Ovarian cancer a silent killers to women of the world today. Study found women who take oral contraceptives or birth control pills more then two years are less risk to ovarian cancer by as mush as fifty percent compare to women who did not take the pills at all.
Another risk factors of preventing ovarian cancer is the tying of the fallopian tubes if the couples are sure that they don't want anymore kids. This testing show significantly the reduce of your risks of getting ovarian cancer by more then sixty percent.
For women who breast feed their child and has more then one kids in breast feeding are also found to have less risk in developing ovarian cancer and breast cancer. Women who are not married or has no children, has higher risk of developing ovarian then women who has more then one child.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Ways of preventing of ovarian cancer
There are ways to reduce and prevent your risk factors for ovarian cancer. The best way to reduce your chance of ovarian cancer is to take oral contraceptives or birth control pills. Studies have found that these medicines have reduced the risks of ovarian cancer by over fifty percent for women who have taken them for three or more years. As mutations of certain genes has be found in women who have had genetic screening.
Fallopian tubes is another ways for tying to reduce and prevent rick of ovarian cancer. Fallopian tubes has help to reduce the risks of ovarian cancer by two-thirds. And also a good option for those women who are sure they don’t want kids anymore.
In addition, those who have more than one child and breast feed them for more than one year have been found to have a reduced risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Of course it is best to discuss these issues with your doctor, get screening and have a strategy on reducing your risks of ovarian cancer.
Fallopian tubes is another ways for tying to reduce and prevent rick of ovarian cancer. Fallopian tubes has help to reduce the risks of ovarian cancer by two-thirds. And also a good option for those women who are sure they don’t want kids anymore.
In addition, those who have more than one child and breast feed them for more than one year have been found to have a reduced risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Of course it is best to discuss these issues with your doctor, get screening and have a strategy on reducing your risks of ovarian cancer.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Stages and test of ovarian cancer
By the stage of a cancer we try to express how far the disease has spread. It is crucial, as treatment is mostly decided depending on the stage of a cancer. For ovarian cancer, doctors use a simple I-IV staging system called the FIGO system. First stage means the cancer is confined to the ovaries. second stage mean the cancer has grown outside the ovary or ovaries, third stage means the cancer has spread outside the pelvis into the abdominal cavity. fouth stage the most advanced of all, means the cancer has spread into other body organs such as the liver or lungs.
Currently, there is no specific screening test for ovarian cancer. However, research is ongoing to develop a reliable method for early detection among asymptomatic women.
In the meantime, regular physicals, pelvic exams, and an awareness of family history and symptoms are important.
Testing of symptomatic women includes the following, which have been shown to be positive in ovarian cancer (although not all of these tests would be used in an individual patient as they detect different types of ovarian tumors):
Ultrasound (pelvic and/or transvaginal): uses sound waves to create a picture of the uterus and ovaries. It can help determine whether an ovarian growth is likely to be a cancer or a fluid-filled cyst.
CT scan (computerized tomography)
X-ray of the gastrointestinal tract
Currently, there is no specific screening test for ovarian cancer. However, research is ongoing to develop a reliable method for early detection among asymptomatic women.
In the meantime, regular physicals, pelvic exams, and an awareness of family history and symptoms are important.
Testing of symptomatic women includes the following, which have been shown to be positive in ovarian cancer (although not all of these tests would be used in an individual patient as they detect different types of ovarian tumors):
Ultrasound (pelvic and/or transvaginal): uses sound waves to create a picture of the uterus and ovaries. It can help determine whether an ovarian growth is likely to be a cancer or a fluid-filled cyst.
CT scan (computerized tomography)
X-ray of the gastrointestinal tract
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Tea reduce the risk of ovarian cancer
Olive oil is beneficial when used as a tanning oil. Olive oil protects skin from harmful UVA rays and sunburns. Olive oil is also effective on peptic ulcers, bone development, nervous system development and lower the risk of cancer.
People who are consuming two or more cups of tea a day over a period of time may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer as compared with women who drank no tea. The Chinese people have long practiced the use of green tea to appease any form of disease. Studies have revealed effective phytochemicals contained in the tea that are known to fight cancer that comes in the form of leukemia, colon cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, ovarian and cervical cancer, and pelvic cancer.
Taking bitter melon and soy bean more oftenly can also lower the risk of cancer.
People who are consuming two or more cups of tea a day over a period of time may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer as compared with women who drank no tea. The Chinese people have long practiced the use of green tea to appease any form of disease. Studies have revealed effective phytochemicals contained in the tea that are known to fight cancer that comes in the form of leukemia, colon cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, ovarian and cervical cancer, and pelvic cancer.
Taking bitter melon and soy bean more oftenly can also lower the risk of cancer.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Ovarian cysts in women
Most often, cysts in early age in women are not cancerous. Women who are past menopause (ages 50-70) with ovarian cysts have a higher risk of ovarian cancer. At any age, if you think you have a cyst, it's important to tell your doctor.
they are usually found during a routine pelvic exam. During this exam, your doctor is able to feel the swelling of the cyst on your ovary. Once a cyst is found, the doctor may perform an ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create images of the body.
To find out if the cyst might be cancerous, your doctor may do a blood test to measure a substance in the blood called CA-125. The amount of this protein is higher if a woman has ovarian cancer. However, some ovarian cancers do not make enough CA-125 to be detected by the test.
After menopause, the risk of ovarian cancer increases. Surgery to remove an ovarian cyst is usually recommended in this case. Your doctor will probably want to do a biopsy to see if cancer is present.
You may not need any treatment, unless the cyst is very big or causing pain. Sometimes, taking birth control pills will make the cyst smaller. Surgery may be needed if the cyst is causing symptoms or is more than 2 inches across.
they are usually found during a routine pelvic exam. During this exam, your doctor is able to feel the swelling of the cyst on your ovary. Once a cyst is found, the doctor may perform an ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create images of the body.
To find out if the cyst might be cancerous, your doctor may do a blood test to measure a substance in the blood called CA-125. The amount of this protein is higher if a woman has ovarian cancer. However, some ovarian cancers do not make enough CA-125 to be detected by the test.
After menopause, the risk of ovarian cancer increases. Surgery to remove an ovarian cyst is usually recommended in this case. Your doctor will probably want to do a biopsy to see if cancer is present.
You may not need any treatment, unless the cyst is very big or causing pain. Sometimes, taking birth control pills will make the cyst smaller. Surgery may be needed if the cyst is causing symptoms or is more than 2 inches across.
Monday, September 11, 2006
ovarian cancer : High-risk groups
Groups at high risk for ovarian cancer include:
Women with a strong family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer (two or more first-degree relatives and/or a relative with cancer before menopause) are a high-risk group8 who may carry a mutation of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. These women have a risk of ovarian malignancy of up to 50%.
Women with a strong family history of colon cancer (at least three affected family members in at least two successive generations, with one case below age 50 years) may be at increased risk for endometrial and ovarian malignancy because they carry a mismatch repair gene mutation. These women have a risk of up to 10% for ovarian cancer and 50% for endometrial cancer.
Studies exploring the value of screening these women for ovarian cancer are lacking and are urgently required. Even though population-based screening for ovarian cancer is not recommended, and although there is no level of evidence that this group of women should undergo screening, it seems prudent that, until evidence to the contrary is available, measurement of CA 125 levels and transvaginal ultrasound be undertaken at least on a yearly basis. Certainly, women who may have gene mutations should be referred to family cancer clinics for counselling.
New technologies
New technologies have increased the possibilities for ovarian cancer screening. The use of genomics and proteomics to identify specific proteomic patterns, gene expression and genetic alterations, using serum or urine, may revolutionise our ability to screen for this disease.9 These new developments will hopefully be of use in population screening.
Cleola Anderiesz and Michael A Quinn
Women with a strong family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer (two or more first-degree relatives and/or a relative with cancer before menopause) are a high-risk group8 who may carry a mutation of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. These women have a risk of ovarian malignancy of up to 50%.
Women with a strong family history of colon cancer (at least three affected family members in at least two successive generations, with one case below age 50 years) may be at increased risk for endometrial and ovarian malignancy because they carry a mismatch repair gene mutation. These women have a risk of up to 10% for ovarian cancer and 50% for endometrial cancer.
Studies exploring the value of screening these women for ovarian cancer are lacking and are urgently required. Even though population-based screening for ovarian cancer is not recommended, and although there is no level of evidence that this group of women should undergo screening, it seems prudent that, until evidence to the contrary is available, measurement of CA 125 levels and transvaginal ultrasound be undertaken at least on a yearly basis. Certainly, women who may have gene mutations should be referred to family cancer clinics for counselling.
New technologies
New technologies have increased the possibilities for ovarian cancer screening. The use of genomics and proteomics to identify specific proteomic patterns, gene expression and genetic alterations, using serum or urine, may revolutionise our ability to screen for this disease.9 These new developments will hopefully be of use in population screening.
Cleola Anderiesz and Michael A Quinn
ovarian cancer : Screening for ovarian cancer
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynaecological malignancies.
No precancerous lesions have been identified.
Bimanual examination has not been proven to be of value as a screening test.
Transvaginal ultrasound examination, with or without measurement of CA 125 levels, is currently being evaluated for population screening.
Women at high risk of ovarian cancer should be screened annually — with measurement of CA 125 level and transvaginal ultrasound examination.
Women with early-stage ovarian cancer have a 5-year survival rate of over 80%, suggesting that early detection may improve survival. To date, it has not been established whether benign (assessed histologically as non-invasive) or borderline ovarian tumours are premalignant. In the absence of a precancerous lesion, the goal of screening is the detection of preclinical disease.
Screening tests
A number of screening tests have been evaluated or are being evaluated currently. These include bimanual pelvic examination, ultrasound examination (Box), with or without colour Doppler flow imaging, and measurement of various circulating proteins.
