Mayo Clinic Works To Develop Ovarian Cancer Vaccine

More concrete ways of preventing ovarian cancer may be closer than you think. The Mayo Clinic is working to develop a vaccine for ovarian cancer prevention.

There are no early detection tests for ovarian cancer, and 56 percent of women diagnosed with the disease die within five years.

That’s why the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance (MOCA) spends most of their budget on funding research. WCCO’s Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield took a look inside the Mayo Clinic to see where some of that money goes.

There are a lot of important things going on at this international hub for health. Inside one lab, Dr. Matthew Block is in charge of one of them. He works to “either reduce the curable rate or improve the cure rate or delay occupancies.”

Block admitted it can be a bit jumbled to explain, but he’s on a mission to save people from ovarian cancer. It’s a cause that’s not just professional — it’s personal. He and his family lost a close friend named Jayne.

“We struggled with her as she dealt with ovarian cancer for four years, and unfortunately she passed away,” Block said.

With the disease’s 85 percent mortality rate, he’s lost a number of patients as well.

“Working with my patients fuels the passion,” he said. “We’ve got to learn to do things better than we’re doing them currently.”

That’s why Block is managing a study at the Mayo.

Most women who develop ovarian cancer have a bout and go into remission, but then it recurs. Block is trying to come up with a vaccine for survivors using a woman’s own cells, so that their cancer won’t come back.

“In ovarian cancer, we have seen that we can generate immune responses that recognize the cancer like they would recognize a virus,” Block said.

The level of funding by the federal government is often not enough to accomplish these types of trials, so groups like MOCA have stood in the gap. About $100,000 came from MOCA, through donations to the teal-themed small non-profit.

Block said his gratitude to the group isn’t just about money.

“While I do my best to try and explain things to the patients so they understand what’s going on — what to expect, what our plans are as treatments — it’s often nice to have someone outside the medical field whom she can relate to, and MOCA’s provided that for many through their support,” Block said.

To make a donation to MOCA, click here. More information about ovarian cancer can be found here.

Read the full article here:

Is Ovarian Cancer Something You Have to Worry About?

Ovarian cancer may pose a bigger risk to your health than you think.

Diem Brown – MTV reality star, cancer warrior and patient advocate - was only 34 years old when she died after a long battle with ovarian cancer on November 14. She was first diagnosed at 23 years old, and again in 2012. Her tragic story has put a spotlight on ovarian cancer and raised awareness.

Here are the most important questions about ovarian cancer answered with help from the American Cancer Society:

How common is ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women. According to World Ovarian Cancer Day, there are about 250,000 women diagnosed each year and about 140,000 deaths from ovarian cancer each year worldwide. A woman’s risk of getting this type of cancer is about 1 in 73 and her risk of dying from it is about 1 in 100.

Who is at risk?

All women are at risk for ovarian cancer. It mainly develops in older women – about half of the women diagnosed are 63 years or older. It is more common in white women than African-American women. Women are most often diagnosed between the ages of 40 and 70, and even more so in women between the ages of 50 and 59. However, it does occur in younger women too. When younger individuals are diagnosed with cancer, it is often more aggressive.

Should I worry about it?

Women should not necessarily worry about ovarian cancer. However, because only about 20 percent of ovarian cancers are found early, women should know what the symptoms are and how to be cautious of it. When this type of cancer is found early, the five-year survival rate is about 90-95 percent. According to UConn Health, when the cancer is detected at an advanced stage, the five-year survival rate becomes 18 percent.

Can it be prevented?

Cancer is not preventable. However, being aware of the symptoms will allow for early diagnosis (when the disease is more easily treatable.) The best way women can keep themselves aware is by having a pelvic exam done each year. It is important that your physician is aware of your medical and family history so that all risk factors are taken into account. Routine pap smears do not detect ovarian cancer.

Are there symptoms, signs, or risk factors to be aware of?

The most common symptoms include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, trouble eating or feeling full quickly, and urinary symptoms like urgency and frequency. These symptoms may also be caused by non-cancerous diseases and other types of cancers. Symptoms that are persistent and more severe are more concerning, especially if a woman has symptoms more than twelve times a month. If so, a women should see her gynecologist. Other symptoms may include fatigue, upset stomach, back pain, pain during sex, constipation, menstrual changes, and abdominal swelling with weight loss.

Is it treatable?

When ovarian cancer is diagnosed at an early stage – when the cancer is still confined to the ovary. On the other hand, ovarian cancer is frequently diagnosed at a late stage. This may be due to symptoms being confused with other, more common issues. This is why it’s important to track the frequency of the symptoms.

Read the full article here: http://fxn.ws/1vSr86Q

Ovarian Cancer at 17. Soon-to-be Mom at 34.

This soon-to-be Mom battled ovarian cancer at 17. Read her story here:

This week we’re spotlighting MOCA, the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance as part of our Trees of Hope campaign.

Ovarian cancer occurs in 1 in 71 women. Fifty-six percent of women die within five years.

The average age for a woman to be diagnosed is 63. But doctors told Kristen Miles she had the diseasewhen she was just 17.

Now 34, Kristen’s life is flourishing, thanks in part to a special group at MOCA.
She met her husband, Kevin, with the help of a matchmaker.

“A real-life matchmaker, not online (laughs),” Kristen said.

And that was the beginning of would become her fairy tale. Her nightmare is now 17 years in the past, and it all started with a swollen belly.

“I had an ultrasound that showed a mass, and four days later I was rushed into surgery and that’s where I was diagnosed,” she said.

Miles was the unlucky statistic, being diagnosed with a disease that usually affects women four-times older than she was at the time.

After surgery to remove an ovary and aggressive chemo, she fell into another narrow statistic: women who survive ovarian cancer. But her battle would continue in other ways.

“When dating, I always had in the back of my mind, I have to find someone, if I can’t have kids someday, they have to be OK with that,” Kristen said.

Thankfully, Kevin was.

“Ovarian cancer, I had not heard of before,” Kevin said.

Nor have most people. And that’s what Kristen had come to expect until she heard about the teal-trademarked group MOCA.

“When I moved to the Twin Cities and heard there was an organization just for ovarian cancer, I was so excited, it was people you can relate to,” she said.

And then she found out about the Young Survivor’s Group: women in their teens, twenties and thirties sharing fun events like belly dancing class, speaking at events and representing the cause at health fairs.

“Unique friendships that we otherwise may not have never met, and we’re just good support for each other,” Kristen said.

Together, they share the highs and the lows.

“We are a unique group. We face certain challenges like fertility,” she said. “A lot of survivors go into basically medically-induced menopause.”

It’s a challenge she, and her now-husband, no longer face.

“Because of the intensity of my chemo I had, it was still going to be in question, so we’re pretty excited it worked,” Kristen said.

She’s due in March. While they wait, they’ll continue to volunteer.

