Awareness of the issues surrounding Ovarian Cancer and its impact are not as well publicized as other cancers. Yet is is the 4th leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States.

It is our purpose to provide the awareness and education to women in Columbia and Greene Counties to help them understand what the disease is, what resources are available to learn more and where to get help, and to help health professional recognize the early warning signs that often present as something else.

Recognition and early detection relates directly to proper care plans and contribute to the chances of survival.

Symptoms include:

• General abdominal discomfort or bloating
• Vague pelvic pain or backaches
• Fatigue
• Gas or indigestion
• Nausea, diarrhea, constipation or frequent urination
• Loss of appetite or feeling fullness after a light meal
• Weight gain or loss for no apparent reason
• Abnormal bleeding

These mild early symptoms are often overlooked because they can also be experienced in other, less serious conditions. Ask your doctor about Ovarian Cancer if you have experienced any of these symptoms for several days or weeks, no matter how mild you think it is.

Early detection is essential in diagnosing this cancer before it spreads. There are several methods used:

• A rectovaginal pelvic exam where the doctor can feel for any mass or growth in the abdomen.
• Transvaginal ultrasound, which uses high frequency waves to look at the ovaries can distinguish between fluid filled cysts and tumors.
• CA-125 assay is a blood test for the tumor marker.

Risk factors may include some, or all, of the following:

• Personal or family history of certain cancers (breast, ovarian, endometrial, prostate or color)
• Unexplained infertility, no pregnancies, no history of birth control pill usage.
• North American or North European heritage and/or Ashkenazi Jewish population.
• Increasing age is a risk factor; most cases of ovarian cancer are detected in postmenopausal women.

(Portions of the above text are adapted from the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition and the Nation Cancer Institute.)

Find out more. Call the Program Coordinator at (518)822-8820.

Also check out these other on-line Ovarian Cancer resources:

American Cancer Society
Extensive network of services and organizations fighting cancer by providing education and support. With resources for survivors, family, friends and professionals. www.cancer.org

MayoClinic.Com
Covers a variety of topical health issues.  www.mayoclinic.com

Cancer.Gov
Offers extensive information on cancer, treatments, and other cancer related news.  www.cancer.gov

National Ovarian Cancer Resource Center
Offers information on issues most commonly faced by cancer patients. www.ovarian.org

Ovarian Cancer National Alliance
Offers information on issues most commonly faced by cancer patients from the
beginning stages to the survivor stages.. www.ovariancancer.org

Ovarian Cancer Awareness is a program of the Healthcare Consortium.
The Rural Health Network of Columbia County