Bimanual pelvic examination as part of a "well-woman's screen" has not been found to be useful.2
Ultrasound examination alone has neither sufficient specificity nor sufficient predictive value to justify its use in community screening, and it is expensive. It is currently not known whether the addition of Doppler flow imaging substantially improves the sensitivity of ultrasound alone.3
The usefulness of measuring the level of high-molecular-weight glycoprotein CA 125 as a screening test depends on the screening strategy, the cut-off value used and the population of women studied. It is of more benefit when used as part of a multimodal strategy.
In particular, screening by measuring CA 125 level and performing transvaginal ultrasound examination appears to provide the highest specificity and positive predictive value for the detection of ovarian cancer.4
Current trials
The CA 125 plus ultrasound screening strategy is currently on trial in the United Kingdom and the United States.
In the United Kingdom, CA 125 level plus transvaginal ultrasound examination versus transvaginal ultrasound alone versus no screening is being evaluated in 200 000 postmenopausal women. Quality of life, morbidity and cost-effectiveness are included in the evaluation.5 In the United States, the National Cancer Institute's Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening trial is comparing 37 000 women (aged 55–74) having annual measurement of CA 125 level and transvaginal ultrasound examination, with an equal number of women receiving their usual medical care.6 A large European multicentre trial involves 120 000 postmenopausal women randomly allocated to no screening, transvaginal ultrasound at intervals of 18 months, or transvaginal ultrasound at intervals of 3 years, for a total of 8 years.7 The results of these trials will provide evidence for whether screening provides a survival advantage, and whether this is at an acceptable financial cost. Other important issues, such as age of commencing and discontinuing screening and optimal screening intervals, will need to be established before implementing population-based screening for ovarian cancer.
by Cleola Anderiesz and Michael A Quinn
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynaecological malignancies.
No precancerous lesions have been identified.
Bimanual examination has not been proven to be of value as a screening test.
Transvaginal ultrasound examination, with or without measurement of CA 125 levels, is currently being evaluated for population screening.
Women at high risk of ovarian cancer should be screened annually — with measurement of CA 125 level and transvaginal ultrasound examination.
Women with early-stage ovarian cancer have a 5-year survival rate of over 80%, suggesting that early detection may improve survival. To date, it has not been established whether benign (assessed histologically as non-invasive) or borderline ovarian tumours are premalignant. In the absence of a precancerous lesion, the goal of screening is the detection of preclinical disease.
Screening tests
A number of screening tests have been evaluated or are being evaluated currently. These include bimanual pelvic examination, ultrasound examination (Box), with or without colour Doppler flow imaging, and measurement of various circulating proteins.
Bimanual pelvic examination as part of a "well-woman's screen" has not been found to be useful.2
Ultrasound examination alone has neither sufficient specificity nor sufficient predictive value to justify its use in community screening, and it is expensive. It is currently not known whether the addition of Doppler flow imaging substantially improves the sensitivity of ultrasound alone.3
The usefulness of measuring the level of high-molecular-weight glycoprotein CA 125 as a screening test depends on the screening strategy, the cut-off value used and the population of women studied. It is of more benefit when used as part of a multimodal strategy.
In particular, screening by measuring CA 125 level and performing transvaginal ultrasound examination appears to provide the highest specificity and positive predictive value for the detection of ovarian cancer.4
Current trials
The CA 125 plus ultrasound screening strategy is currently on trial in the United Kingdom and the United States.
In the United Kingdom, CA 125 level plus transvaginal ultrasound examination versus transvaginal ultrasound alone versus no screening is being evaluated in 200 000 postmenopausal women. Quality of life, morbidity and cost-effectiveness are included in the evaluation.5 In the United States, the National Cancer Institute's Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening trial is comparing 37 000 women (aged 55–74) having annual measurement of CA 125 level and transvaginal ultrasound examination, with an equal number of women receiving their usual medical care.6 A large European multicentre trial involves 120 000 postmenopausal women randomly allocated to no screening, transvaginal ultrasound at intervals of 18 months, or transvaginal ultrasound at intervals of 3 years, for a total of 8 years.7 The results of these trials will provide evidence for whether screening provides a survival advantage, and whether this is at an acceptable financial cost. Other important issues, such as age of commencing and discontinuing screening and optimal screening intervals, will need to be established before implementing population-based screening for ovarian cancer.
by Cleola Anderiesz and Michael A Quinn
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
ovarian cancer : Epithelial Cancer Stage 4 -
Stage 4 - Epithelial Cancer
This type of ovarian cancer is managed by tumor debulking surgery to remove as much cancerous tissue as possible, followed by combination chemotherapy. The benefit of postsurgical therapy is not well-established for patients with advanced (Stage 3 or 4), borderline cancers. However, because of the risk of distant relapse, some form of systemic therapy should be considered.
Stage 4 - Germ Cell Tumor
If the germ cell tumor is a dysgerminoma (the most widespread germ cell tumor, representing nearly half of all cases), treatment begins with surgery, including total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and tumor debulking, followed by chemotherapy. If some tumor remains after chemotherapy, additional forms of chemotherapy may be needed.
If the patient has cancer in only one ovary and she wants to have children in the future, her treatment may consist of modified surgery (unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy), followed by chemotherapy.
Germ cell tumors that are not dysgerminomas (e.g., an embryonal carcinoma, immature teratoma, choriocarcinoma, polyembryoma, or mixed germ cell tumor) may require one of the following treatment programs:
surgery, including total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and tumor debulking, followed by chemotherapy, with/without additional surgery and additional chemotherapy to remove remaining cancerous tissue, or
chemotherapy, followed by surgery, including total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and tumor debulking, with/without additional chemotherapy.
If the patient has cancer in only one ovary and she wants to have children in the future, her treatment may consist of modified surgery (unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy), followed by chemotherapy.
Recurrent - Epithelial Cancer
Reappearing epithelial ovarian cancer is problematic. To date, there is no standard treatment, although a number of clinical trials are underway to test the pros and cons of different programs. Some of these trials include:
chemotherapy, with follow-up surgery;
new chemotherapeutic drugs;
new combination chemotherapies; and
surgery to relieve symptoms caused by ovarian cancer.
Comfort and pain-relieving care are always options. The patient should discuss these alternatives with her physician, since open communication is very important and will help her to receive the best care.
Recurrent - Germ Cell Tumor
The treatment of recurrent germ cell tumor is based on tumor type. Recurrent dysgerminomas usually are managed by chemotherapy, with/without radiotherapy.
Recurrent germ cell tumors that are not dysgerminomas (e.g., an embryonal carcinoma, immature teratoma, choriocarcinoma, polyembryoma, or mixed germ cell tumor) usually are managed by chemotherapy.
© 1998-2006
by Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All rights reserved.
This type of ovarian cancer is managed by tumor debulking surgery to remove as much cancerous tissue as possible, followed by combination chemotherapy. The benefit of postsurgical therapy is not well-established for patients with advanced (Stage 3 or 4), borderline cancers. However, because of the risk of distant relapse, some form of systemic therapy should be considered.
Stage 4 - Germ Cell Tumor
If the germ cell tumor is a dysgerminoma (the most widespread germ cell tumor, representing nearly half of all cases), treatment begins with surgery, including total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and tumor debulking, followed by chemotherapy. If some tumor remains after chemotherapy, additional forms of chemotherapy may be needed.
If the patient has cancer in only one ovary and she wants to have children in the future, her treatment may consist of modified surgery (unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy), followed by chemotherapy.
Germ cell tumors that are not dysgerminomas (e.g., an embryonal carcinoma, immature teratoma, choriocarcinoma, polyembryoma, or mixed germ cell tumor) may require one of the following treatment programs:
surgery, including total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and tumor debulking, followed by chemotherapy, with/without additional surgery and additional chemotherapy to remove remaining cancerous tissue, or
chemotherapy, followed by surgery, including total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and tumor debulking, with/without additional chemotherapy.
If the patient has cancer in only one ovary and she wants to have children in the future, her treatment may consist of modified surgery (unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy), followed by chemotherapy.
Recurrent - Epithelial Cancer
Reappearing epithelial ovarian cancer is problematic. To date, there is no standard treatment, although a number of clinical trials are underway to test the pros and cons of different programs. Some of these trials include:
chemotherapy, with follow-up surgery;
new chemotherapeutic drugs;
new combination chemotherapies; and
surgery to relieve symptoms caused by ovarian cancer.
Comfort and pain-relieving care are always options. The patient should discuss these alternatives with her physician, since open communication is very important and will help her to receive the best care.
Recurrent - Germ Cell Tumor
The treatment of recurrent germ cell tumor is based on tumor type. Recurrent dysgerminomas usually are managed by chemotherapy, with/without radiotherapy.
Recurrent germ cell tumors that are not dysgerminomas (e.g., an embryonal carcinoma, immature teratoma, choriocarcinoma, polyembryoma, or mixed germ cell tumor) usually are managed by chemotherapy.
© 1998-2006
by Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All rights reserved.
ovarian cancer : Epithelial Cancer Stage 3
Stage 3 - Epithelial Cancer
Like Stage 1 and Stage 2 epithelial cancers, Stage 3 epithelial cancer initially is treated by surgery, including total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy, lymphadenectomy, and tumor debulking.
Postoperative management may include combination chemotherapy with/without follow-up surgery to remove any remaining cancerous tissue.
Stage 3 - Germ Cell Tumor
If the germ cell tumor is a dysgerminoma (the most widespread germ cell tumor, representing nearly half of all cases), treatment begins with surgery, including total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and tumor debulking.
If the remaining post-operative tumor is small, surgery will be followed by radiotherapy of the abdominal region. If the remaining postoperative tumor is large, surgery will be followed by systemic chemotherapy.
Germ cell tumors that are not dysgerminomas (e.g., an embryonal carcinoma, immature teratoma, choriocarcinoma, polyembryoma, or mixed germ cell tumor) may require one of the following treatment programs:
surgery, including total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and tumor debulking, followed by chemotherapy, with/without additional surgery to remove remaining cancerous tissue; or
chemotherapy, followed by surgery, including total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and tumor debulking, with/without additional chemotherapy.
