are certain identifiable risk factors.



Women who develop ovarian cancer usually share certain characteristics. The most well-documented of these has to do with pregnancy. Women who have their first pregnancy relatively earlier, and who become pregnant more often, and who have their last pregnancy at a later date, are all more likely to live a cancer-free life than women on the other end of this spectrum. It is unknown precisely by what mechanism this takes place. Some birth control pills have also been shown to prevent the cancer, if they are taken on a regular, long-term basis.



As with almost all forms of cancer, it is more likely to appear in people who have a family history of either ovarian cancer, or other forms of non-skin or blood cancers, for example colorectal cancer. Along with this difficulty in predicting who will suffer from the disease is the fact that its symptoms are generalized and relatively vague. Conditions that resemble gastrointestinal difficulties-indigestion, bloating, constipation, diarrhea-may be common across ovarian cancer victims. There are other symptoms, many of which could very well be mistaken for normal conditions of female physiology.



Due to the difficulty with diagnosing this disease in the earlier stages, it is often referred to as the silent killer. A term that references the fact that the disease, before it is detected, is likely to progress to the point where treatment is not very effective. It is not hopeless, however. There are some proven ways to prevent onset of ovarian cancer even though we don't know its exact cause. Having children earlier in life is one tactic, though this is exactly the opposite trend that we see amongst educated women today.



Another tactic is to have one's tubes tied. This procedure, known as a tubal ligation, dramatically reduces the chances of getting breast cancer, and it may be an especially good choice for women who have a family history of cancer. Less dramatic methods include daily consumption of birth control pills, or even aspirin (which has been shown to help, but the exact level of benefit is undetermined).



All in all we need to do more as a society to fight this silent killer. With many women waiting to have their children until their later years, it seems that it is even more important now than before to investigate the disease thoroughly.

Understanding Different Types of Ovarian Cancer

Cancer in any part of the body is caused by tumorous cells spreading and multiplying throughout the body. These cells can be divided into different types and forms which determine the type of cancer one has and its treatment. Ovarian cancer is basically caused by three different kinds of tumors, giving rise to three different types of ovarian cancer. These are known as epithelial tumors, Germ Cell tumors and Stromal tumors. All three of them affect different parts of the ovary and vary in their rates of occurrence. All three of these however, can have effects such as producing masculine features and hirsutism in the patient because of production of male sex hormones.



Epithelial Tumors are formed from the surrounding tissue of the ovary. These are the most common kind of tumors that is seen among women, affecting close to 80% of all ovarian cancer patients. It is what is usually known as ovarian cancer as such. These can be both benign and malignant in nature. These can also be invasive carcinogenic in nature, which means the cancerous cells would actively spread to other parts of the body if given a chance. The treatment for invasive tumors requires the removal of both kidneys; however this can be replaced with conventional therapy at the risk of a lowered chance of full recovery and remission. Epithelial tumors can be usually treated with the help of simple surgery and follow up with chemotherapy, depending on the stage of cancer. This is found more in adult women than in teenagers and young adults.



The next type, the Germ Cell tumors are formed in the egg producing cells of the ovary. These are not as common as the first type, accounting for close to 10-15% of all ovarian cancer patients. These are also divided into benign and malignant tumors, however no intermediate or invasive form exists for this. The benign form of germ cell tumors is easily treated with simple surgery and removal of the cancerous tissue. No further treatment is deemed necessary. The malignant tumors require a more intensive form of chemotherapy and multiple medicines to keep the tumor in check and then eliminate it wholly. The treatment for this differs greatly from that of the epithelial tumors. Most cases occur with women under the age of 30.



The least common type of ovarian cancer is the Stromal tumors. They account for only 5-10% of the ovarian cancer patients. It occurs in the stromal part of the ovary, which controls the production of different kinds of sex hormones in the body. The occurrence of this kind of tumor is often marked by the production of sex steroid hormones and over production of testosterone, which leads to the masculinization of the female body and other symptoms such as balding of the hair, deepening of the voice, growth of hair over the body and an enlarged clitoris. This may also result in abnormal vaginal bleeding for post menopausal women and others. Another side effect is the early on set of puberty in young teens. The average age of women who get this is close to 25 years and usually can be treated with a degree of ease.