“MOCA does some really important stuff that I wasn’t even aware of,” Kevin said.

They don’t yet know the gender, whether it’s blue or pink. But there’s a good chance their baby will wear teal.

“I might make our child volunteer (laughs),” Kristen said.

Click the link to read the full article: http://cbsloc.al/1G0GY0t

Fighting Ovarian Cancer Head-On

Learn how this small non-profit in Minneapolis is fighting ovarian cancer head-on:

Whether they are breaking a sweat at a fundraiser or all dressed up at a banquet — the color teal always marks an occasion for the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance. And so does a sense of pride.
Eleven-year survivor Erica Dahlin and her family help support the annual walk.

“We need to find a test that can help us know this is what it is – early,” Dahlin said.

Thirteen-year survivor Pam MacDonald started her own spin-off — a spin class.

“I have another granddaughter that’s coming in early February and more than ever I’m going for the cure and early detection,” MacDonald said.

The group came together in 1999. Kathleen Gavin, a public health advocate, was the first full-time staff member.

“I can’t walk away, we’ve lost so many fabulous women and I feel I owe it to them,” Gavin said.
But building a support base with people passionate about ovarian cancer was tricky.

“If 85 percent of them die, then we lose our advocates,” Gavin said. “They’re not there to fight with us any longer. And that’s why we really need the whole community to be involved.”

Unlike breast cancer, there isn’t a way to screen ovarian cancer early. And there aren’t as many survivors to build a large-scale support network.

Although MOCA’s worked with women as young as seven, the average age is 63. And the symptoms of ovarian cancer are quite subtle.

“A lot of women are initially misdiagnosed as having irritable bowel syndrome, peri-menopause, stress, midlife weight gain,” Gavin said. “These are all things that mimic ovarian cancer.”
By the time they are properly diagnosed, it’s often stage three or four.

“They’re thrown into this world of confusing cancer treatment. All of a sudden, you know, it’s surgery and really tough chemo, so that’s why MOCA is there,” she said.

The other reason is research. There’s the hope that perhaps a pap smear could one day detect it, or a vaccine could be developed. That’s where they put the vast majority of their budget.

“That is what’s really gonna make a difference in the future, that’s how we’re gonna get an early detection test, that’s how we’re gonna get better treatments and maybe a cure,” Gavin said.

They are a small but mighty group who knows that survival sometimes involves a good fight.

Click the link to read the full article: http://cbsloc.al/1yMAsam

Fighting Ovarian Cancer Year Round

Learn how the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition is working to fight ovarian cancer all year long:

The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition does not stop raising awareness on ovarian cancer when September, ovarian cancer awareness month, comes to a close. The Connecticut Chapter continues to reach out into the community to educate on the early signs and symptoms in order to increase early detection and survival rates for women year round. 

Because there is currently no early detection test for ovarian cancer, raising awareness on the early signs and symptoms is key to saving lives. When detected early, the 5-year survival ate is over 90%. Unfortunately, because the symptoms are so vague, only 14.7% of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed in stage 1, when the cancer is confined to the ovaries.

Early warning signs for women to be aware of include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly and feeling the need to urinate urgently or often. Other symptoms may include fatigue, upset stomach or heartburn, back pain, pain during sex, constipation and menstrual changes. If these symptoms are NEW to women and persisting for 2 weeks or more, they may want to consider talking with their doctor about a transvaginal ultrasound, which is the most accurate way to detect ovarian cancer.
Risk factors for ovarian cancer include genetic predisposition, personal or family history of breast, uterine, colon, rectal or ovarian cancers, increasing age, undesired infertility and obesity. It is important for women who fall into theses categories to be proactive in communicating with their physicians. 

While the NOCC places emphasis on education, the organization also provides support to newly diagnosed women in hospitals across the nation and invests in new research each year. 

With the support of our communities, the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition will continue to work tirelessly to prevent and cure ovarian cancer, and to improve the quality of life for survivors.

Read the full article here: http://cour.at/1HEtGsp

Math Formula Helping Fight Ovarian Cancer

More than truth lies in numbers. A math formula is now helping doctors fight ovarian cancer.

"The approach worked for me," triathlete and ovarian cancer survivor Leslie Russell of Houston says.The new approach determined Leslie Russell needed chemotherapy before surgery. More than a year later, doctors say her prognosis is great.
Houston doctors are employing a new approach against ovarian cancer that dramatically improves the likelihood tumors are completely removed during surgery, the key to beating the deadly disease.

The approach, now being used by all M.D. Anderson gynecologic oncologists treating advanced ovarian cancer, involves an initial laparoscopic procedure to better diagnose the extent of the disease and a mathematical formula that surgeons apply to predict whether the patient should go directly to surgery or receive chemotherapy first.

"This protocol enables us to personalize surgical therapy and be much smarter about its timing," said Dr. Anil Sood, an M.D. Anderson professor of gynecologic oncology and reproductive medicine and the effort's leader. "It results in much more precise surgery, which we think will lower death rates from ovarian cancer."

M.D. Anderson doctors have been treating ovarian cancer patients, about 155 now, with the new protocol since the spring of 2013, when the project was launched as part of the institution's Moon Shots program. The program seeks to improve treatment of eight difficult cancers or cancer groupings.

The team hasn't published any data on the approach because patients need to be tracked longer to determine outcomes. But Sood said the team is successfully removing all visible tumor cells of more than 90 percent of patients who go directly to surgery and 85 percent of those who undergo chemotherapy to reduce the burden of malignant cells prior to surgery. Historically, Sood said, surgery in advanced ovarian patients around the world achieves complete removal of tumor cells no more than 35 percent of the time.

Sood said he anticipates data will eventually show at least a 25 percent improvement in ovarian cancer survival rates.

Click the link to read the full article: http://www.chron.com/news/health/article/Math-formula-helping-fight-ovarian-cancer-5901796.php

Surgery Isn’t Only Option for Women With Ovarian Cancer Genes

If you find out you have the BRCA gene, do not think that surgery is your only option.  There are many ways to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.  Research has found that breast feeding, birth control pills, and having fallopian tubes tied all may help reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.  Learn more in the article below and always remember to talk with your doctor before making any decisions.  You can learn more here.

Breast-feeding, birth control pills and having fallopian tubes tied may help reduce ovarian cancer risk in women with BRCA gene mutations, a new review suggests.

Women with BRCA gene mutations are at increased risk for breast and ovarian cancers. These findings suggest ways that women with these inherited mutations can reduce their ovarian cancer risk without having their ovaries surgically removed, the University of Pennsylvania researchers said.
“Patients deserve better cancer-risk reduction options than surgically removing their healthy breasts and ovaries,” review co-author Dr. Susan Domchek, executive director of the Basser Research Center for BRCA at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center, said in a university news release.

Domchek and her colleagues reviewed 44 studies and found that breast-feeding and tubal ligation were associated with lower rates of ovarian cancer in women with a BRCA1 mutation, while the use of birth control pills was associated with a reduced risk of ovarian cancer in women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.

