Ovarian Cancer is a "Silent Killer" with more than 16,000 U.S. lives claimed annually

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in Kansas

Ovarian cancer is frequently referred to as the "silent killer" because the disease often lacks symptoms that are noticed by the patient. In Kansas, there are nearly 200 cases of ovarian cancer diagnosed each year and 147 women died of the disease in 2002. Ovarian cancer affects one in 57 women living in the U.S. and more than 22,000 women will be diagnosed with the disease in 2005. Ovarian cancer will claim the lives of 16,000 American women this year, according to the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance.

"Diagnosis of ovarian cancer is often difficult because early in the disease, women often exhibit very vague symptoms," said Dr. Howard Rodenberg, Director of the Division of Health of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. "These symptoms can include fatigue, nausea and indigestion, and bloating and general discomfort in the abdomen."

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in the U.S., and Governor Sebelius has signed a proclamation declaring September as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in Kansas. *See below for Web site links to specific event information in Kansas and national efforts to raise awareness.

Women age 40 or older are at risk, and as with most cancers the chance of developing ovarian cancer increases with age.

Other risk factors include:

• A personal or family history of breast, ovarian, endometrial or colon cancer;
• one or more close relatives with ovarian or breast cancer;
• carrying the gene mutations known as BRCA 1 and 2;
• hereditary nonpolyp colorectal cancer;
• using high doses of estrogen for long periods of time without the use of progesterone;
• have a North American, Northern European heritage or the Ashkenazi Jewish population;
• living in an industrial county.

Preventing ovarian cancer continues to be a challenge. Some experts suggest that prevention strategies include the use of oral contraceptives, a low-fat, high-fiber diet and exercise. Ovarian cancer is 30 to 60 percent lower among women who have been pregnant, had their first child before age 30 and breast-fed the baby. The risk of ovarian cancer is reduced in women who have had a tubal ligation or ovary removal. Genetic counseling is advisable if the family history suggests an ovarian cancer risk.

When detected early, ovarian cancer has a 90 percent cure rate, although no early detection tool is currently available and symptoms may be vague. A woman should report any unusual symptoms to her physician and be aware of the risks that may contribute to her chances of developing ovarian cancer. The more advanced stages of ovarian cancer may present symptoms such as anemia and pelvic pain. When diagnosed at an advanced stage, less than two out of 10 women will survive.

* Kansas City 2005 Whisper Walk, Sunday, September 25, 2005, 8 a.m., 5k Walk (3.1 miles), Leawood City Park, Leawood, KS. For more information on this event go to the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Kansas City Web site at www.ocakc.org.

Additional information may be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/cancer/ovarian/ and the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org/.

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