Genetic Health Pertaining to Ovarian Cancer

Out of the vast number and types of ailments and diseases assailing our society today, cancer seems to be the most formidable-perhaps because of the mystery that yet surrounds this dreadful disease. Of the many cancers, ovarian cancer ranks high in the top 5 as the cause of all cancer deaths in women in the US and produces the highest death rate of women's reproductive cancers. One of the reasons this cancer is so deadly lies in the fact that it is extremely difficult to detect in its early stages. More often than not, once the disease has been positively diagnosed, severe damage has already taken place in the body. Woman are encouraged to take a more active role in the prevention of this disease by becoming more aware of their genetic health as it pertains to ovarian cancer.



Symptoms and Diagnosis of the Disease



Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries where normal ovarian cells begin to multiply in an uncontrolled, abnormal manner, producing tumors in one or both ovaries. The only way to positively diagnose this cancer is by microscopically examining questionable fluids and tissues of the ovaries. Sometimes ovarian cancer cells can be detected by examination of the cervix. Genetic health/ovarian cancer tests are not difficult to administer. The difficult part is detecting the disease at an early stage.



There are no unique symptoms of ovarian cancer. Thus, when general symptoms are present, they are often confused with other diseases. General symptoms may include pelvic pain or discomfort, back pain, nausea and indigestion, excess weight gain or loss, fatigue, vaginal bleeding, and pain during sexual intercourse. Doctors can usually diagnose ovarian cancer within three months of noticing these symptoms, but sometimes it may take six months or longer before a diagnosis can be made. By this time, the cancer has spread outside of the ovaries affecting other organs of the abdomen. In this advanced state, a woman has about a 20 percent chance of living beyond the next five years.



Treatment and Prevention



A woman with a significant family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer has a higher risk of developing the disease. Age, obesity, and poor diet are also contributing factors. Ovarian cancer generally occurs in woman who are menopausal, but woman who have started their menstrual cycles earlier than the norm are also at risk. Women who use fertility drugs are at a higher risk than others.



Genetic health-ovarian cancer can be a difficult subject to approach as there is little that can be done to treat the disease once it has been positively diagnosed. Therefore, it is pertinent that women do all they can to stay aware of what is happening in their bodies. If the cancer is diagnosed at an early stage (while it is yet in the ovaries) there is an excellent chance that it can be treated successfully. Some doctors have recommended chemotherapy as a preventive measure and even surgery for those that are high risk. Preventive surgery, however, does not completely eliminate the risk. If a woman is aware that her family history places her in the high-risk category, she should seek to gain more information and, perhaps, even genetic counseling to improve her chances of deterring the disease. A greater awareness of genetic health ovarian cancer issues can help a woman better order her life.

About Ovarian Cyst Symptoms

Ovaries are the female reproductive organs in the body that produce and store eggs. An ovary cyst is a sac that gets formed on or in the ovaries and is filled with fluid. This cyst gets formed in a woman's body when the ovaries are preparing eggs for release into the fallopian tubes. Most of the cysts are not harmful but some cysts may be connected to cancer.



An ovary cyst develops because of a number of reasons and can be of different types from benign to life threatening. Different types of cysts are Cystadenomas, Functional cyst, Polycystic ovaries, Dermoid cysts or Endometriomas.



Ovarian cyst symptoms



Every type of ovararian cyst gives very different symptoms that a woman experiences. Some of the cysts that develop are asymptomatic, meaning that they do not give any symptoms to the body. Some of the symptoms that develop include:



• Painful legs
• Softness in the breasts
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Pressure on the bladder
• Increase in body weight
• Problems in passing urine
• Painful intercourse
• Continuous pain in the abdomen



Some ovarian cysts are harmful to the body. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should get your cysts treated immediately:



• Fever
• Vomiting
• Severe stomach pain
• Tiredness
• Shortness of breath



Diagnosis of an ovarian cyst



Ovarian cysts are diagnosed by a test called the pep smear test. The tests are done by a gynecologist by feeling the ovaries to detect for any kind of swelling or lesion in the ovaries. If a cyst is suspected by the gynecologist, she will refer an ultrasound and with the report of the ultrasound, you will get to know the location of the cyst, its size, its shape and the consistency of the cyst.



When an ovarian cyst is detected, then blood tests are referred by the doctors to check the risk of ovarian cancer. In the blood tests done, if the amounts of protein CA-125 are very high, then the risk of ovarian cancer is also very high.

Barbara's Ovarian Cancer Story, Part I

Process and Survival



On October 30, 2004, I will mark an anniversary of sorts. On this date a year ago, my life changed dramatically. I remember small details like the doctor's matter-of-fact voice discussing major surgery, chemotherapy, losing my hair. I remember the "dear-in-the-headlights" look on my husband's face, a look probably mirrored in my own face. I remember the day was beautiful, warm and sunny. I don't remember much of my drive back out to work or exactly how I told my co-workers that I scheduled for surgery in approximately three weeks for what was, almost certainly, advanced ovarian cancer. I've been asked to share some of the things that I found and did that helped me on this journey that began almost a year ago.