The researchers also identified factors that may increase the risk of cancer in women with BRCA mutations. For example, smoking may heighten the risk of breast cancer in women with a BRCA 2 mutation.

The findings are to be published in the June issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
“Our analysis reveals that heredity is not destiny, and that working with their physicians and counselors, women with BRCA mutations can take proactive steps that may reduce their risk of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer,” lead author Timothy Rebbeck, professor of epidemiology and cancer epidemiology and risk reduction program leader at the Abramson Cancer Center, said in the news release.

“The results of the analysis show that there is already sufficient information indicating how some variables might affect the risk of cancer for these patients,” he added.

About 39 percent of women with a harmful BRCA1 mutation and up to 17 percent of those with a harmful BRCA2 mutation will develop ovarian cancer by age 70, compared with 1.4 percent of women in the general population.

Between 55 percent and 65 percent of women with a harmful BRCA1 mutation and 45 percent of women with a harmful BRCA2 mutation will develop breast cancer by age 70, compared with about 12 percent of women in the general population.

Both BRCA mutations have also been linked with increased risk for several other types of cancer, according to the researchers.

“It’s imperative that we continue examining and building upon past research in this area so that we can provide BRCA mutation carriers with options at every age, and at every stage of their lives,” Domchek noted.

Diet May Influence Ovarian Cancer Outcome

This article from Reuters shows that the quality of diet may actually affect a woman's chance of ovarian cancer survival. Keep reading to learn more:

Women with healthier diets before an ovarian cancer diagnosis are less likely to die in the years following the cancer than women with poorer diets, according to a new study.

The exceptions were women with diabetes or a high waist circumference, which is often linked to diabetes.

A healthy diet before diagnosis may indicate a stronger immune system and, indirectly, the capacity to respond favorably to cancer therapy, said lead author Cynthia A. Thomson of Health Promotion Sciences at the Canyon Ranch Center for Prevention and Health Promotion at the University of Arizona in Tucson.

“It also may reflect our capacity to sustain healthy eating after diagnosis, which in turn could support better health in a broader sense,” Thomson told Reuters Health by email.

Researchers looked back at 636 cases of ovarian cancer occurring between 1993 and 1998, 90 percent of which were invasive cancers.

The women had filled out dietary and physical activity questionnaires at least one year before their cancer diagnoses as part of the larger Women’s Health Initiative study. Researchers measured their heights, weights and waist circumferences.

The healthy eating index in this study measured 10 dietary components, scoring diets with a higher amount of vegetables and fruit, more variety in vegetables and fruit, more whole grains, lower amounts of fat and alcohol and more fiber as healthier than other diets.

On average, the women were diagnosed with ovarian cancer around age 63.

As of September 17, 2012, 354 of the women had died, and 305 of those died specifically from ovarian cancer.

When the researchers divided the women into three groups based on their diet quality, those in the healthiest-eating group were 27 percent less likely to die of any cause after ovarian cancer diagnosis than those in the poorest diet group, according to the results published in JNCI, the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Read the full article from Reuters here: http://reut.rs/1t8rrIP

Types of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer doesn’t come with just one type of tumor, one type of cell, or four general stages. There are different types of cells, types of tumors, and stages to keep in mind if your doctor gives you the dreaded news.

There are over 30 types of ovarian cancer because of the type of cell from which they start. Cancerous tumors can start from three common cell types:
Surface Epithelium - cells covering the lining of the ovaries
Germ Cells - cells that are destined to form eggs
Stromal Cells - cells that release hormones and connect the different structures of the ovaries

The most common tumors include:
Common Epithelial Tumors. They develop from cells that cover the outer surface of the ovary. Most of the tumors like this are benign (noncancerous) and include several types: serous adenomas, mucinous adenomas, and Brenner tumors.
Cancerous Epithelial Tumors. These are carcinomas, which begin in the tissue that lines the ovaries, and are the most common and most dangerous.
Borderline tumors or tumors of low malignant potential (LMP tumors). These are tumors that aren’t clearly identified as cancerous under a microscope.
Germ Cell Tumors. These develop from the cells that produce the ova or eggs. Most are benign, but some are cancerous and may be life threatening. The most common germ cell malignancies are maturing dysgerminomas, teratomas, and endodermal sinus tumors.
Stromal Tumors. These belong to a rare class of tumors that develop from connective tissue cells that hold the ovary together, in addition to cells that produce the female hormones: estrogen and progesterone. The most common types of stromal tumors are granulosa-theca and Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors and are considered to be low-grade cancers

The stages of ovarian cancer include:
Stage I – Cancer growth is limited to the ovary or ovaries.
Stage IA - Growth is limited to one ovary and the tumor is confined to the inside of the ovary. Stage IB - Growth is limited to both ovaries without any tumor on their outer surfaces.
Stage IC - The tumor is Stage IA or IB and (1) tumor is present on the outer surface of one or both ovaries; (2) the capsule has ruptured; and/or (3) there are ascites containing malignant cells or with positive peritoneal washings.
Stage II - Growth of the cancer involves one or both ovaries and has extended to the pelvis.
Stage IIA - The cancer has extended to and/or involves the uterus, fallopian tubes, or both.
Stage IIB - The cancer has extended to other pelvic organs.
Stage IIC - The tumor is Stage IIA or IIB and (1) tumor is present on the outer surface of one or both ovaries; (2) the capsule has ruptured; and/or (3) there are ascites containing malignant cells or with positive peritoneal washings.
Stage III - Growth of the cancer involves one or both ovaries, and (1) the cancer has spread beyond the pelvis to the lining of the abdomen; and/or (2) the cancer has spread to lymph nodes.
Stage IIIA - During an operation, the surgeon can see cancer on one or both of the ovaries, but not in the abdomen or lymph nodes. However, small deposits of cancer are found in the abdominal peritoneal surfaces when biopsies are checked under a microscope.
Stage IIIB - The tumor is in one or both ovaries, and deposits of cancer are visibly present in the abdomen during surgery, but not exceeding 2 cm in diameter. The cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes.
Stage IIIC - The tumor is in one or both ovaries, and (1) the cancer has spread to lymph nodes; and/or (2) the deposits of cancer exceed 2 cm in diameter and are found in the abdomen.
Stage IV - The most advanced stage. Growth involves one or both ovaries and distant metastases (spread of the cancer to organs located outside of the peritoneal cavity) have occurred. Finding ovarian cancer cells in pleural fluid (from the cavity which surrounds the lungs) is also evidence of stage IV disease.

Follow this link for more information. http://bit.ly/13l7UKh

Factors That Could Lead to Ovarian Cancer

Some of these factors may make you more susceptible to ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it has spread within the pelvis and abdomen. At this late stage, ovarian cancer is more difficult to treat and is frequently fatal. Early-stage ovarian cancer, in which the disease is confined to the ovary, is more likely to be treated successfully.

