Rep. Schmidt Newsletter: "September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month"
I recently had the opportunity to talk with ovarian cancer survivors in my both my Washington D.C. and Cincinnati offices. These were strong and passionate women. Each brought her own story, but they shared a common goal to increase awareness of ovarian cancer. I admire their passion and strength and want to do my part to ensure that all women are aware of the signs and symptoms of this dreadful disease.
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), 22,430 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and 15,280 will die from the disease this year. Currently, there is no screening test for ovarian cancer and its symptoms are very difficult to identify. Because of this, advocacy groups such as the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance (OCNA), have a motto: “Until there’s a test, awareness is best.”
NCI lists as symptoms of ovarian cancer, the following:
· Pressure or pain in the abdomen, pelvis, back, or legs;
· A swollen or bloated abdomen;
· Nausea, indigestion, gas, constipation, or diarrhea; and
· Feeling very tired all the time.
If you experience any of these symptoms every day for three weeks, it is recommended that you contact your gynecologist immediately. And, because these symptoms can be very common and are often associated with other illnesses or conditions, it is important to know whether you are at an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Increased risk factors for women include those with a personal or family history of cancer, and women over 55, especially those who have never been pregnant. Please remember though, many women who are diagnosed have none of these risk factors and only your doctor will be able to tell for sure.
According to OCNA, if ovarian cancer is treated before it has spread outside the ovary, the five-year survival rate is 93 percent. Unfortunately, only 19 percent of ovarian cancers are found at this stage. Experts agree it is hard to detect, but the sooner ovarian cancer is found and treated, the better the chance for recovery. When dealing with ovarian cancer, the old adage, “it is better to be safe than sorry” could not be more appropriate.
If you would like more information; or you or someone you love may have Ovarian Cancer, please visit the web pages below.
I applaud these brave women for taking on this important fight. They are heroes in my eyes.