If the patient has a non-dysgerminatous tumor on one side and she wants to have children in the future, her treatment may consist of modified surgery (unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy) followed by chemotherapy.
Recent studies have shown that intraperitoneal chemotherapy may increase survival in patients with Stage III ovarian cancer who have undergone surgery. In this treatment, high doses of chemotherapy drugs are infused directly into the abdominal cavity through a catheter to destroy remaining cancer cells. These drugs eventually enter the bloodstream and may destroy any cancer cells that have spread.
Intraperitoneal chemotherapy usually is administered in 6 cycles, approximately every 3 weeks. Side effects of treatment, which can be severe and include abdominal pain, bloating, fatigue, and infection, may prevent patients from completing all 6 cycles.
© 1998-2006
by Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All rights reserved.
Like Stage 1 and Stage 2 epithelial cancers, Stage 3 epithelial cancer initially is treated by surgery, including total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy, lymphadenectomy, and tumor debulking.
Postoperative management may include combination chemotherapy with/without follow-up surgery to remove any remaining cancerous tissue.
Stage 3 - Germ Cell Tumor
If the germ cell tumor is a dysgerminoma (the most widespread germ cell tumor, representing nearly half of all cases), treatment begins with surgery, including total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and tumor debulking.
If the remaining post-operative tumor is small, surgery will be followed by radiotherapy of the abdominal region. If the remaining postoperative tumor is large, surgery will be followed by systemic chemotherapy.
Germ cell tumors that are not dysgerminomas (e.g., an embryonal carcinoma, immature teratoma, choriocarcinoma, polyembryoma, or mixed germ cell tumor) may require one of the following treatment programs:
surgery, including total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and tumor debulking, followed by chemotherapy, with/without additional surgery to remove remaining cancerous tissue; or
chemotherapy, followed by surgery, including total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and tumor debulking, with/without additional chemotherapy.
If the patient has a non-dysgerminatous tumor on one side and she wants to have children in the future, her treatment may consist of modified surgery (unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy) followed by chemotherapy.
Recent studies have shown that intraperitoneal chemotherapy may increase survival in patients with Stage III ovarian cancer who have undergone surgery. In this treatment, high doses of chemotherapy drugs are infused directly into the abdominal cavity through a catheter to destroy remaining cancer cells. These drugs eventually enter the bloodstream and may destroy any cancer cells that have spread.
Intraperitoneal chemotherapy usually is administered in 6 cycles, approximately every 3 weeks. Side effects of treatment, which can be severe and include abdominal pain, bloating, fatigue, and infection, may prevent patients from completing all 6 cycles.
© 1998-2006
by Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All rights reserved.
ovarian cancer : Germ Cell Tumor
Ovarian cancer Stage 2 - Germ Cell Tumor
If the germ cell tumor is a dysgerminoma (the most widespread germ cell tumor, representing nearly half of all cases), treatment may start with surgery, including total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, followed by radiotherapy.
However, if the patient's cancer is limited to one ovary and its corresponding fallopian tube, and if she wants to bear children in the future, modified surgery may be performed to remove only the cancerous ovary and fallopian tube on the same side (unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy), followed by chemotherapy.
If the germ cell tumor is another, nondysgerminomatous variety, treatment will begin with surgery, including total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and tumor debulking, or modified surgery (unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy). Surgery is followed by chemotherapy, and/or follow-up surgery to remove as much remaining cancerous tissue as possible.
© 1998-2006
by Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All rights reserved.
If the germ cell tumor is a dysgerminoma (the most widespread germ cell tumor, representing nearly half of all cases), treatment may start with surgery, including total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, followed by radiotherapy.
However, if the patient's cancer is limited to one ovary and its corresponding fallopian tube, and if she wants to bear children in the future, modified surgery may be performed to remove only the cancerous ovary and fallopian tube on the same side (unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy), followed by chemotherapy.
If the germ cell tumor is another, nondysgerminomatous variety, treatment will begin with surgery, including total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and tumor debulking, or modified surgery (unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy). Surgery is followed by chemotherapy, and/or follow-up surgery to remove as much remaining cancerous tissue as possible.
© 1998-2006
by Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All rights reserved.
Monday, September 04, 2006
ovarian cancer : Treatment Options by Stage
Stage 1 - Epithelial Cancer
Several options exist for limited, Stage 1 epithelial cancer, which occurs in approximately 15% of women (see also Types of Ovarian Cancer)
Surgery should be performed in women who have finished childbearing. This includes total hysterectomy, complete removal of the uterus; bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries; omentectomy, removal of the fatty tissue that covers the bowels; and lymphadenectomy, removal of one or more lymph nodes.
Modified ("conservative") surgery - surgery that leaves tumor-free reproductive organs intact - may be conducted in women who still wish to still have children if (1) the tumor is confined (usually not serous or endometriotic in type, which tend to be bilateral tumors), and (2) wedge biopsy of the opposite ovary shows no evidence for disease involvement. Such a procedure carries an increased risk of relapse; therefore, total hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy should be performed immediately after childbearing is complete.
The role of adjuvant, or additional, treatment in patients with early epithelial ovarian cancer remains controversial. Yet results from a patient's histopathology report may suggest additional care, such as:
radiotherapy plus chemotherapy;
combination chemotherapy; or
participation in a clinical trial that evaluates immediate versus delayed chemotherapy.
Some studies suggest that systemic (whole body) chemotherapy may be less hazardous than radiotherapy, especially after the patient's abdominal lymph nodes have been removed (see also Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy). Although radiotherapy can decrease the rate of cancer relapse in the pelvis, relapse rates are unchanged in intra-abdominal areas and distant sites, and overall survival is unaffected.
Stage 1 - Germ Cell Tumor
Germ cell tumors, which arise from cells that normally form the eggs, usually are benign and tend to occur in women younger than age 30. If the germ cell tumor is a dysgerminoma (the most widespread germ cell tumor, representing nearly half of all cases), initial treatment begins with surgery to remove the tumorous ovary and the corresponding fallopian tube on the same side - known as unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.
Adjuvant therapy for such patients may involve follow-up radiotherapy, or chemotherapy, if the woman wants to bear children in the future.
If the germ cell tumor is a nondysgerminoma (e.g., an embryonal carcinoma, immature teratoma, choriocarcinoma, polyembryoma, or mixed germ cell tumor), treatment includes surgery (unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy) to remove the tumorous ovary and the corresponding fallopian tube on the same side, with or without follow-up chemotherapy, or participation in a clinical trial of new chemotherapeutic drug combinations.
The only patients who generally do not require systemic therapy are women with Stage 1A, Grade 1 immature teratoma.
Sex-Cord Stromal Tumor (All Stages)
Because of the extreme rarity of sex-cord stromal tumors and because of their variable biologic behavior, no standard therapy exists for these tumors (see also Types of Ovarian Cancer). For example, granulosa cell tumors often respond well to therapy in younger women, whereas the same tumors may be more aggressive and difficult to manage in women over 40. But the cornerstone of most treatments is surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible.
Many Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors appear on one side only, so if the patient is young and has early-stage disease (e.g., Stage 1A), the physician may recommend modified surgery to remove only the tumorous ovary and fallopian tube on the same side (unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy).
By contrast, older patients or those with advanced-stage or bilateral disease may benefit from more extensive surgery, including total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy, lymphadenectomy, and tumor debulking.
If the stromal cell tumor is malignant, metastatic, and/or if the tumor tends to recur (e.g., granulosa cell tumors recur after 5 or 10 years in many patients), combination chemotherapy also may be beneficial, especially platinum-based combinations, such as cisplatin/vinblastine/bleomycin (PVB).
There are few findings concerning the usefulness of radiotherapy for sex-cord stromal tumors. Ongoing studies suggest that hormonal therapy (with progestins, estrogens, gonadotropin-releasing analogs, etc.) may have a future role in the management of sex-cord stromal tumors; however, to date, the findings are inconclusive.
© 1998-2006
by Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All rights reserved.
Several options exist for limited, Stage 1 epithelial cancer, which occurs in approximately 15% of women (see also Types of Ovarian Cancer)
Surgery should be performed in women who have finished childbearing. This includes total hysterectomy, complete removal of the uterus; bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries; omentectomy, removal of the fatty tissue that covers the bowels; and lymphadenectomy, removal of one or more lymph nodes.
Modified ("conservative") surgery - surgery that leaves tumor-free reproductive organs intact - may be conducted in women who still wish to still have children if (1) the tumor is confined (usually not serous or endometriotic in type, which tend to be bilateral tumors), and (2) wedge biopsy of the opposite ovary shows no evidence for disease involvement. Such a procedure carries an increased risk of relapse; therefore, total hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy should be performed immediately after childbearing is complete.
The role of adjuvant, or additional, treatment in patients with early epithelial ovarian cancer remains controversial. Yet results from a patient's histopathology report may suggest additional care, such as:
radiotherapy plus chemotherapy;
combination chemotherapy; or
participation in a clinical trial that evaluates immediate versus delayed chemotherapy.
Some studies suggest that systemic (whole body) chemotherapy may be less hazardous than radiotherapy, especially after the patient's abdominal lymph nodes have been removed (see also Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy). Although radiotherapy can decrease the rate of cancer relapse in the pelvis, relapse rates are unchanged in intra-abdominal areas and distant sites, and overall survival is unaffected.
Stage 1 - Germ Cell Tumor
Germ cell tumors, which arise from cells that normally form the eggs, usually are benign and tend to occur in women younger than age 30. If the germ cell tumor is a dysgerminoma (the most widespread germ cell tumor, representing nearly half of all cases), initial treatment begins with surgery to remove the tumorous ovary and the corresponding fallopian tube on the same side - known as unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.
Adjuvant therapy for such patients may involve follow-up radiotherapy, or chemotherapy, if the woman wants to bear children in the future.
If the germ cell tumor is a nondysgerminoma (e.g., an embryonal carcinoma, immature teratoma, choriocarcinoma, polyembryoma, or mixed germ cell tumor), treatment includes surgery (unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy) to remove the tumorous ovary and the corresponding fallopian tube on the same side, with or without follow-up chemotherapy, or participation in a clinical trial of new chemotherapeutic drug combinations.