Certain factors may increase your risk of ovarian cancer:

Age. Ovarian cancer can occur at any age but is most common in women ages 50 to 60 years.
Inherited gene mutation. A small percentage of ovarian cancers are caused by an inherited gene mutation. The genes known to increase the risk of ovarian cancer are called breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2). These genes were originally identified in families with multiple cases of breast cancer, which is how they got their names, but women with these mutations also have a significantly increased risk of ovarian cancer.

The gene mutations that cause Lynch syndrome, which is associated with colon cancer, also increase a woman's risk of ovarian cancer.

Estrogen hormone replacement therapy, especially with long-term use and in large doses.
Age when menstruation started and ended. If you began menstruating before age 12 or underwent menopause after age 52, or both, your risk of ovarian cancer may be higher.
Never being pregnant.
Fertility treatment.
Smoking.
Use of an intrauterine device.
Polycystic ovary syndrome.
If you have a genetic predisposition to ovarian cancer, your doctor may recommend regular pelvic imaging and blood tests to screen for the disease.

Click the link to read the full article: http://bit.ly/1oaUfPq

12 Questions You Should Ask If You've Been Diagnosed With Ovarian Cancer

An ovarian cancer diagnosis may be devastating, but it's important to get the answers to several important questions. This will help you ensure you know all the ins and outs of the disease, as well as how you and your family can deal with the diagnosis in the best way possible.

Are you sure?
The work-up for the diagnosis is by an imaging test – by an ultrasound, CT scan or both – and a blood test called a CA-125, explains Karen Lu, chair of gynecologic oncology at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, and “most of the time – unfortunately, about 75 percent of the time – women present with ovarian cancer with symptoms of bloating and increase in the size of their abdomen," Lu says. "And when they get imaging by their physician, they have very advanced disease.”

But other times, the diagnosis isn’t so obvious. A biopsy or surgery is needed for definite diagnosis, she says.

What type of ovarian cancer do I have?
Ovarian cancers are classified by where the tumor first developed in the ovary – in the cells of its covering layer (epithelium), in the egg-producing cells or in the hormone-producing cells – along with other subtypes. Malignant epithelial ovarian cancer is the most common.

What kind of doctor should I see?
Your doctor should be a board-certified gynecologic oncologist – a doctor who specializes in cancer of the female reproductive system, Lu says.

“We’re an unusual specialty that includes both surgery and chemotherapy,” says Leslie Randall, a gynecologic oncologist with University of California Irvine Health. “Because the disease is so complicated, and sometimes the chemo and surgery go hand in hand, it’s really important to have somebody who knows both sides of the coin to be involved in their care.”

Where do I go for care?
A big cancer center is ideal, Randall says, but if you don’t have access, then the best thing is to locate a gynecologic oncologist in the community.

Lu says it’s important to ask doctors or a medical group about their experience and approach, with questions such as: “Do you do this on a regular basis?” “Are there any innovative approaches?" “Do you offer any clinical trials?” and “Does your group have a particular focus on ovarian cancer?”

What is my treatment plan?
Most patients start with surgery followed by chemotherapy once they’ve recovered, although some women need chemotherapy first. The extent of treatment needed may not be known until the woman is actually on the operating table and the pathologist has analyzed her tumor.

What is your surgical approach?
Survival odds are better when all the cancer is removed during tumor-debulking surgery. “We have a very specific goal – which is no residual tumor,” Lu says. That’s why you want your doctor to use maximal cytoreductive effort.

With advanced ovarian cancer, instead of one big tumor, many small tumors are spread throughout the abdominal cavity, Randall explains. “'Cytoreductive’ means removing all those little tumors,” she says. “It’s a labor-intensive type of surgery, but it helps people live longer the more you remove.”

How do you give chemotherapy?
A major marker of good ovarian cancer care is whether women have access to intraperitoneal chemotherapy, Randall says. With intraperitoneal chemo, drugs are injected directly into the abdominal cavity through a thin catheter, rather than being given intravenously. While not all patients are good candidates for this method, she says, it’s considered the standard of care. “A lot of women don’t get peritoneal therapy because they’re going to a provider who doesn’t give [it],” she says. “It’s a wrong reason not to get peritoneal therapy.”

What about chemo side effects?
Side effects depend on the type of drugs you receive, and you should have an idea what to expect. Figueras was surprised at how debilitating her side effects were. At first, “I was gung-ho to go to my chemotherapy,” she says. “In my mind, I was going to have it on [each] Friday; I was going to be sick all weekend – and then I was going to be fine again. And nothing could be further from the truth.”

Do you offer clinical trials?
It “absolutely” is important to be at a place that offers clinical trials, Lu says. Even if you don’t choose to be in one, you may want to hear about those research studies, which can give you a chance to receive the newest treatments for your condition.

What if I don’t have access to care?
Patients can connect to resources and specialists nationwide through the Society of Gynecologic Oncology website, Randall suggests. “There’s a lot of patient information – good information, because a lot of information on the Web is not good,” she says. The society also has a patient advocate to help women find providers.

What about emotional and social support?
“You need to find those people who are going to be there for you,” Figueras says, and she’s lucky to have a “fantastic” support system in her family, her blog community and her Facebook friends.

“I have a friend who is a chef who called me and couldn’t really offer anything but food. So he would provide my lunch for me on chemo days,” she says. “My very first chemo … he actually sent over a lobster tail.” For peer support and information, she turns to the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance.

Do I need to make decisions right away?
When you’re diagnosed, Lu says, “It’s very scary, and you feel like ‘I have to deal with this thing tomorrow.’” But it’s worth taking your time to make sure you find a doctor “who is experienced and also someone that you trust, that you have a good relationship with,” she says, rather than feeling you have to rush into something.

Within a month is a reasonable time frame to pick a provider and get started, both experts agree. However, Randall adds, “You really don’t want to spend a whole lot of time in that process. The sooner you get to treatment, the better the outcome will be in the long term.” 

Click the link to read the full article from U.S. News

4 Things You Didn't Know About Ovarian Cancer

Here are four things you probably don't know, but should know about ovarian cancer:

It's Known as the Silent Killer

Prolonged bloating, pelvic abdominal pain, and feeling the need to urinate frequently are all things that the average women might feel on the average day. They’re also symptoms of ovarian cancer. Since symptoms are so vague, the cancer can be tough to catch. It’s easy to chalk those symptoms up to hormonal changes, a UTI, or just a big Chinese dinner, Avner says. “That’s why it’s so important for women to know the symptoms and be empowered to go to their doctor if the symptoms persist or worsen,” Avner says.

It’s the Deadliest Gynecological Disease

Two-thirds of women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer will die as a result, Avner says. That’s why you need to be proactive. To ensure your symptoms aren't overlooked, ask your doctor questions like, ‘Could it be my ovaries?’

