Although ovarian cancer is one of the most common reproductive cancers for women, many women don’t realize that it is a devastating diagnosis. Unlike Pap testing for cervical cancer, there is no defined testing method for ovarian cancer. Although there are symptoms commonly-associated with ovarian cancer like bloating in the abdomen, sudden weight gain, and abdominal pain, they are often subtle and easy to miss. This is why so many cases of ovarian cancer go undiagnosed until they are in later stages. As with any form of cancer, the earlier it is detected, the more easily it can be treated.
Understanding your risk of ovarian cancer is critical for women of all ages. This is especially true for women of more advanced ages, as your risk may increase over time. In honor of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month this September, our board-certified gynecologists have provided the following statistics from the American Cancer Society to illustrate the effect of this terrible disease on women across the US.
- Ovarian cancer is the fifth most deadly form of cancer for women and causes more deaths annually than any other gynecological cancer.
- This year, an estimated 22,240 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
- Over 14,000 women die annually from the disease.
- A woman’s risk of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer during her lifetime is about 1 in 78.
- Roughly half of all women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are 63 years of age or older.
- The number of cases diagnosed annually have remained constant since 2010, though this rate has decreased significantly over the last 20 years.
- The five-year survival rate for ovarian cancer is 46.5%, however, this is much higher for women whose condition is detected at an early stage.
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is the perfect time to spread knowledge and awareness in hopes of educating women about this terrible disease and its impact on women across the country. After all, education and understanding are essential tools in the fight against gynecological cancer. For more information on ovarian cancer or to request an appointment with board-certified gynecologist Dr. Kristine Gould, please contact Gynecology Associates of Gwinnett today. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for additional tips, news, and details on our upcoming Health and Wellness events.
