Dear Editor,
So much of our daily news is delivered via in-your-face presentations. Television news, in particular, has embraced the perspective that events depicting violence and conflict are given top billing under the adage ‘If it bleeds, it leads’ to grab viewers’ attention.
I sometimes wonder how, over time, such saturation of excess might contribute to a lessening of our perceptiveness of subtle changes occurring within ourselves. Being self-aware is a vital component of our health. With that said, perhaps the following might be received in the context of public health awareness.
Cancer occurs when cells in an area of the body grow abnormally. Ovarian cancer is a disease in which cancerous cells are found in the tissues of the ovary.
Ovarian cancer is the seventh most common cancer among women worldwide. Even so, researchers still are not sure of the exact cause of the disease; there are three major categories and numerous subtypes. Some factors increase one’s risk of developing it, yet often, patients have no known risk factors.
Because the disease’s symptoms, especially in the early stages, can be subtle and unclear, too often they are overlooked, resulting in most women with ovarian cancer being diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer. Symptoms of ovarian cancer can include abdominal pressure or bloating, pelvic pain, loss of appetite or quickly feeling full, persistent indigestion or gas, low back pain, fatigue, changes in either bladder or bowel habits., and menstrual irregularities.
As these symptoms are ambiguous, such that many women in the general population may present with some without having ovarian cancer, if a symptom persists or worsens, a woman should seek examination by a healthcare provider. In most cases, ovarian cancer is not detected during a routine pelvic exam, so a pelvic ultrasound is often recommended, which may, in turn, indicate that additional imaging (CT or MRI) and tumor marker blood tests be done. If ovarian cancer is diagnosed, a gynecologic oncologist can manage patient care from diagnosis through completion of treatment and surveillance.
Teal is the color chosen to raise awareness of ovarian cancer. It reminds us that subtle early symptoms should not be overlooked. Ovarian cancer whispers, so listen!
Peter Wibell, Rutledge