The only patients who generally do not require systemic therapy are women with Stage 1A, Grade 1 immature teratoma.
Sex-Cord Stromal Tumor (All Stages)
Because of the extreme rarity of sex-cord stromal tumors and because of their variable biologic behavior, no standard therapy exists for these tumors (see also Types of Ovarian Cancer). For example, granulosa cell tumors often respond well to therapy in younger women, whereas the same tumors may be more aggressive and difficult to manage in women over 40. But the cornerstone of most treatments is surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible.
Many Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors appear on one side only, so if the patient is young and has early-stage disease (e.g., Stage 1A), the physician may recommend modified surgery to remove only the tumorous ovary and fallopian tube on the same side (unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy).
By contrast, older patients or those with advanced-stage or bilateral disease may benefit from more extensive surgery, including total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy, lymphadenectomy, and tumor debulking.
If the stromal cell tumor is malignant, metastatic, and/or if the tumor tends to recur (e.g., granulosa cell tumors recur after 5 or 10 years in many patients), combination chemotherapy also may be beneficial, especially platinum-based combinations, such as cisplatin/vinblastine/bleomycin (PVB).
There are few findings concerning the usefulness of radiotherapy for sex-cord stromal tumors. Ongoing studies suggest that hormonal therapy (with progestins, estrogens, gonadotropin-releasing analogs, etc.) may have a future role in the management of sex-cord stromal tumors; however, to date, the findings are inconclusive.
© 1998-2006
by Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All rights reserved.
Friday, August 25, 2006
ovarian cancer : Was Your Ovarian Cancer Misdiagnosed? (2)
Evaluation of Therapies
While research shows drinking black (or green) tea or taking the herbal supplement gingko biloba may be useful, as a preventative measure, or to reduce risk, a woman has few choices when her cancer has moved to the advanced stage. In the first stage, a woman faces surgical removal of the tumor, and possibly one or both ovaries, to increase her chances of survival. Beyond that, her choice is chemotherapy.
One major problem with chemotherapy is the side effects. The more advanced the cancer, the weaker one may be, reducing the survival rate potential. Survival rates have not changed very much over the past fifteen years. Chemotherapy can increase survival time by as much as 50 percent. But, quality of life suffers. The side effects and increased toxicity, accompanying chemotherapy, reduce how one spends the prolonged survival time.
Some of Paclitaxel’s minor side effects, as reported by Medline Plus, may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, change in taste, thinned or brittle hair, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, changes in the color of nails, and/or tingling in the hands or toes. More serious side effects may include mouth blistering or fatigue. Some alarming side effects could include unusual bleeding or bruising, dizziness, shortness of breath, severe exhaustion, chest pain, or difficulty swallowing. The most common side effect of Paclitaxel is a decrease of blood cells.
Carboplatin has its own list of side effects. It can reduce platelet production, which can interfere with your blood’s ability to clot. You may become anemic, feeling tired or breathless. Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and a general feeling of weakness are common with this chemotherapeutic agent.
The latest breed of drugs, such as Eli Lilly’s Gemzar, are hardly getting praise. On March 10th, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it was skeptical of the benefits Eli Lilly’s Gemzar, which was being used with Carboplatin to treat ovarian cancer patients. The FDA felt the 2.8 months increased survival time, provided by the Gemzar/Carboplatin combination failed to offset the treatment’s increased toxicity.
In January, the New England Journal of Medicine reported on a remarkable new delivery system of chemotherapy, called the “intra-abdominal, or intraperitoneal, chemotherapy. Those who received the “belly bath” as it is now being called by the media can survive 16 months longer than those receiving intravenous chemotherapy. The major drawback is that 60 percent of the women in the study were unable to complete all six cycles of this chemotherapy. Those who did survived longer, but only two in every five women were able to advance to the end phase of the therapy.
One novel approach, now in Phase III trials at more than 60 research centers across the United States, is OvaRex ® MAb, a murine monoclonal antibody, a type of biotech drug derived from mouse cells. It is being tested by highly regarded United Therapeutics, based in Silver Springs, Maryland. Their lead drug Remodulin, an injection which treats pulmonary arterial hypertension, is currently being marketed inside and outside the United States. More than $32 million has been spent researching, and on the development of, OvaRex and may have it available on the market by 2008.
OvaRex was developed in Canada by a company called ViRexx Medical Corp, and first tested in that country. According to Dr. Lorne Tyrrell, Chief Executive of ViRexx, “The whole study has been set up with the FDA. This is a study where the drug has been given fast track approval and orphan drug status.” Dr. Tyrrell is also on leave (until OvaRex become commercially available) as a Professor of Medical Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Alberta, and Director of the National Centre of Excellence for Viral Hepatitis Research.
OvaRex was tested in Canada, prior to the current Phase III trials in the U.S. “There have been a number of patients that have received OvaRex,” said Dr. Tyrrell, “We’ve had really no adverse effects from these patients.” Dr. Tyrrell explained the procedure, “After being injected intravenously, OvaRex binds to an antigen circulating in the blood.” An antibody’s general purpose is to neutralize an antigen. After an OvaRex injection, the murine monoclonal antibody binds to the CA-125 antigen.
In a way the body is tricked. But, the body is tricked in order to help “save” itself from the harmful antigen. When the OvaRex antibody is bound to the CA-125 antigen, the new combination is identified as a harmful unit. Before then, the antigen wanders through the body, without alerting the body’s defense systems, the dendritic cells, to attack and destroy the harmful antigen. Because the body is trained to identify and zero in on a foreign protein, in this case a mouse protein, it alerts the dendritic cells. Until then, the dendritic cells “tolerate” the cancerous cells. The tolerance is what permits the cancer to spread throughout the body. OvaRex seeks to break that tolerance. The murine monoclonal antibody is designed to target and bind exclusively to free floating CA-125 antigen.
The dendritic cells refuse to tolerate the foreign protein. When the antibody binds with the free-floating antigen, the dendritic cells recognize the complex (antibody plus antigen) as being foreign and engulf the new unit. The dendritic cells break down the key proteins of this unit, presenting all parts on the cells surface. At the point, the body’s killer T-Cells are alerted to fight the internal threat to the body. Once activated, the T-Cells will replicate and create more killer T-Cells. Any tumor cells expressing the CA-125 antigen is targeted for destruction. The army of T-Cells move to attack the ovarian cancer tumor.
The principle behind OvaRex is to re-program the immune system to harness the body’s defenses to prevent the growth and spread of the ovarian cancer. Will it cure ovarian cancer? “In most cases, it will be a delay,” explained Dr. Tyrrell. “However, I think that, and everyone hopes that, often in some of these tumors, you’re making incremental progress through careful clinical trials and adding new therapy. Each thing we do that improves the outcome when you start to look at the long term benefits of these, we hope that one day we will be able to cure this disease. We think this is a step. This has the potential to be an important step at helping to stimulate immune response to achieve a better outcome. Hopefully, one day we can improve that to where it is a cure.”
by James Finch
While research shows drinking black (or green) tea or taking the herbal supplement gingko biloba may be useful, as a preventative measure, or to reduce risk, a woman has few choices when her cancer has moved to the advanced stage. In the first stage, a woman faces surgical removal of the tumor, and possibly one or both ovaries, to increase her chances of survival. Beyond that, her choice is chemotherapy.
One major problem with chemotherapy is the side effects. The more advanced the cancer, the weaker one may be, reducing the survival rate potential. Survival rates have not changed very much over the past fifteen years. Chemotherapy can increase survival time by as much as 50 percent. But, quality of life suffers. The side effects and increased toxicity, accompanying chemotherapy, reduce how one spends the prolonged survival time.
Some of Paclitaxel’s minor side effects, as reported by Medline Plus, may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, change in taste, thinned or brittle hair, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, changes in the color of nails, and/or tingling in the hands or toes. More serious side effects may include mouth blistering or fatigue. Some alarming side effects could include unusual bleeding or bruising, dizziness, shortness of breath, severe exhaustion, chest pain, or difficulty swallowing. The most common side effect of Paclitaxel is a decrease of blood cells.
Carboplatin has its own list of side effects. It can reduce platelet production, which can interfere with your blood’s ability to clot. You may become anemic, feeling tired or breathless. Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and a general feeling of weakness are common with this chemotherapeutic agent.
The latest breed of drugs, such as Eli Lilly’s Gemzar, are hardly getting praise. On March 10th, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it was skeptical of the benefits Eli Lilly’s Gemzar, which was being used with Carboplatin to treat ovarian cancer patients. The FDA felt the 2.8 months increased survival time, provided by the Gemzar/Carboplatin combination failed to offset the treatment’s increased toxicity.
In January, the New England Journal of Medicine reported on a remarkable new delivery system of chemotherapy, called the “intra-abdominal, or intraperitoneal, chemotherapy. Those who received the “belly bath” as it is now being called by the media can survive 16 months longer than those receiving intravenous chemotherapy. The major drawback is that 60 percent of the women in the study were unable to complete all six cycles of this chemotherapy. Those who did survived longer, but only two in every five women were able to advance to the end phase of the therapy.
One novel approach, now in Phase III trials at more than 60 research centers across the United States, is OvaRex ® MAb, a murine monoclonal antibody, a type of biotech drug derived from mouse cells. It is being tested by highly regarded United Therapeutics, based in Silver Springs, Maryland. Their lead drug Remodulin, an injection which treats pulmonary arterial hypertension, is currently being marketed inside and outside the United States. More than $32 million has been spent researching, and on the development of, OvaRex and may have it available on the market by 2008.
OvaRex was developed in Canada by a company called ViRexx Medical Corp, and first tested in that country. According to Dr. Lorne Tyrrell, Chief Executive of ViRexx, “The whole study has been set up with the FDA. This is a study where the drug has been given fast track approval and orphan drug status.” Dr. Tyrrell is also on leave (until OvaRex become commercially available) as a Professor of Medical Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Alberta, and Director of the National Centre of Excellence for Viral Hepatitis Research.
