Can Ovarian Cysts Cause Cancer?

Can ovarian cysts cause cancer? This is a common question many women ask, especially those who have been diagnosed with having ovarian cysts, or even those who merely suspects they have ovarian cysts. If this question concerns you, let's clarify something now: ovarian cysts are very common and affect most women of child bearing age. However, they are mostly harmless and experts estimate only about 15 cases out of a whopping 100,000 (that's only about 0.015%) cases of ovarian cysts turn into cancers.



Although the percentage is rather small, it must also be noted that cancerous ovaries tend to hide any symptoms until they are larger. This makes it very important for women to check with their doctors early if they suspect that something is amiss. It is also a very good practice to have annual pelvic examinations as this will allow your doctor or gynecologist to detect any ovarian cysts, polycystic ovaries and even possible cancers early.



One of the tests that doctors use to determine whether an ovarian cyst is cancerous is a blood test called the CA-125 test. However, it is important to note that sometimes, some cancer growths in the ovaries do not produce enough CA-125 to be detected by this test so it is not foolproof. And even if CA-125 is detected, it may be also caused by other non-cancerous health conditions.



In some cases, not only can ovarian cysts cause cancer,they can also cause other possibly life threatening complications, especially if they develop further into PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). These complications may take the following forms:



1. Cardiovascular disease - linked to insulin resistance, decreased fibrinolysis, increased C-reactive protein levels and increased carotid intimal thickness.



2. Diabetes - linked to insulin resistance and exhaustion of the pancreas.



3. Pregnancy related problems - linked to hypertension and pre-eclampsia.



4. Elevated LDL - bad cholesterol.



5. High blood pressure.



So, to recap: Can ovarian cysts cause cancer? Yes it can, but it is relatively rare. Cancer, as well as ovarian cysts and PCOS have been linked to an imbalanced lifestyle where people are over-stressed at work, eating the wrong kinds of food and practically living a life where their bodies are continuously challenged to maintain its balance. Practitioners of holistic healing and natural living believe that it is when this balance is lost that disease and health complications arise. To complement your current healthcare, you may want to explore natural remedies to reduce or prevent the occurrence of ovarian cysts, PCOS and cancerous cysts.

Raising Ovarian Cancer Awareness: Teal Ribbons To Support The Cause

Ovarian cancer accounts for almost 3% of all cancers among women. It is the ninth most common cancer and fifth most common cause of cancer-related death in women. This type of cancer can be cured, though it may not always be that easy. To show support for the Ovarian Cancer Awareness month, which is being celebrated on the month of September each year, there are so many kinds of activities that you could do to participate.



One of the easiest ways for you to show your support include wearing teal ribbon pins, teal silicone wristbands or teal charms during the month of celebration. By displaying these awareness products you will spread the word and awareness about this disease to people who don't have a clue about it. The more people aware of ovarian cancer and its symptoms, the more successful the celebration will be. One of the main objectives of the awareness campaign, it's to educate women to recognize warning signs, therefore, the cancer can be detected at an early stage before it gets worse increasing the chances of defeating it.



Why the color teal? Well, just like breast cancer with its pink ribbon and AIDS with its striking red color, teal is considered as the official color of ovarian cancer and is also the color for Ovarian Cancer Awareness month. During September, those who are directly affected by the cancer and those who are not directly affected but may have a loved one suffering, are the most celebrated. In addition, a lot of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and health authorities will be playing their role by organizing educational events at public places and setting up health and information booths to spread more awareness to the public.



Ovarian cancer is one of the most deadly of women cancers. For 2010, it was estimated that 21,880 women in the United States alone would be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and at least 13,850 would died from this disease. It's everyone's responsibility to help raise more awareness, and aside from showing personal support by wearing the teal colored accessories, there are many kinds of events which can be organized to raise awareness or to raise funds. Among the events that could be organized for the cause include a tea party plus an ovarian cancer talk or seminar, or a public auction to help raise funds. Funds recollected are usually used on research to develop better screaming methods or to improve treatments.

Can Ovarian Cysts Cause Cancer?

Can ovarian cysts cause cancer? This is a common question many women ask, especially those who have been diagnosed with having ovarian cysts, or even those who merely suspects they have ovarian cysts. If this question concerns you, let's clarify something now: ovarian cysts are very common and affect most women of child bearing age. However, they are mostly harmless and experts estimate only about 15 cases out of a whopping 100,000 (that's only about 0.015%) cases of ovarian cysts turn into cancers.



Although the percentage is rather small, it must also be noted that cancerous ovaries tend to hide any symptoms until they are larger. This makes it very important for women to check with their doctors early if they suspect that something is amiss. It is also a very good practice to have annual pelvic examinations as this will allow your doctor or gynecologist to detect any ovarian cysts, polycystic ovaries and even possible cancers early.



One of the tests that doctors use to determine whether an ovarian cyst is cancerous is a blood test called the CA-125 test. However, it is important to note that sometimes, some cancer growths in the ovaries do not produce enough CA-125 to be detected by this test so it is not foolproof. And even if CA-125 is detected, it may be also caused by other non-cancerous health conditions.



In some cases, not only can ovarian cysts cause cancer,they can also cause other possibly life threatening complications, especially if they develop further into PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). These complications may take the following forms:



1. Cardiovascular disease - linked to insulin resistance, decreased fibrinolysis, increased C-reactive protein levels and increased carotid intimal thickness.



2. Diabetes - linked to insulin resistance and exhaustion of the pancreas.



3. Pregnancy related problems - linked to hypertension and pre-eclampsia.



4. Elevated LDL - bad cholesterol.



5. High blood pressure.



So, to recap: Can ovarian cysts cause cancer? Yes it can, but it is relatively rare. Cancer, as well as ovarian cysts and PCOS have been linked to an imbalanced lifestyle where people are over-stressed at work, eating the wrong kinds of food and practically living a life where their bodies are continuously challenged to maintain its balance. Practitioners of holistic healing and natural living believe that it is when this balance is lost that disease and health complications arise. To complement your current healthcare, you may want to explore natural remedies to reduce or prevent the occurrence of ovarian cysts, PCOS and cancerous cysts.