IN MEMORY OF ALYCE MARIE SIGURDSON
DEDICATED TO HER LOVING FAMILY
Each year more than 25,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Of
these, more than 14,000 will die. The lifetime risk of ovarian cancer in
women with no family history of the disease is approximately one in 70
(1.4%). Some studies, however, show that it may be as low as one in 55
(1.8%). Because there are rarely any symptoms during the early stages of
ovarian cancer, victims don't even know they have it. Once symptoms do
appear, the cancer has progressed so far that one's chance of survival is
dramatically reduced.
Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer and fifth most common cause
of cancer death among women. Over half the cases of ovarian cancer in the
United States are detected in women over the age of 65, and most are
diagnosed at 60. However, every women is at risk. Ovarian cancer has a very
high mortality rate, because it often goes undetected until it is quite
advanced.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Have your physician perform a transvaginal ultrasound and a CA-125-II test
at least once every year. Early detection is the key to your survival. Being
proactive can very well mean the difference between life and death.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS OF OVARIAN CANCER
-Age
The incidence of this cancer rises with age. The American cancer society
recommends an annual pelvic exam for all women over the age of forty (40),
in hopes it may increase early detection
-Birth Control Pills
Taking birth control pills appears to reduce the risk of developing ovarian
cancer. Additionally the longer they are taken the lower the risk, but the
risk of breast cancer is higher while on the pill.
-Diet
Eating a diet high in fat, especially animal fats has been shown to increase
the risk of ovarian cancer. It is higher in western, affluent countries
where high fat diets are eaten.
-Ethnicity
White women in Europe and North America have a higher incidence of ovarian
cancer, it is lowest in blacks and Asian women in their native countries.
-Genetic Background
As with most cancers a family history of ovarian cancer increases the risk.
Women who inherit a genetic mutation found in the BRCA1 and 2 genes have a
64% risk of inheriting the disease. The mutation can be found in people of
many ethnic backgrounds, but is higher in Asheknazi Jews (from eastern and
central Europe).
-Pregnancy/Reproductive History
Women with no children/pregnancies or who had their first pregnancy after
the age of 35 are at higher risk of ovarian cancer. It is also more common
in women who had an early puberty (before age 12) or late menopause (after
50). Women who have used fertility drugs may also be at higher risk.
WHAT IS CA-125?
The CA-125 (carbohydrate antigen) is a substance produced by the
endometrium, fallopian tubes, and the lining of the abdominal cavity
(peritoneum).
CA-125 is a used as a tumor marker. Elevated amounts of CA-125 in a woman's
blood and body fluids may increase when cancer of the ovaries is present.
LYSOPHOSPHATIDIC ACID ("LPA") v. CA-125
In 1998, researchers at the Cleveland Clinic were among those suggesting LPA
as a potential biomarker for ovarian cancer. They published their findings
in the Journal of the American Medical Association, comparing the accuracy
of LPA with CA125 in detecting ovarian cancer. In the study, LPA levels from
48 healthy control women, 48 women with ovarian cancer, 36 women with other
gynecologic cancers, 17 women with benign gynecologic diseases, 11 women
with breast cancer and 5 women with leukemias were tested for levels of LPA
and CA125. Elevated plasma LPA levels were detected in:
nine of 10 patients with stage I ovarian cancer;
24 of 24 patients with stage II, III, and IV ovarian cancer;
and 14 of 14 patients with recurrent ovarian cancer.
Women in the ovarian cancer groups had significantly higher plasma LPA
levels than women in the healthy control group. LPA was also useful in
detecting 33 of 36 other types of gynecologic cancers. The researchers
stressed that these data, however encouraging, were preliminary and ongoing
studies will determine the future use of LPA in detecting ovarian cancer.
Pre-Pregnancy Planning
Discusses the importance of Folic Acid, Pre-pregnancy check-ups and disease
screenings, all of which are vital to your newborn's health.