A Pap Smear Doesn’t Check for It

Many of us think that after heading to the lady doctor, we’re covered. But in reality, your ob-gyn is testing for cervical cancer, a far less pervasive and far less deadly cancer, Avner says. This year, 12,360 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer versus 21,980 new diagnoses of ovarian cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.

Oral Contraceptives Reduce Your Risk

Popping the Pill every day has its benefits: hormone control, cramp killer, unplanned pregnancy prevention, and protection from cancer. “Five years of oral contraceptives for a woman in her 20s or 30s can have the power to reduce the risk for ovarian cancer by 50 percent,” Avner says. These five years can be non-consecutive, so if you go on the pill for a few years in your early 20s and go off again until you’re 30, you’ll still reap the benefits. One study found that the risk for ovarian cancer decreases by 36 percent for every 10 years taking oral contraceptives. Another found that the protection continues long after you stop.

Read the full article from Shape Magazine here: http://bit.ly/WJQO4Y

Getting a Jump on Ovarian Cancer

Learn the story behind this young woman's fight with ovarian cancer.

In July 2013, Ivanna Vidal learned she carried a mutation in one of her genes, the BRCA2 gene, that increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. About a year later, she was found to have a mass in her right ovary just months after an ovarian cancer screening came back negative.

Last month, during what she thought would be a preventative surgery to remove her ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus, the mass in her ovary was biopsied. Doctors diagnosed her with advanced-stage ovarian cancer.

The diagnosis didn’t devastate her, though. She recently sat up in bed at UM’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami, eagerly sharing her story, even after a fourth round of chemotherapy. Vidal was one of the patients at Sylvester’s newly opened Ovarian Cancer Early Detection Clinic.

The clinic wants to identify women at a high risk for developing ovarian cancer by screening family and personal cancer histories and to provide preventive strategies to the women. Vidal, 41, for example, has an extensive family history of breast cancer, but not ovarian cancer.

“It’s all good,” she said. “I’m learning a lot from this and I’m appreciating the experience.”

As with most other cancers, the risk of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer increases with age. One preventative strategy for post-menopausal women, or for women who are finished with childbearing, is to remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Other women, like Vidal, who have strong family histories of certain types of cancers need to be made aware of their risks and what they can to minimize them.

Dr. Brian Slomovitz, division director of gynecologic oncology at Sylvester, said women with BRCA mutations have a 20- to 40-percent chance of getting ovarian cancer and up to an 80-percent chance of getting breast cancer.

BRCA is not the only gene that, when mutated, can cause cancer.

Talia Donenberg, senior cancer genetics counselor for the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, said the percentage of women with hereditary ovarian cancer has jumped from 10 percent of all cases to between 15 and 20 percent because of the discovery of more genes involved in causing inherited cancers.

Slomovitz said Vidal’s cancer was caught early enough to give her a good prognosis. But that’s not usually the case for ovarian cancer patients.

Ovarian cancers are the deadliest of all gynecologic cancers, Slomovitz said.

“Most women with ovarian cancer are diagnosed with an advanced-stage disease,” he said. “In the past, we thought it was a silent disease. We know now that that’s not the case.”

Ovarian cancer does, in fact, show symptoms: abdominal pain, bloating or swelling; frequent urination; constipation and pelvic pain. But those symptoms are not specific to women and can mimic other common problems individuals may have, like gastritis or urinary tract infections.

Vidal experienced some bloating, but she attributed it to whatever she had for lunch. Slomovitz said the key is for women to be cognizant of their symptoms and to pay attention to how long they last. It should be no longer than 10 to 14 days.

Another problem faced in treating ovarian cancer is identifying it at earlier stages.

“Currently, there is no good screening test for ovarian cancer,” Slomovitz said.

Donenberg said high-risk women are those with a first-degree relative with ovarian cancer, a first-degree relative with breast cancer under the age of 50 and/or a personal history of breast cancer.

A woman visiting the clinic can see a gynecologic oncologist, genetic counselor and a radiologist trained in identifying gynecologic cancers all in the same visit. She will get blood work done and have the results of her ultrasound read to her instead of waiting weeks for the results.

“Life is difficult. People are busy. We as healthcare providers realize that we can’t just focus on the treatment of really bad diseases, we need to focus on the prevention of some of those diseases. If we’re going to offer preventive strategies and be successful at it, we need to make sure it’s convenient for our patients,” Slomovitz said.

The clinic will also have a nurse navigator who will help patients navigate through the health care system and get them the appointments they need.

“A lot of these women feel lost,” said Donenberg. “They won’t know where to go, where to get care, who to talk to.’’

Vidal tries not to let the cancer get to her. The thing she thought would devastate her the most, losing her hair, has not impacted her.

“I’m surprised about my attitude toward my hair,” she said. “I had to shave it. It gets to the point where you just have to grab the shaver G.I. Jane-style and take it off.”

Vidal does miss her previously active lifestyle, the energy she used to have and her favorite foods. She loves sushi, ceviche and medium-rare meat, but because of the risk of infection, everything she eats now has to be well-cooked.

As a licensed clinical social worker, she hopes to help women going through something similar.

“People talk about waiting for the storm to pass to see the rainbow,” Vidal said. “I remember hearing someone say it’s not about waiting for storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain. I’m trying to dance in the rain.”

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/living/health-fitness/article2309095.html#storylink=cpy

A Healthy Diet Helps Ovarian Cancer Patients

Food can have a major impact on the health of ovarian cancer patients.

What we eat has a tremendous impact on our health, a fact especially important to remember when fighting a disease like ovarian cancer.

“While there are no foods that can ‘cure’ ovarian cancer, eating a diet that is mostly plant-based and includes fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats is believed to strengthen the immune system to help fight the disease,” says Dana Klein Davis, MS, RD, a registered dietitian and volunteer nutrition consultant at the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge New York City — Jerome L. Greene Family Center.

Ovarian cancer patients should aim for at least five fruits and vegetables a day in a wide variety of colors — red, orange, yellow, green, and purple — to get the best array of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other potential disease-fighting nutrients.

Planning an Ovarian Cancer Diet

Davis recommends the following foods in particular to add to an ovarian cancer diet:

• Carrots, sweet potatoes, and other deep orange fruits and vegetables that contain carotenoids; each serving size is ½ cup.
• Broccoli, kale, and dark-green leafy vegetables with flavonoids, which are antioxidants, and folate, the B vitamin; serving size is ½ cup cooked or 1 cup raw.
• Wild salmon and other fatty fish with anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids; serving size is 3 to 4 ounces, ideally twice a week.
• Egg yolks, an excellent source of protein plus vitamin D (low levels of vitamin D may be associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer); serving size is 1 egg.
• Ginger may also play a role in the prevention of ovarian cancer and can possibly help with management of nausea from treatment; serving size has not been established.