OvaRex was tested in Canada, prior to the current Phase III trials in the U.S. “There have been a number of patients that have received OvaRex,” said Dr. Tyrrell, “We’ve had really no adverse effects from these patients.” Dr. Tyrrell explained the procedure, “After being injected intravenously, OvaRex binds to an antigen circulating in the blood.” An antibody’s general purpose is to neutralize an antigen. After an OvaRex injection, the murine monoclonal antibody binds to the CA-125 antigen.
In a way the body is tricked. But, the body is tricked in order to help “save” itself from the harmful antigen. When the OvaRex antibody is bound to the CA-125 antigen, the new combination is identified as a harmful unit. Before then, the antigen wanders through the body, without alerting the body’s defense systems, the dendritic cells, to attack and destroy the harmful antigen. Because the body is trained to identify and zero in on a foreign protein, in this case a mouse protein, it alerts the dendritic cells. Until then, the dendritic cells “tolerate” the cancerous cells. The tolerance is what permits the cancer to spread throughout the body. OvaRex seeks to break that tolerance. The murine monoclonal antibody is designed to target and bind exclusively to free floating CA-125 antigen.
The dendritic cells refuse to tolerate the foreign protein. When the antibody binds with the free-floating antigen, the dendritic cells recognize the complex (antibody plus antigen) as being foreign and engulf the new unit. The dendritic cells break down the key proteins of this unit, presenting all parts on the cells surface. At the point, the body’s killer T-Cells are alerted to fight the internal threat to the body. Once activated, the T-Cells will replicate and create more killer T-Cells. Any tumor cells expressing the CA-125 antigen is targeted for destruction. The army of T-Cells move to attack the ovarian cancer tumor.
The principle behind OvaRex is to re-program the immune system to harness the body’s defenses to prevent the growth and spread of the ovarian cancer. Will it cure ovarian cancer? “In most cases, it will be a delay,” explained Dr. Tyrrell. “However, I think that, and everyone hopes that, often in some of these tumors, you’re making incremental progress through careful clinical trials and adding new therapy. Each thing we do that improves the outcome when you start to look at the long term benefits of these, we hope that one day we will be able to cure this disease. We think this is a step. This has the potential to be an important step at helping to stimulate immune response to achieve a better outcome. Hopefully, one day we can improve that to where it is a cure.”
by James Finch
ovarian cancer : Was Your Ovarian Cancer Misdiagnosed? (1)
As many as 30,000 U.S. women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year. In 2006, between 15,000 and 16,000 women are likely to die from this silent killer. Ovarian cancer is the 5th leading cause of death among women, and it is responsible for about five percent of all cancer deaths. Chances are your doctor may have misdiagnosed you. That is often the case. A recent British study found 60 percent of all U.K. general practitioners had misdiagnosed their patients.
Three-quarters of British doctors surveyed incorrectly assumed that symptoms only occurred in the late stages of ovarian cancer. Based upon that information, it should be no surprise that Britain has one of the lowest survival rates for ovarian cancer in the Western World – of 6,800 cases diagnosed each year, more than 4,600 die.
A similar discovery was made by University of California researchers, who announced last year, “Four in 10 women with ovarian cancer have symptoms that they tell their doctors about at least four months — and as long as one year — before they are diagnosed.” According to their study of nearly 2,000 women with ovarian cancer, the researchers discovered physicians:
• First ordered abdominal imaging or performed gastrointestinal procedures instead of the more appropriate pelvic imaging and/or CA-125 (a blood test that can detect ovarian cancer).
• Only 25 percent of patients, who reported ovarian cancer symptoms four or more months before diagnosis, were given pelvic imaging or had CA-125 blood tests.
Patients with early symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed. Abdominal imaging or diagnostic gastrointestinal studies are less likely to detect ovarian cancer. According to the American Cancer Society’s website, “The most common symptom is back pain, followed by fatigue, bloating, constipation, abdominal pain and urinary urgency. These symptoms tend to occur very frequently and become more severe with time. Most women with ovarian cancer have at least two of these symptoms.”
By the time a woman reaches the fourth stage of ovarian cancer, her first-line treatment is often Carboplatin, Paclitaxel and Cisplatin as the specific chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. In the first stage, cancer is contained inside one or both ovaries. By stage two, the cancer has spread into the fallopian tubes or other pelvic tissues, such as the bladder or rectum. When the cancer has spread outside the pelvis area into the abdominal cavity, especially when tumor growths are larger than two centimeters on the lining of the abdomen, then ovarian cancer has reached stage three. The fourth and final stage of ovarian cancer is reached when the cancer has spread into other body organs, such as the liver or lungs.
If detected early, survival rates can be as high as 90 percent. Detected in the advanced stage, the survival rate falls to between 30 and 40 percent. Various imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and ultrasound studies can confirm whether a pelvic mass is present. A laparoscopy can help a doctor look at the ovaries and other pelvic tissue to in order to plan out a surgical procedure, or to determine the stage of the ovarian cancer. A biopsy, or tissue sampling, would confirm if there is cancer in your pelvic region, and would help determine how advanced it is. An elevated CA-125 blood test typically suggests the cancer has progressed to the advanced stage.
About 50 percent of ovarian cancer patients are already at an advanced stage by the time a correct diagnosis is made. Only 10 to 14 percent of women with advanced cancer are likely to survive more than five years.
By James Finch
Three-quarters of British doctors surveyed incorrectly assumed that symptoms only occurred in the late stages of ovarian cancer. Based upon that information, it should be no surprise that Britain has one of the lowest survival rates for ovarian cancer in the Western World – of 6,800 cases diagnosed each year, more than 4,600 die.
A similar discovery was made by University of California researchers, who announced last year, “Four in 10 women with ovarian cancer have symptoms that they tell their doctors about at least four months — and as long as one year — before they are diagnosed.” According to their study of nearly 2,000 women with ovarian cancer, the researchers discovered physicians:
• First ordered abdominal imaging or performed gastrointestinal procedures instead of the more appropriate pelvic imaging and/or CA-125 (a blood test that can detect ovarian cancer).
• Only 25 percent of patients, who reported ovarian cancer symptoms four or more months before diagnosis, were given pelvic imaging or had CA-125 blood tests.
Patients with early symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed. Abdominal imaging or diagnostic gastrointestinal studies are less likely to detect ovarian cancer. According to the American Cancer Society’s website, “The most common symptom is back pain, followed by fatigue, bloating, constipation, abdominal pain and urinary urgency. These symptoms tend to occur very frequently and become more severe with time. Most women with ovarian cancer have at least two of these symptoms.”
By the time a woman reaches the fourth stage of ovarian cancer, her first-line treatment is often Carboplatin, Paclitaxel and Cisplatin as the specific chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. In the first stage, cancer is contained inside one or both ovaries. By stage two, the cancer has spread into the fallopian tubes or other pelvic tissues, such as the bladder or rectum. When the cancer has spread outside the pelvis area into the abdominal cavity, especially when tumor growths are larger than two centimeters on the lining of the abdomen, then ovarian cancer has reached stage three. The fourth and final stage of ovarian cancer is reached when the cancer has spread into other body organs, such as the liver or lungs.
If detected early, survival rates can be as high as 90 percent. Detected in the advanced stage, the survival rate falls to between 30 and 40 percent. Various imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and ultrasound studies can confirm whether a pelvic mass is present. A laparoscopy can help a doctor look at the ovaries and other pelvic tissue to in order to plan out a surgical procedure, or to determine the stage of the ovarian cancer. A biopsy, or tissue sampling, would confirm if there is cancer in your pelvic region, and would help determine how advanced it is. An elevated CA-125 blood test typically suggests the cancer has progressed to the advanced stage.
About 50 percent of ovarian cancer patients are already at an advanced stage by the time a correct diagnosis is made. Only 10 to 14 percent of women with advanced cancer are likely to survive more than five years.
By James Finch
ovarian cancer : Living With Cancer
It’s a story many of us have heard before: a young woman is diagnosed with ovarian cancer (or some other horrible disease), goes through surgery and chemo, gets too sick to work, loses her job, and her health insurance eventually runs out. Heart-wrenching, for sure. Especially sad when the woman has a husband and two small children. But for cancer patient Kellie Main Foret, you just can’t make any assumptions or guess what her next move will be.
Diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2004, Foret has undergone several rounds of chemo, surgery, and all the other treatments her doctors feel are necessary. But this isn’t a story about cancer treatments, it’s a story about how this young woman has taken her current circumstance and turned it into something life-affirming and positive.
Foret started making custom jewelry pieces last fall before Christmas in order to raise money to buy her kids Christmas presents. The surprising twist was that her work was so unique and beautiful that it started gaining attention from local galleries and boutiques throughout the Detroit metro area. Soon, she was expanding her designs and original pieces until she had created a unique collection of original art jewelry pieces, all growing from her signature piece, “Tree of Life.”
“I designed the Tree of Life piece while I was going through chemotherapy for ovarian cancer,” said Foret. “To me, this piece represents all the roads we travel and how these journeys make each of us unique.
“I have so much to be thankful for. My Tree of Life continues to grow, and I hope my work adds something to other women’s lives that reassures them that they are unique and that everyday is special.”
One of her jewelry sets, called “My Angel,” is in memory of Foret’s chemo buddy who died a few weeks ago in November. All the proceeds from sales of this jewelry go to ovarian cancer research. “I know that in honoring my friend’s life, I am also doing something positive for other women who will benefit from ongoing research and an eventual cure for ovarian cancer,” said Foret.
Because of her initial success, Foret recently decided to open up an online store to sell her jewelry over the internet. The web site, www.pulsejewelry.com, just went live on November 19, 2005, and is already receiving and shipping orders for the holidays.
Not only is she busy designing and creating her art jewelry pieces, she has also been learning how to use the technology to maintain and run her online store, update and add new products, and fulfill orders using online shipping.