My first reaction was probably pretty standard - DENIAL- "This can't be happening to me. I'm healthy. I eat right. I exercise." Then came -ANGER. I had just had a complete physical with my doctor (which included the OB-Gyn exam) on August 28th. I had been complaining to her for months about bloating, increased waist size, and fullness. But she had assured me that everything was fine and that my exam was normal. (How could she have missed a tumor the size of my fist?) -FEAR followed anger. I have never had surgery. Chemotherapy? A nightmare! I don't want to be sick. I don't want to lose my hair! What about work, my family, my LIFE?



Fear can be a great motivator. It motivated me to learn as much as I could about ovarian cancer, the surgery, the chemotherapy protocols and the newest treatments and clinical studies. Surgery was scheduled for November 24th, two days before Thanksgiving. In the three weeks prior to surgery, I organized my work load in my department in preparation for being gone for 6-8 weeks. I spent hours gleaning information from the internet and library. I turned to friends and family for support and positive energy through prayer and visualization. With the help of my husband and a very dear friend, Sabrina, I started preparing for the surgery. We made pre and post operative tapes for stress relief (anxiety control), relaxation, pain relief, and healing. I practiced visualizing an uneventful, no complications, very successful surgery with minimal post-op discomfort and rapid recovery. My daily meditations included messages of self-healing and images of my powerful immune system already fighting and destroying the cancer cells. I continued to exercise and, in fact, went to my favorite exercise class the day before surgery. Exercise has played a very important part in my recovery from surgery and chemo. I went into surgery feeling stronger, mentally and physically, almost as if I'd been preparing for a marathon. In addition to increased exercise that included walking, step class, and weight training, I increased my vitamin intake to boost my immune system and energy levels. And just like an athlete preparing for an event, I endeavored to prepare myself emotionally and spiritually. "I feel myself strong, healthy and completely cancer free, now and forever," became, and still is, my mantra. I gathered all the good wishes and positive healing energy from friends and family like a cloak around me. I worked very hard at controlling my fears about the surgery, chemo and my future instead of letting the fears control me!



The morning of November 24th dawned clear and cold. Six AM found John and I on our way to UCSF to check in for surgery. I remember feeling somewhat disconnected to what was happening, surrounded by a sense of unreality. "I should be getting ready for work and shopping for Thanksgiving and decorating the house." Instead, we are speeding toward a big unknown. I practiced some "grounding" and "centering" techniques that Sabrina had taught me and kept deep breathing whenever the "nervous butterflies" fluttered around inside of me.



Checking in went smoothly. In my meeting with the anesthesiologist, I requested that he follow a script I had written up for him to use while talking to me during the surgery. The script had messages like: "Everything is going smoothly, Barbara," you'll wake up feeling minimal discomfort," You'll have a speedy recovery and nor complication." He agreed to my request and I was off to surgery.



The next few days are a blur, as I was in and out of sedation and on pain medication. A few memories do stand out- many, many beautiful flowers being delivered, gentle hands and voices taking care of and reassuring me; the faces of my loved ones looking stunned and scared. I must have appeared pretty scary with tubes and IV's everywhere! All seemed to be progressing smoothly until three days before my discharge. I was alert and moving around my room, sitting in the chair, and walking the hallways. And I experienced my worst day! Up until that time and for what seemed like for weeks, I'd been consciously putting on a good, strong, positive front. My theory was that the more positive energy would be reflected back to me in the form of: "It wasn't cancer, but just a benign cyst. Well, it is cancer, but we caught it early. The surgery will go great, and I'll recover quickly. I'll get back to my regular life!" That day started with a visit from my surgeon. She said I had had Stage IIIc ovarian cancer and she did not know if there was lymph node involvement. She was waiting for the report. She said a discharge nurse would be by to discuss chemo, wound care and at home follow-up. In her exam, the doctor found that my left leg was very swollen and she was sending me to have a CT Scan to rule out a blood clot. Also, my wound was infected in one area. She removed a few staples and started me on IV antibiotics. The staple removal procedure was very painful and I cried. Getting in and out of the wheelchair and up and down off the table for the CT scan was painful and I cried. Looking down at my 13 inch abdominal wound which was stapled except for a 3 inch open area and seeing my swollen to "twice it's size" left leg made me cry. And then there was the visit with the discharge nurse. A nice lady with a friendly smile as she spoke about chemo protocols that I'd be starting in three weeks, all of which would cause loss of hair, eyelashes and eyebrows. I cried. I felt so compromised, so vulnerable and SO ANGRY! Picture an armful of IV's shaking a fist at the sky. Looking back, I think finally getting angry and crying was good for me. After all, this wasn't fair, I didn't deserve this and the whole thing was overwhelming!