Certain foods should be limited and perhaps avoided, including white flour and sugars — eat whole-grain foods instead. Limit or eliminate hot dogs, bologna, bacon, and other processed meats, and other foods that are generally high in fat. Also limit alcohol consumption to one alcoholic drink a day.


Choosing the Right Cooking Methods

Low-fat cooking methods such as baking, steaming, and roasting are best for ovarian cancer patients and non-cancer patients alike. Steaming or microwaving vegetables is particularly beneficial because these methods help preserve vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

For meat, poultry, and fish, avoid cooking techniques that involve high temperatures, such as frying, broiling, or grilling, says Davis. This will help prevent cancer-causing compounds, known as heterocyclic amines or HCAs, from forming. Instead try braising, stewing, or microwaving.

What to Eat During Ovarian Cancer Treatment

Ovarian cancer treatment can produce side effects. Specific dietary advice depends on your individual situation, but in general Davis suggests choosing foods high in protein and calories, such as cheese, peanut butter, and yogurt; drinking juices, milk, milkshakes, and smoothies instead of low-calorie or diet beverages; cooking with butter, margarine, or oil to add calories; and eating small portions every two to three hours rather than three big meals.

These suggestions can help with specific treatments:

Chemotherapy can often cause a loss of appetite, change in taste, and even constipation. To combat calorie loss, eat high-calorie, high-protein foods, like homemade chicken or egg salad, and keep snacks handy. If foods taste differently after chemo, choose tart foods or drinks like orange juice and lemonade, and add condiments like barbeque sauce, hot sauce, or lemon juice to dishes. Cook with spices, especially sage, rosemary, and basil. To help with constipation, eat foods with lots of fiber, like whole grains and beans, and drink plenty of liquids — using a straw may make drinking easier.
Radiation therapy can cause nausea and perhaps diarrhea. To fight off nausea, try simple foods like crackers, toast, pretzels, or dry cereal. Other good choices are plain or vanilla yogurt, cold hard-boiled eggs, plain noodles, and ginger. Eating foods cold or at room temperature may be more appealing than hot foods. Many of these same foods can be helpful with diarrhea. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Another possibility to consider is adding a nutritional supplement such as Ensure or Boost. “These drinks may be used to help maintain muscle mass, strengthen the immune system to fight the disease and infections, and increase strength and reduce fatigue related to insufficient calorie intake,” says Davis.

Ultimately, while it’s important to listen to your body and respect your taste buds, eating enough calories and the right kinds of foods can be equally critical in the fight against ovarian cancer.

Click the link to read the full article from Everyday Health. http://bit.ly/1ra8N2b

Be Aware to Help Save Lives

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. What better time than now to educate other about the silent disease in order to help save lives. This article from Empowher.com lists many facts and warning signs of ovarian cancer. Educate yourself on the disease so you can work to stop ovarian cancer in its tracks.

Ovarian cancer is cancer that starts in a woman’s ovaries. Women have two ovaries located in the abdomen on each side of the uterus. The ovaries produce eggs and the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Ovarian cancer develops most often in women between the ages of 55 and 64, but it can develop at almost any age. The American Cancer Society lists ovarian cancer as the most deadly of all gynecological cancers.

Because there is no test for early detection of ovarian cancer, many cases are not discovered until the cancer has progressed to more advanced stages. Awareness of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer is a woman’s first defense against the disease.

The American Cancer Society lists these as the most common warning signs of ovarian cancer:

• Bloating
• Pain in the abdomen or pelvis
• Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
• Urinary urgency (feeling like you always have to go) or frequency (having to go often)

Other possible symptoms include:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Pain during sex
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Back pain
• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Losing weight with swelling in the abdomen

Between 10 and 15 percent of women who develop ovarian cancer have a known hereditary link to the disease, Ovarian Cancer National Alliance said. The greatest known risk factor for ovarian cancer is an inherited genetic mutation in one of two genes known as BRCA1 and BRCA2, commonly referred to as the "breast cancer" genes.

Women who have a close (first-degree) relative with ovarian cancer are also at higher risk of ovarian cancer even if there is no known genetic mutation. Women with a family history of breast cancer, colon cancer or uterine cancer may also be at higher risk.

Genetic testing gives women the option to find out whether they have mutations in the specific genes that put them at higher risk for ovarian cancer. This knowledge can give doctors an edge in monitoring for symptoms of ovarian cancer to try to provide earlier detection if the cancer should develop.

Statistics show that approximately 1.4 percent of women in general will develop ovarian cancer. By comparison, 39 percent of women with a harmful BRCA1 mutation and 11 to 17 percent of women with a BRCA2 mutation will develop ovarian cancer before age 70, according to the National Cancer Institute.

A genetic counselor can evaluate an individual’s risks and help explain the potential benefits of genetic testing so women can make an informed decision about whether to undergo testing or not. In general, health care professionals only recommend genetic testing for women who have a family history suggesting the harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. However, clinical practice guidelines recommend that all women with ovarian cancer be tested for a BRCA mutation, as the results may impact future treatment decisions.

Women who have ovarian or breast cancer can also provide valuable information to their family members by being genetically tested. If a woman with ovarian or breast cancer tests positive for the genetic mutation, her family will be armed with valuable information to talk to a genetic counselor who can help them decide whether they should consider genetic testing for themselves.

If you have ovarian cancer or if you have questions about your risks, talk to your health care provider about the possible benefits of genetic testing for you and for your family.

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Post an inspirational message and follow #beBRCAware on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram to learn more about BRCA mutations and their importance to women with ovarian cancer.

Click the link to read the full article here: http://bit.ly/XbQAUt

Ovarian cancer survivor tells her story to promote awareness of a 'silent killer'

One woman who survived ovarian cancer is using her experience to spread awareness to other women.

When Daisie Scharmen of Saline was 26 years old, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer after being told repeatedly the symptoms she was experiencing were due to pregnancy. Now, she’s sharing her story to make people aware of the type of cancer known as “The Silent Killer” that goes undetected 85 percent of the time until late stage.

For Scharmen, she was experiencing weight gain, bloating, pain and was constantly exhausted. In fact, many people had started joking with her that she was pregnant because she was newly married. Finally, she went and got a pregnancy test, which came back positive. However, she knew that was not what was going on.

After contacting her OB/GYN in Howell, Mich. and telling of her symptoms, she was told to go to the emergency room because she was having a tubal pregnancy. After becoming increasingly sick and a series of misdiagnosed conditions, she had a test performed during another procedure, which came back showing she had cancer. She had no family history of cancer.

Eventually, her OB/GYN referred her to a gynecological oncologist. By that time, she was progressively becoming worse, 80 pounds heavier and nearly immobile due to the pain.

“I hadn’t ate in weeks, I just couldn’t, because I had such a full feeling,” she said. “I remember the day I went to her office I had one macaroni noodle and was like ‘I’m full.’”