“I really love what I do, and I feel like I have such an exciting life,” said Foret. “My hope is that through my work, other women will enjoy these original jewelry pieces while knowing they are raising awareness and supporting one of the most important issues facing women today – ovarian cancer.”
By Lauren Hobson
Diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2004, Foret has undergone several rounds of chemo, surgery, and all the other treatments her doctors feel are necessary. But this isn’t a story about cancer treatments, it’s a story about how this young woman has taken her current circumstance and turned it into something life-affirming and positive.
Foret started making custom jewelry pieces last fall before Christmas in order to raise money to buy her kids Christmas presents. The surprising twist was that her work was so unique and beautiful that it started gaining attention from local galleries and boutiques throughout the Detroit metro area. Soon, she was expanding her designs and original pieces until she had created a unique collection of original art jewelry pieces, all growing from her signature piece, “Tree of Life.”
“I designed the Tree of Life piece while I was going through chemotherapy for ovarian cancer,” said Foret. “To me, this piece represents all the roads we travel and how these journeys make each of us unique.
“I have so much to be thankful for. My Tree of Life continues to grow, and I hope my work adds something to other women’s lives that reassures them that they are unique and that everyday is special.”
One of her jewelry sets, called “My Angel,” is in memory of Foret’s chemo buddy who died a few weeks ago in November. All the proceeds from sales of this jewelry go to ovarian cancer research. “I know that in honoring my friend’s life, I am also doing something positive for other women who will benefit from ongoing research and an eventual cure for ovarian cancer,” said Foret.
Because of her initial success, Foret recently decided to open up an online store to sell her jewelry over the internet. The web site, www.pulsejewelry.com, just went live on November 19, 2005, and is already receiving and shipping orders for the holidays.
Not only is she busy designing and creating her art jewelry pieces, she has also been learning how to use the technology to maintain and run her online store, update and add new products, and fulfill orders using online shipping.
“I really love what I do, and I feel like I have such an exciting life,” said Foret. “My hope is that through my work, other women will enjoy these original jewelry pieces while knowing they are raising awareness and supporting one of the most important issues facing women today – ovarian cancer.”
By Lauren Hobson
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
ovarian cancer : BRCA1 and BRCA2: Their Function
Researchers used to think that the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes were tumor suppressor genes. Although researchers are still trying to understand precisely how the two genes function, they now believe that they may actually be what are called mismatch repair genes. (For recent news about the role of BRCA2, see Related News below.)
To understand what's meant by this, you need to understand a little bit about the cell replication process that occurs constantly within our bodies. As our cells age and die, new cells must be made to replace them. For this to happen, each of the three billion letters of DNA that are found within every cell has to be copied — one letter at a time. Not surprisingly, mistakes sometimes occur. When this happens, a gene may stop making its protein or the the protein can cease to function normally.
To ensure that such mistakes don't accumulate, our body has special proteins — called mismatch repair proteins — that check for and then correct mistakes in the newly made DNA. The genes that produce these special proteins are called mismatch repair genes — and it is in two of these genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2) that researchers have discovered the mutations most commonly linked with breast and ovarian cancer.
When a person's mismatch repair genes aren't functioning properly, they may not be able to catch and correct those inevitable DNA copying mistakes. And when such mistakes occur in genes whose function it is to prevent a cell from becoming cancerous, malignancies can occur.
©Copyright 2000, 2001 Genetic Health. All Rights Reserved.
To understand what's meant by this, you need to understand a little bit about the cell replication process that occurs constantly within our bodies. As our cells age and die, new cells must be made to replace them. For this to happen, each of the three billion letters of DNA that are found within every cell has to be copied — one letter at a time. Not surprisingly, mistakes sometimes occur. When this happens, a gene may stop making its protein or the the protein can cease to function normally.
To ensure that such mistakes don't accumulate, our body has special proteins — called mismatch repair proteins — that check for and then correct mistakes in the newly made DNA. The genes that produce these special proteins are called mismatch repair genes — and it is in two of these genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2) that researchers have discovered the mutations most commonly linked with breast and ovarian cancer.
When a person's mismatch repair genes aren't functioning properly, they may not be able to catch and correct those inevitable DNA copying mistakes. And when such mistakes occur in genes whose function it is to prevent a cell from becoming cancerous, malignancies can occur.
©Copyright 2000, 2001 Genetic Health. All Rights Reserved.
ovarian cancer : BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutations and Cancer Risk
Although the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes appear to be similar in function, they are located on different chromosomes, and each, when mutated, confers varying degrees of risk, not only for inherited breast and ovarian cancer but for other types of cancer as well. The types of cancer associated with mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are as follows:
BRCA1. Mutations in the BRCA1 gene appear to increase an individual's risk for breast, ovarian, prostate, and possibly colon cancer.
BRCA2. Mutations in the BRCA2 gene appear to increase an individual's risk for breast (male and female), ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancers. In addition, researchers suspect that defects in this gene carry with them an increased risk for cancer of the lung, larynx (voice box), and skin; however, more studies are needed to confirm these associations.
Researchers are still trying to determine the exact risk of cancer that is conferred by carrying a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene.
Early studies indicated that 80 percent of women who had inherited mutations in either of these genes would one day develop breast cancer, and that 60 percent would eventually develop ovarian cancer. However, these numbers were based on data collected from women in high-risk families (that is, those in which several cases of cancer had already been diagnosed). As researchers have expanded their studies to include members of the general population, they are discovering that risk associated with having a mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 may actually be lower than initial studies indicated. For this reason, the degree of risk associated with these mutations is now most commonly expressed as a range of numbers rather than an absolute — at least until enough data exists to make better estimates.
©Copyright 2000, 2001 Genetic Health. All Rights Reserved.
BRCA1. Mutations in the BRCA1 gene appear to increase an individual's risk for breast, ovarian, prostate, and possibly colon cancer.
BRCA2. Mutations in the BRCA2 gene appear to increase an individual's risk for breast (male and female), ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancers. In addition, researchers suspect that defects in this gene carry with them an increased risk for cancer of the lung, larynx (voice box), and skin; however, more studies are needed to confirm these associations.
Researchers are still trying to determine the exact risk of cancer that is conferred by carrying a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene.
Early studies indicated that 80 percent of women who had inherited mutations in either of these genes would one day develop breast cancer, and that 60 percent would eventually develop ovarian cancer. However, these numbers were based on data collected from women in high-risk families (that is, those in which several cases of cancer had already been diagnosed). As researchers have expanded their studies to include members of the general population, they are discovering that risk associated with having a mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 may actually be lower than initial studies indicated. For this reason, the degree of risk associated with these mutations is now most commonly expressed as a range of numbers rather than an absolute — at least until enough data exists to make better estimates.
©Copyright 2000, 2001 Genetic Health. All Rights Reserved.
ovarian cancer : How Are Ovarian Cancer Inherited?
By studying patterns of breast and ovarian cancer in families, researchers have learned that mutations in specific genes can predispose women to these types of cancer. In fact, mutations in just two different genes — BRCA1 and BRCA2 — account for the majority of what scientists term hereditary breast and hereditary ovarian cancer cases.
All women have some risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. But having a family history of breast and ovarian cancer can mean a significantly increased risk for you. So the first step to understanding your risk is by analyzing your family's medical history. Such an analysis will take into account how many people in your family had breast or ovarian cancer and at what age the cancer developed. Once you know your risk level, you and your doctor can determine a screening schedule that is appropriate for you.
By Kari Danziger,
All women have some risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. But having a family history of breast and ovarian cancer can mean a significantly increased risk for you. So the first step to understanding your risk is by analyzing your family's medical history. Such an analysis will take into account how many people in your family had breast or ovarian cancer and at what age the cancer developed. Once you know your risk level, you and your doctor can determine a screening schedule that is appropriate for you.
By Kari Danziger,
Thursday, August 10, 2006
ovarian cancer : Cancer Symptom
Cancer symptoms and the importance of early detection
Cancer is like a curse for mankind and that too a life threatening one. Cancer will continue to be a monster for us until we are able to detect cancer symptoms in a more definitive manner and are able to find a fail-proof cure for it. So, we are faced with two challenges here – the ability to read/recognise cancer symptoms and the ability to treat cancer in a fail-proof manner. To understand cancer symptoms and the importance of early detection in a better way, let’s first start with understanding what cancer actually is.
What is cancer?
Put simply, cancer is a diseased condition of body which is caused by uncontrolled abnormal growth of cells. This growth might start in one organ and might quickly start spreading to other nearby organs. There are various types of cancer and these are generally named after the body organ where this uncontrolled and abnormal growth of cells occurs. So you have breast cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer and many other types of cancer. The cancer symptoms might vary based on what organ they affect.
Importance of early detection of cancer symptoms
Since the cancer cells grow at a fast pace, if you are not able to read cancer symptoms early enough, the cancer might become completely incurable. If the cancer symptoms are diagnosed in the early stages (and if the cancer is localised to just one organ), you might actually be able to get a cure for cancer. So, early detection of cancer symptoms is quite important in determining your chances of survival. Moreover, if the cancer symptoms are not recognised quickly and diagnosis sought, cancer can spread to other organs too (which might make it completely incurable). There are instances where early detection of cancer symptoms lead to complete cure too (e.g. early detection of breast cancer symptoms might make it possible to get a complete cure through surgery that involves removal of cancerous cells).
Pro-active detection of cancer symptoms
Cancer symptoms can be detected at a very stage by being proactive e.g. by going for cancer screening tests that help see the cancer symptoms early enough for curative action to be effective. In fact, too much of a delay could lead to curative action being not possible at all. Most hospitals and clinics stack free cancer symptom detection booklets which you can read to increase your awareness about cancer symptoms and cancer in general.
By Karen Lavender and Warren
Cancer is like a curse for mankind and that too a life threatening one. Cancer will continue to be a monster for us until we are able to detect cancer symptoms in a more definitive manner and are able to find a fail-proof cure for it. So, we are faced with two challenges here – the ability to read/recognise cancer symptoms and the ability to treat cancer in a fail-proof manner. To understand cancer symptoms and the importance of early detection in a better way, let’s first start with understanding what cancer actually is.