The next day was a little brighter. I went back to listening to my tapes, practicing my meditation and using the techniques that Sabrina and John had taught me for pain and stress relief. The CT scan was negative. No blood clots. My body was just redistributing fluids. I increased my walks around the halls and the swelling started to dissipate. The pathology report showed, to the surgeon's surprise, that there was no lymph node involvement! I felt like I had gotten an A+. And, after 10 days of hospitalization, I was going home.



That first breath of fresh air was heaven! San Francisco was at it's prettiest-clear blue sky, warm sun on my face and a cool breeze caressing my cheeks and tousling my hair. My brother carefully loaded me and my pillow into his car and I was, thankfully, on my way home.



My husband, sister Nance and my mom welcomed me with a clean house, lots of tasty treats and loving arms. My sister, Laurie, would arrive in a few days. The house would be decorated for Christmas and I was preparing to embark on phase 2, recovery from surgery and starting chemotherapy.



The second part of the story will be published in a future newsletter. It describes the chemotherapy, finding clinical studies, complimentary approaches to beating ovarian cancer that have been work for Barbara.



Ovarian Cancer: a not so silent killer



Ovarian cancer has long been considered difficult to detect with vague symptoms that look like other conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome and PMS. I had been experiencing bloating, gas, fullness, and urinary tract problems for several months. I complained to my doctor. She suggested dietary changes but never did any follow up testing on me. A simple blood test called CA-125 would have alerted her to the problem before it had advanced to Stage III. An elevated CA-125 (above 35) is indicative of ovarian cancer, especially in conjunction with the other symptoms I had. New research points to a clear sign of the disease: the presence of three specific symptoms simultaneously- increased waist size, bloating or gas, and the urgent need to urinate. Since my diagnosis, several friends and my sister have requested that their doctors do a baseline CA-125, especially, if they had symptoms of gas or bloating. Fortunately, they are fine. I urge you to do research, get information and if you have any symptoms or concerns, talk to your doctor and be assertive about what you want.



Vitamin and supplements that Barbara researched and used in her fight with ovarian cancer, Phase I.



The following is a list of vitamin and supplements that I took to prepare for surgery and to speed post-operative healing.



Vitamin A: 25,000 IU daily- numerous studies have shown the beneficial effects of Vit.A on healing after surgery.



Vitamin C: 2,000 mg per day- essential for collagen synthesis which is part of normal wound healing.



Zinc, magnesium, B Complex: wound healing



Vitamin E: speeds healing



Homeopathy:



Arnica montana 30x, 3-4 pellets twice per day on the day before surgery and also as soon before surgery as possible. Then take them as soon as possible in the recovery room. Take for 1 week following surgery. Arnica is very good at preventing ill effects from any kind of physical trauma. Refer to: Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom by Christine Northrup, MD for further information about these and other supplements. She also has a script example of four healing statements for the surgeon and anesthesiologist that I requested they say to me during my operation.



I also took Cat's Claw. I found information about this herb on the internet and started taking it as soon as I was diagnosed. I continue to take it daily. Cat's Claw is indigenous to the Amazon rainforest and other tropical areas of South and Central America. It has been used for over 2,000 years by indigenous peoples for a variety of conditions including wound healing, cancer, internal cleansing, and "normalizing" the body. It has been used in Europe and Peru since the early 1990's as an adjunctive treatment for cancer and AIDs as well as other diseases that target the immune system.



A good information website for further research: Raintree Nutrition-Tropical Plant Database.



Link to Part II



I used the guided relaxations/visualizations CD's from the Stress Education Center-Dstress.com



1. #209 Stress Management for Pre and Post-op Survival



2. #208 Stress Management for Healing



Reference:



Health Update from SELF Magazine by Jennifer Nelson November, 2004
Ovarian cancer: a not-so-silent killer



"Early diagnosis is crucial. When disease is caught before it spreads, 80 percent of women will survive."



by Barbara Ehlers-Mason, RN and L. John Mason, Ph.D.



Look for Part II .... If you wish more information.



Stress Education Center (707) 795-2228 website: http://www.dstress.com