After being admitted to the hospital and having a series of tests run, the oncologist performed surgery to remove the tumors and cancer from her organs. Afterward, she received five rounds of chemotherapy due to having four different types of ovarian cancer.

Eleven years later, Scharmen is 38 years old and the mother of twins, is telling her story and encouraging women to be their own advocate.

“They know their body best,” she said. “When the doctor is trying to tell you that that you don’t know what you are talking about, that’s bologna. I was sick for months and I didn’t need to be as sick as I was because I was told ‘you’re too young’ (to get cancer).”

Scharmen also helps with the Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance organization run by Pam Dahlmann of Saline. MIOCA is a partner member of Ovarian Cancer National Alliance.

Click the link to read the full article: http://bit.ly/1D0nCIe

Lessons Learned Overcoming Cancer

This man overcame cancer not one...but 5 times. Read his inspiring story here:

When I found out that I had cancer for the first time, I decided not to say anything to my family members for about six weeks.  Why?  That's the question my family asked me when I finally told them.

I had a lot to consider.  I had thought about the pressure and concern they would all have for me.  I thought about the weight that would put on them, the worry they would have and I just didn't want them to worry.  I have always been the one to carry my friends and family,  to help when I could, to be the strong one.  I didn't want to be perceived as needy or weak. It's just not in my DNA.

I never asked for help; I never wanted it, no matter how sick I was. I drove myself to treatments and asked everyone to just treat me as if nothing was wrong.

Well, that didn't work.  People would call all day, sometimes twice a day.  I thought if I wasn't thinking about it, it was easier.  To know that you can die from something -  it was just too much pressure.  When everyone asked how I was feeling all day and night, it was a constant reminder.

So I realized that the best way for me to use this knowledge - my experience - was to pay it forward.  Not with cancer patients, but with their families - teaching them how they can help their family member, the cancer patient.

I've learned that little things go a long way.  One question I get all the time is: "How do I help my XYZ? I want to make them feel better and be sure they are OK."  My best advice has been to not burden the patient with your worries.  It causes unintentional but also undue stress, because not only does the individual have to worry about what they are going through - the future and the fun of treatments - but now you have just saddled them with your worry.  Just letting the individual know you care and you're there for them is important.  He or she will ask for help when they need it.

For me, it was my battle every time, my fight.  I chose to live or not.  The mind is the strongest weapon a cancer patient has. You can't will a cancer patient to fight, it comes from within.  Be there for him or her, love them, support them, don't drag them down.

It's a tough enough battle.

Read the full article here: http://cnn.it/1vO0gUh

14th Annual 5K Run/5 Mile & 1 Mile Walk to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer

NOCC Pittsburgh Chapter's 14th Annual 5K Run/5 Mile & 1 Mile Walk to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer is being held on September 14 at the North Park Boathouse. Below is extra information about the event:

The Run/Walk to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer® is the largest fundraiser and awareness event for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition. Held at the Boathouse in North Park, the Run/Walk brings the greater Pittsburgh community together to demonstrate that ovarian cancer is more than a woman’s disease; over 3,000 family, friends and co-workers gather at the Run/Walk to support the women in their lives who are fighting ovarian cancer. 

Last year’s addition of a race component drew runners from around Pittsburgh to join our cause. We plan to expand our reach into this health-conscious demographic to amplify our education and awareness message even further. 

You can make an impact in the lives of women in your community – mothers, wives, friends, co-workers – dash to an early diagnosis through your support. Start a team, join as an individual, or donate today!

For more information please contact us at pittsburghevents@ovarian.org or by calling 412 661-1095. - 

See more at: http://nocc.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1110520#sthash.3FNV5USV.dpuf

Learn the Silent Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is so deadly because the symptoms are often silent. Unlike breast cancer, skin cancer and many other diseases, most women don't know what exactly they should be looking for. This article takes an in-depth look at the silent symptoms of ovarian cancer and what you can do to catch them.

Quick: what are the symptoms of ovarian cancer? You probably know what to look for regarding breast cancer, skin cancer or a heart attack, but most women are unaware of the signs of this deadly disease. Early detection dramatically increases survival rates of ovarian cancer, and it is critical to learn the symptoms and seek treatment right away should you experience them. 

Ovarian cancer is scary. Its symptoms are vague, and there are currently no early detection tests. Often, women attribute the symptoms to other, more common ailments, so the cancer is left to grow and spread until an accurate diagnosis is made. It is currently the fifth most common cause of cancer-related deaths in women. 

There is good news: if it is caught early, there is a 90% five-year survival rate. That's why this month, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we are spreading the word about the symptoms of this silent disease as part of the National Ovarian Cancer Commission's "Take Early Action and Live" (TEAL) campaign. 

Know the Signs
A recent survey by the NOCC revealed that 85% of women did not know the symptoms of ovarian cancer, and that 82% had never spoken with a doctor about the risks of ovarian cancer. Until there is an accurate early detection test, the single most important thing you can do is remember the following symptoms:

• Persistent pelvic and stomach pain

• Increased abdominal size/persistent bloating

• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly

• Feeling the need to urinate urgently or often

If you are experiencing at least two to three of these symptoms clustered together and they persist for more than two weeks, you should see your doctor and ask for a combination pelvic/rectal exam. If your family history puts you at high risk for ovarian cancer (family history of breast, colon and/or ovarian cancer) ask your doctor about having a transvaginal ultrasound and CA-125 blood test

Read the full article here: http://grnol.co/1ogSQzM

Lack of Screening Makes Ovarian Cancer Especially Deadly

One thing that makes ovarian cancer so much more dangerous than many other cancers is that there is no concrete screen process for the disease. KATC TV takes a look at how the lack of a screening affects the progression of ovarian cancer:

"Ovarian cancer effects about one in 70 women."

Not nearly as common as breast cancer, which effects about one in eight women, but gynecologic oncologist Dr. William Roy says it's often more deadly.

"The real issue is that we don't have a good screening program for ovarian cancer and people also write off symptoms of developing ovarian cancer."

Symptoms like weight gain, bloating and gas and constipation.

"These things are dismissed until multiple symptoms or problems develop and then we are able to evaluate them and we identify they have very widespread ovarian cancer."

In addition to lack of screening, Roy says it can be difficult to pinpoint who's most at risk.

"It's very difficult, outside of genetics, say there is a particular risk factor, family history is certainly one of those."

Roy says women should be aware of their family history and be sure not to write-off possible symptoms. Dr. Roy is the only gynecologic oncologist in the Acadiana region. He has only been at the Cancer Center of Acadiana at Lafayette General for several months and already is serving a large number of patients.

Read the full article and watch the video of the report here: http://bit.ly/1unsyBl

The Risk Factor for Ovarian Cancer

Knowing the risk factors for ovarian cancer can keep you one step ahead. Knowing what is and isn’t linked to ovarian cancer help put us at ease because the unknown is always the scary. Researchers have discovered certain factors that change a woman’s likelihood of developing ovarian cancer. Read about some of the risk factors below.