What is cancer?
Put simply, cancer is a diseased condition of body which is caused by uncontrolled abnormal growth of cells. This growth might start in one organ and might quickly start spreading to other nearby organs. There are various types of cancer and these are generally named after the body organ where this uncontrolled and abnormal growth of cells occurs. So you have breast cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer and many other types of cancer. The cancer symptoms might vary based on what organ they affect.
Importance of early detection of cancer symptoms
Since the cancer cells grow at a fast pace, if you are not able to read cancer symptoms early enough, the cancer might become completely incurable. If the cancer symptoms are diagnosed in the early stages (and if the cancer is localised to just one organ), you might actually be able to get a cure for cancer. So, early detection of cancer symptoms is quite important in determining your chances of survival. Moreover, if the cancer symptoms are not recognised quickly and diagnosis sought, cancer can spread to other organs too (which might make it completely incurable). There are instances where early detection of cancer symptoms lead to complete cure too (e.g. early detection of breast cancer symptoms might make it possible to get a complete cure through surgery that involves removal of cancerous cells).
Pro-active detection of cancer symptoms
Cancer symptoms can be detected at a very stage by being proactive e.g. by going for cancer screening tests that help see the cancer symptoms early enough for curative action to be effective. In fact, too much of a delay could lead to curative action being not possible at all. Most hospitals and clinics stack free cancer symptom detection booklets which you can read to increase your awareness about cancer symptoms and cancer in general.
By Karen Lavender and Warren
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
ovarian cancer : Topotecan Not Recommended for Ovarian Cancer
When added to standard first-line chemotherapy treatment for ovarian cancer, the drug topotecan doesn't increase patient survival and is not recommended, a German study says.
A combination of carboplatin and paclitaxil is the current standard treatment for advanced ovarian cancer . While research has shown this treatment is effective and has low toxicity, cancer recurrence and death rates remain high, according to background information in the article.
The study, published in the Aug. 2 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, included 1,308 patients with untreated ovarian cancer. They received paclitaxil and carboplatin, followed by either topotecan or surveillance.
Topotecan did not improve patient survival or survival without cancer recurrence. The study also found topotecan treatment increased the frequency of blood-related toxicities and infections.
The researchers concluded that topotecan should not be used as part of first-line treatment in ovarian cancer patients.
"Carboplatin-paclitaxel remains the standard of care for patients with advanced ovarian cancer," the authors wrote.
by Robert Preidt
A combination of carboplatin and paclitaxil is the current standard treatment for advanced ovarian cancer . While research has shown this treatment is effective and has low toxicity, cancer recurrence and death rates remain high, according to background information in the article.
The study, published in the Aug. 2 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, included 1,308 patients with untreated ovarian cancer. They received paclitaxil and carboplatin, followed by either topotecan or surveillance.
Topotecan did not improve patient survival or survival without cancer recurrence. The study also found topotecan treatment increased the frequency of blood-related toxicities and infections.
The researchers concluded that topotecan should not be used as part of first-line treatment in ovarian cancer patients.
"Carboplatin-paclitaxel remains the standard of care for patients with advanced ovarian cancer," the authors wrote.
by Robert Preidt
Thursday, August 03, 2006
ovarian cancer : High in Fat and Meat Diets
Many have speculated that high diets of fat and/or meat might increase the risks of getting ovarian cancer for women. Yet most dairy and meat associations defend their products and say that there is not comprehensive studies or research that can confirm this, in fact they say that the industries are unnecessarily being condemned for something that is most likely completely false and conjecture at best. Of course they have financial motivation for saying that and so one has to question their sincerity.
When reviewing these claims further we see that they may actually have a point. The World Cancer Research Fund have studied the results of the tests and research and they too have concluded that high intakes of dairy, fats and meat products may not be a risk of ovarian cancer. There have not been enough in depth studies to prove anything either way. More studies are needed to determine if these claims are correct or not.
Milk consumption may not have any increase in the risk of ovarian cancer at all. The studies seem to be too limited and those research papers suggesting such may not be viable. Although others say that commercial interests are clouding the issue and claiming that more data is needed when plenty of data and proof already exists. Yet we know that milk products are important to our diets and help in many nutritional aspects. If nutrition is neglected due to perceived risks in ovarian cancer in women, then such advice can cause other health issues.
It is imperative that all women get with doctors and ask them about ovarian cancer, as it is very difficult to detect in its early stages. If you are a woman it would behoove you to do your own research and learn more about ovarian cancer. Think on this and stay informed.
by Lance Winslow
When reviewing these claims further we see that they may actually have a point. The World Cancer Research Fund have studied the results of the tests and research and they too have concluded that high intakes of dairy, fats and meat products may not be a risk of ovarian cancer. There have not been enough in depth studies to prove anything either way. More studies are needed to determine if these claims are correct or not.
Milk consumption may not have any increase in the risk of ovarian cancer at all. The studies seem to be too limited and those research papers suggesting such may not be viable. Although others say that commercial interests are clouding the issue and claiming that more data is needed when plenty of data and proof already exists. Yet we know that milk products are important to our diets and help in many nutritional aspects. If nutrition is neglected due to perceived risks in ovarian cancer in women, then such advice can cause other health issues.
It is imperative that all women get with doctors and ask them about ovarian cancer, as it is very difficult to detect in its early stages. If you are a woman it would behoove you to do your own research and learn more about ovarian cancer. Think on this and stay informed.
by Lance Winslow
ovarian cancer : Ovarian Cancer & Hysterectomies
A hysterectomy is not often a procedure that needs to be performed urgently, except in the case of ovarian cancer. Therefore, a woman considering the procedure should take time to investigate all her options, including other possible treatments. There are now new treatments for conditions that previously would have required a hysterectomy. Women advised to have a hysterectomy for a non-cancerous condition before being offered more conservative treatments may find it beneficial to seek a second opinion.
Deciding whether to have a hysterectomy can be a difficult and emotional process. By becoming informed about the procedure, women can confidently discuss available options, concerns and wishes with their doctor, and make a decision that is right for them.
If you, too, have been questioning the necessity of a surgery for fibroids, prolapse, incontinence or any "cele" repairs, you will be reassured to know you have every right in doing so. The decision to undergo surgery of any kind is often difficult, so it is often useful to explore other alternatives before moving forward. Women, especially around the time of menopause, are too often advised to have major gynecological surgery for minor conditions that can be significantly improved with natural alternatives
Every 10 minutes, 12 hysterectomies are performed in the United States. That is over 600,000 per year, of which only 10% are due to cancer. This surgery most often does not correct the diagnosed problem and instead results in new afflictions. And, argues Dr. Stanley West, author of The Hysterectomy Hoax, nine out of ten hysterectomies are unnecessary.
We need to ask “How have these surgeries impacted the quality of life for women?" Nowhere in the gynecological literature did the study address the number of women for whom sex had become painful or impossible. Nowhere were there studies to track the number of marriages that failed or were severely compromised as a result of these post-surgical complications or alcoholism or drug addiction resulting from debilitating chronic pain.
Women who have been hysterectomized experience a myriad of negative side effects, including chronic pain and fatigue, depression, and pain during sex. These are only a fraction of the long list of unwanted symptoms reported by women after surgery.
So, if you decide, or have already decided, that surgery is not an option, you are probably asking yourself, "Now what?" I have asked myself this same question. But, I will tell you, there is no quick fix. As women we must understand our bodies to care for them in a positive way.
The more I review this subject the stronger I feel about informing women before they make this important decision. Prevention is the key and hormone balance is the answer.
For the most part those who are encouraged to have their uterus’s removed are likely suffering from estrogen excess which is explained well by Dr. John Lee.
Balancing hormones involves working on a few fronts using simple strategies.
1. Evaluate your hormones using a saliva test – determine what is happening in your body – ask your self the question – are you estrogen dominant? Use a saliva test to find the answer.
2. Optimize your diet by lowering your insulin levels. Over 2/3 of North Americans are overweight. This extra weight increases insulin levels causing estrogen dominance to increase. EAT 40/30/30
3. If the saliva test shows the need, use a natural progesterone cream in the process of rebalancing your hormonal system
4. Exercise to reduce excess estrogen and to eliminate toxins
5. Drink more water
6. Supplement with wisdom using our hormone balancing program of fiber, indoles, efa, multi – fruit & veggi essence, calcium
By Jackie L. Harvey
Deciding whether to have a hysterectomy can be a difficult and emotional process. By becoming informed about the procedure, women can confidently discuss available options, concerns and wishes with their doctor, and make a decision that is right for them.
If you, too, have been questioning the necessity of a surgery for fibroids, prolapse, incontinence or any "cele" repairs, you will be reassured to know you have every right in doing so. The decision to undergo surgery of any kind is often difficult, so it is often useful to explore other alternatives before moving forward. Women, especially around the time of menopause, are too often advised to have major gynecological surgery for minor conditions that can be significantly improved with natural alternatives
Every 10 minutes, 12 hysterectomies are performed in the United States. That is over 600,000 per year, of which only 10% are due to cancer. This surgery most often does not correct the diagnosed problem and instead results in new afflictions. And, argues Dr. Stanley West, author of The Hysterectomy Hoax, nine out of ten hysterectomies are unnecessary.
We need to ask “How have these surgeries impacted the quality of life for women?" Nowhere in the gynecological literature did the study address the number of women for whom sex had become painful or impossible. Nowhere were there studies to track the number of marriages that failed or were severely compromised as a result of these post-surgical complications or alcoholism or drug addiction resulting from debilitating chronic pain.
Women who have been hysterectomized experience a myriad of negative side effects, including chronic pain and fatigue, depression, and pain during sex. These are only a fraction of the long list of unwanted symptoms reported by women after surgery.
