The Silent Killer is Making Some Noise

Ovarian cancer is often referred to as the "silent killer"because it was thought that there were no symptoms until the disease was well into its advanced stages. However, studies have shown that the majority of women do in fact have symptoms, but just not what you would expect.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association* found that many everyday symptoms, which are often dismissed or attributed to other conditions, are present before ovarian cancer is diagnosed months down the road.

The most commonly reported symptoms were back pain, fatigue, bloating, constipation, abdominal pain, and urinary symptoms.

So what's the message? The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition wants women to "Break the Silence" And in observance of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month they have developed a downloadable conversation starter so that women can learn the right questions to ask their healthcare providers. They suggest that if you are experiencing two or three of the following unexplained target symptoms and they persist for two weeks or more you should see your doctor and ask for a rectovaginal exam, a transvaginal ultrasound and a CA-125 blood test.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

• Pressure or pain in your abdomen or pelvis
• Back pain
• Swelling, bloating, gastrointestinal upset
• Frequent urination in the absence of an infection

Other symptoms reported by women with ovarian cancer include:

• Indigestion
• Nausea or vomiting
• Weight loss
• Urinary urgency
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Menstrual irregularities
• Bleeding after menopause
• Pain during intercourse
• Bleeding with intercourse
• Fatigue

*Frequency of Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer in Women Presenting to Primary Care Clinics

Barbara A. Goff; Lynn S. Mandel; Cindy H. Melancon; Howard G. Muntz;

JAMA. 2004; 291:2705-2712

Photo credit: National Ovarian Cancer Coalition

TAGS: Ovarian Cancer; Ovarian Cancer Awareness; Ovarian Cancer Coalition; Ovarian Cancer Symptoms; Bloating

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Wall-to-Wall Cancer

When we think of cancer, we can usually conjure up an image of a tumor growing in one central location; the breast has breast cancer, the pancreas has pancreatic cancer and the prostate gland has prostate cancer. To visualize cancer of the blood, lymph and bone marrow however, means that you have to imagine the cancer flowing everywhere, deep inside the blood vessel walls, throughout the body.

In an effort to enhance the understanding of blood-related cancers and to encourage participation in voluntary activities to support education programs and the funding of research programs to find a cure for them the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has proposed September as Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma Awareness Month. It is a time to take notice of the approximately 785,829 patients in the U.S. currently battling blood cancers.

Cancer of the blood can affect any of the blood forming cells.

Cancer of the white blood cells:

• Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
• Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
• Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Cancer of the lymph tissue:

• Hodgkin lymphomas
• Non-Hodgkin lymphomas

Cancer of the plasma cells:

• Multiple myeloma

Other blood cancers:

• Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)
• Myeloproliferative disorders
• Polycythemia vera
• Essential (or primary) thrombocythemia Idiopathic myelofibrosis

Please join Healthline to learn more about blood cancers. If you are living with cancer, please visit our Cyndy’s Cancer Treatment and Survivorship Blog. She has some great practical ideas about living with cancer that you, your friends and your family facing cancer can use. Drop in and say hello.

Technorati tags: Leukemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma, Lymphoma, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

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World Suicide Prevention Day

Worldwide, approximately one million die by suicide (30,000 in the US) each year. And for every committed suicide there are at least 20 suicide attempts: It is estimated that there is one attempt made every minute. In response to this worldwide crisis, the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) has declared September 10, 2006, World Suicide Prevention Day.

"For every suicide death there are scores of family and friends whose lives are devastated emotionally, socially and economically," says Dr. Catherine Le Gales-Camus, WHO Assistant--Director General, Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health. "Suicide is a tragic global public health problem. Worldwide, more people die from suicide than from all homicides and wars combined. There is an urgent need for coordinated and intensified global action to prevent this needless toll."

The causes of suicide are complex. Most suicides occur in people who are experiencing emotional difficulties--mental illness, poverty, substance abuse, social isolation, personal loss, difficulties in relationships and workplace issues. And although they mostly occur without warning, to prevent a suicide you have to learn to recognize the signs of someone at risk.

Risk Factors for Suicide

• Depressed mood
• Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities
• Change in appetite or weight
• Change in sleeping patterns
• Speaking and/or moving with unusual speed or slowness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities
• Decrease in sexual drive
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness, self-reproach or guilt
• Diminished ability to think or concentrate slowed thinking or indecisiveness
• Thoughts of death, suicide, or wishes to be dead

In an acute crisis it is best not to leave a friend or loved one alone, go to the nearest emergency room or clinic. If the above options are unavailable, call your local emergency number or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free suicide prevention service available to anyone in suicidal crisis.

Join Healthline to learn more about suicide and suicidal behavior to learn how you can help recognize someone at risk.

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