Age

The risk of developing ovarian cancer gets higher with age. Ovarian cancer is rare in women younger than 40. Most ovarian cancers develop after menopause. Half of all ovarian cancers are found in women 63 years of age or older.

Obesity

Various studies have looked at the relationship of obesity and ovarian cancer. Overall, it seems that obese women (those with a body mass index of at least 30) have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Reproductive history

Women who have been pregnant and carried it to term have a lower risk of ovarian cancer than women who have not. The risk goes down with each full-term pregnancy. Breastfeeding may lower the risk even further.

Birth control

Women who have used oral contraceptives (also known as birth control pills or the pill) have a lower risk of ovarian cancer. The lower risk is seen after only 3 to 6 months of using the pill, and the risk is lower the longer the pills are used. This lower risk continues for many years after the pill is stopped.

A recent study found that the women who used depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA or Depo-Provera CI^®), an injectable hormonal contraceptive had a lower risk of ovarian cancer. The risk was even lower if the women had used it for 3 or more years.

Gynecologic surgery

Tubal ligation (having your tubes tied) may reduce the chance of developing ovarian cancer by up to two-thirds. A hysterectomy (removing the uterus without removing the ovaries) also seems to reduce the risk of getting ovarian cancer by about one-third.

Fertility drugs

In some studies, researchers have found that using the fertility drug clomiphene citrate (Clomid^®) for longer than one year may increase the risk for developing ovarian tumors. The risk seemed to be highest in women who did not get pregnant while on this drug. Fertility drugs seem to increase the risk of the type of ovarian tumors known as "low malignant potential" (described in the section, "What is ovarian cancer?"). If you are taking fertility drugs, you should discuss the potential risks with your doctor. However, women who are infertile may be at higher risk (compared to fertile women) even if they don’t use fertility drugs. This might be in part because they haven't given birth or used birth control pills (which are protective). More research to clarify these relationships is now underway.

Estrogen therapy and hormone therapy

Some recent studies suggest women using estrogens after menopause have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. The risk seems to be higher in women taking estrogen alone (without progesterone) for many years (at least 5 or 10). The increased risk is less certain for women taking both estrogen and progesterone.

Unfortunately risk factors don’t tell us everything we need to know about diseases. And having one even several risk factors does not automatically mean you’ll get the disease. To learn about more risk factors follow the link to read the full article from American Cancer Society:  http://bit.ly/1r9S8d3

Dogs Can Be Woman’s Best Friend, Too!

Dogs are more than just man’s best friend- now, they can be woman’s best friend, too. According to researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, dogs can be taught to sniff out ovarian cancer. An article at ChicagoNow explains:

“Dr. Cynthia Otto at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center says the exquisite ability of a dog's nose may help to refine current technology regarding detection of ovarian cancer. This is integrative medicine at its best, human physicians working with veterinarians. And it's plausible, not science fiction or ideas of "crazy dog people."

Ovarian cancer accounts for around three percent of all cancers in women, and mainly develops in older women aged over 63. According to the American Cancer Society, 22,240 women in the US will receive a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer this year, and 14,230 women will die from the disease.”

Ovarian cancer is notable for being challenging to detect, and has been called “the silent killer.” Could dogs provide a new method of diagnosing ovarian cancer in women?

Click here to read the entire article at ChicagoNow.

Cancer Survivor Story: Jan Pederson and the Strength of Family

Ovarian cancer has affected so many lives, both those women who have been diagnosed with the disease as well as all of their families, friends, and even passing acquaintances. Though there are many thousands of stories to tell, today we’re focusing on just one: Jan Pederson, an ovarian cancer survivor of more than 10 years who shared her remarkable story of strength with cancercenter.com.

In her testimonial, Jan recounts that she first suspected ovarian cancer based on the advice of a gym friend, who listened to her symptoms and told her to schedule a doctor’s appointment as soon as possible. Her friend’s instincts were spot on: Jan had stage III ovarian cancer. “After that phone call,” jan writes, “I felt devastated and wanted to see Bruce, who was at the gym. My emotions were all over the place and I was thinking, ‘No, it can't be cancer.’ I drove to the gym and told Bruce and our friends the news from the doctor. They were also shocked and devastated and we all prayed right there. Bruce and I went home, fell into each other's arms, and just cried. Our love for each other was stronger than ever before. He stood by me the whole way.”

She says her hope was lifted when she found the Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), which “have a team of professionals who cover every aspect of the body, mind and spirit. They treat the whole person. That was what I was looking for—a team of doctors who would work together for me, and give me hope, encouragement and strength.”

She continues:

“When I walked into CTCA at Midwestern Regional Medical Center, I knew I was in the right place. My first meeting with Dr. Sybilann Williams, who is not only a skilled gynecologic oncologist but a wonderful person, gave me her undivided attention when she spoke to me. She gave me options. I was part of the decision making and I wasn’t being treated as a number or a statistic. Dr. Williams never talked about death. She talked about fighting and winning. Those words gave me the hope I was looking for in an oncologist.”

Read the rest of her story at cancercenter.com.

Not a Walk in the Park: Son Plans Ambitious Hike to Honor Mother, Raise Funds for Ovarian Cancer Research

Ovarian cancer is a brutal disease. Just this year, it is estimated that ovarian cancer has already claimed more than 14,000 lives. 64-year-old Karen Orofino of Mill Valley, California was one of those deaths. Her son, John “Woody” Orofino, however, is determined that she will not be forgotten. In an article from Healthline News, contributor Shawn Radcliffe writes that Orofino is planning to embark on a 22-day hike on the John Muir Trail in California both to honor his mother’s memory and to raise money for the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) medical center, where his mother received her cancer treatments. He will average more than 10 miles per day and anticipates large elevation changes and several nights spent at over 10,000 feet.

Though he comes from a very athletic family, Orofino knows that a hike of this magnitude is something different. But he has been preparing diligently, and backpacking is a recent passion of his. It was a love that he shared with his mother, who started hiking later in life.

He commented, “I personally came to really love backpacking, and really love being in the outdoors, just over the past four to five years. I’ve always loved nature, but prior to this, my longest time ... in the wilderness was about three days. This is definitely a very large undertaking, but it’s one that I’m confident I can accomplish, and I’m definitely very passionate about the cause.”

Orofino’s fundraising goal is $50,000, all of which will go to the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, specifically earmarked for ovarian cancer research.

Dr. Lee-may Chen, a gynecologic cancer surgeon at UCSF Medical Center, commented, “To be able to see him channel his energy into doing something that’s going to really help improve awareness for ovarian cancer was so impressive. We’re touched that he wants to help make a contribution to us because I think we have a lot of work to do, and we need support to be able to do that type of work.”

Read the full article at Healthline.com.