So, if you decide, or have already decided, that surgery is not an option, you are probably asking yourself, "Now what?" I have asked myself this same question. But, I will tell you, there is no quick fix. As women we must understand our bodies to care for them in a positive way.
The more I review this subject the stronger I feel about informing women before they make this important decision. Prevention is the key and hormone balance is the answer.
For the most part those who are encouraged to have their uterus’s removed are likely suffering from estrogen excess which is explained well by Dr. John Lee.
Balancing hormones involves working on a few fronts using simple strategies.
1. Evaluate your hormones using a saliva test – determine what is happening in your body – ask your self the question – are you estrogen dominant? Use a saliva test to find the answer.
2. Optimize your diet by lowering your insulin levels. Over 2/3 of North Americans are overweight. This extra weight increases insulin levels causing estrogen dominance to increase. EAT 40/30/30
3. If the saliva test shows the need, use a natural progesterone cream in the process of rebalancing your hormonal system
4. Exercise to reduce excess estrogen and to eliminate toxins
5. Drink more water
6. Supplement with wisdom using our hormone balancing program of fiber, indoles, efa, multi – fruit & veggi essence, calcium
By Jackie L. Harvey
Monday, July 31, 2006
ovarian cancer : Cervical Cancer, the End is Near
Is it true a vaccine to end the threat of cervical cancer? Chock one up for modern science, maybe it is good that the Drug Companies are making such high profits after all and have so many lobbyists in Washington D.C. if they can keep solving these problems that plague mankind or in this case Womankind. And this is just the kind of thing woman can be happy for as it nixes one more type of cancer that could potentially take one’s life.
The vaccine is comes in three shots taken in series and is said to be 100% effective in preventing cervical cancer. The vaccine’s maker is Merch and Company and the vaccine protects against four viral strains. HPV or Human Papilloma Virus is the cause of cervical cancer and genital warts. Over two million Americans are carriers of some form of HPV, meaning it would not take very many partners to hurt the law of averages and put one at risk.
Cervical Cancer kills about 300,000 worldwide and about 4,000 each year in the United States. The vaccine is best taken before girls become sexually active, which ensures 100% protection. Modern medicine is making headway on many types of cancer and this latest breakthrough is an awesome thing. Some day human beings will not have to worry about cancer, until that day, each new cure, treatment or vaccine is one step closer to that goal. Think on it.
Lance Winslow
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow
The vaccine is comes in three shots taken in series and is said to be 100% effective in preventing cervical cancer. The vaccine’s maker is Merch and Company and the vaccine protects against four viral strains. HPV or Human Papilloma Virus is the cause of cervical cancer and genital warts. Over two million Americans are carriers of some form of HPV, meaning it would not take very many partners to hurt the law of averages and put one at risk.
Cervical Cancer kills about 300,000 worldwide and about 4,000 each year in the United States. The vaccine is best taken before girls become sexually active, which ensures 100% protection. Modern medicine is making headway on many types of cancer and this latest breakthrough is an awesome thing. Some day human beings will not have to worry about cancer, until that day, each new cure, treatment or vaccine is one step closer to that goal. Think on it.
Lance Winslow
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow
ovarian cancer : Drinking Tea May Guard Against Ovarian Cancer
Consuming two or more cups of tea a day over a period of time may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer dramatically, suggests a new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. And each additional cup of tea per day appears to provide significantly more protection, investigators found.
Because tea is the second most-consumed beverage in the world, its potential health benefits could have important implications for human health and disease prevention, says the Tea Council of the USA.
"An abundance of research suggests that tea may play a role in the reduction of risk of cardiovascular disease and various types of cancer," notes Joe Simrany, president of the trade organization. "These new findings suggest that drinking tea regularly may help to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer as well. This is good news and points to yet another area where tea may have a positive effect on health."
46 Percent Lower Ovarian Cancer Risk
Researchers at Sweden's National Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, examined the association between tea consumption and risk of ovarian cancer in 61,057 women 40 to 76 years of age who took part in the population-based Swedish Mammography Cohort.
The participants completed a validated 67-item food frequency questionnaire at enrollment between 1987 and 1990, and were followed for cancer incidence through December 2004.
At baseline, 68 percent of the participants reported drinking tea -- primarily black tea -- at least once a month. During 15.1 years of follow-up, 301 women were diagnosed as having epithelial ovarian cancer. The researchers found tea consumption of two or more cups of tea per day had a significant inverse association with risk of ovarian cancer.
Specifically, women who drank two or more cups of tea per day experienced a 46 percent lower risk of ovarian cancer, compared with women who drank no tea. Each additional cup of tea was associated with an 18 percent decreased risk of ovarian cancer.
Additional Health Benefits
A multitude of research studies suggest that drinking tea may contribute to overall health. Potential benefits include the following:
- Reduced risk of heart attack and stroke, and improved blood vessel function;
- Less risk of certain cancers, including colorectal and skin cancers;
- Decreased levels of oxidative DNA damage and increases in antioxidant levels in the bloodstream; and
- Oral health benefits -- researchers believe certain compounds in tea may inhibit bacteria that cause bad breath and plaque, and the fluoride content in tea supports healthy tooth enamel.
Nicole Weaver is a health journalist for Daily News Central, an online publication that delivers breaking news and reliable health information to consumers, healthcare providers and industry professionals.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nicole_Weaver
Because tea is the second most-consumed beverage in the world, its potential health benefits could have important implications for human health and disease prevention, says the Tea Council of the USA.
"An abundance of research suggests that tea may play a role in the reduction of risk of cardiovascular disease and various types of cancer," notes Joe Simrany, president of the trade organization. "These new findings suggest that drinking tea regularly may help to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer as well. This is good news and points to yet another area where tea may have a positive effect on health."
46 Percent Lower Ovarian Cancer Risk
Researchers at Sweden's National Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, examined the association between tea consumption and risk of ovarian cancer in 61,057 women 40 to 76 years of age who took part in the population-based Swedish Mammography Cohort.
The participants completed a validated 67-item food frequency questionnaire at enrollment between 1987 and 1990, and were followed for cancer incidence through December 2004.
At baseline, 68 percent of the participants reported drinking tea -- primarily black tea -- at least once a month. During 15.1 years of follow-up, 301 women were diagnosed as having epithelial ovarian cancer. The researchers found tea consumption of two or more cups of tea per day had a significant inverse association with risk of ovarian cancer.
Specifically, women who drank two or more cups of tea per day experienced a 46 percent lower risk of ovarian cancer, compared with women who drank no tea. Each additional cup of tea was associated with an 18 percent decreased risk of ovarian cancer.
Additional Health Benefits
A multitude of research studies suggest that drinking tea may contribute to overall health. Potential benefits include the following:
- Reduced risk of heart attack and stroke, and improved blood vessel function;
- Less risk of certain cancers, including colorectal and skin cancers;
- Decreased levels of oxidative DNA damage and increases in antioxidant levels in the bloodstream; and
- Oral health benefits -- researchers believe certain compounds in tea may inhibit bacteria that cause bad breath and plaque, and the fluoride content in tea supports healthy tooth enamel.
Nicole Weaver is a health journalist for Daily News Central, an online publication that delivers breaking news and reliable health information to consumers, healthcare providers and industry professionals.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nicole_Weaver
Thursday, July 27, 2006
ovarian cancer : Living With Cancer - Anyway
It’s a story many of us have heard before: a young woman is diagnosed with ovarian cancer (or some other horrible disease), goes through surgery and chemo, gets too sick to work, loses her job, and her health insurance eventually runs out. Heart-wrenching, for sure. Especially sad when the woman has a husband and two small children. But for cancer patient Kellie Main Foret, you just can’t make any assumptions or guess what her next move will be.
Diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2004, Foret has undergone several rounds of chemo, surgery, and all the other treatments her doctors feel are necessary. But this isn’t a story about cancer treatments, it’s a story about how this young woman has taken her current circumstance and turned it into something life-affirming and positive.
Foret started making custom jewelry pieces last fall before Christmas in order to raise money to buy her kids Christmas presents. The surprising twist was that her work was so unique and beautiful that it started gaining attention from local galleries and boutiques throughout the Detroit metro area. Soon, she was expanding her designs and original pieces until she had created a unique collection of original art jewelry pieces, all growing from her signature piece, “Tree of Life.”
“I designed the Tree of Life piece while I was going through chemotherapy for ovarian cancer,” said Foret. “To me, this piece represents all the roads we travel and how these journeys make each of us unique.
“I have so much to be thankful for. My Tree of Life continues to grow, and I hope my work adds something to other women’s lives that reassures them that they are unique and that everyday is special.”
One of her jewelry sets, called “My Angel,” is in memory of Foret’s chemo buddy who died a few weeks ago in November. All the proceeds from sales of this jewelry go to ovarian cancer research. “I know that in honoring my friend’s life, I am also doing something positive for other women who will benefit from ongoing research and an eventual cure for ovarian cancer,” said Foret.
Because of her initial success, Foret recently decided to open up an online store to sell her jewelry over the internet. The web site, www.pulsejewelry.com, just went live on November 19, 2005, and is already receiving and shipping orders for the holidays.
Not only is she busy designing and creating her art jewelry pieces, she has also been learning how to use the technology to maintain and run her online store, update and add new products, and fulfill orders using online shipping.
“I really love what I do, and I feel like I have such an exciting life,” said Foret. “My hope is that through my work, other women will enjoy these original jewelry pieces while knowing they are raising awareness and supporting one of the most important issues facing women today – ovarian cancer.”
Lauren Hobson is the Editor of Biz Talk Newsletter, a free monthly publication designed to provide small businesses and non-profits with tips and techniques to help them make the most of their web sites and marketing efforts without spending a lot of money. Biz Talk is published by Five Sparrows, LLC (http://www.fivesparrows.com). This article may be re-printed without cost provided that there are no changes to the content and is credited with the line, "Article by Lauren A. Hobson, http://www.fivesparrows.com. Copyright 2005, Five Sparrows, LLC. Used by Permission."
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lauren_Hobson
Diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2004, Foret has undergone several rounds of chemo, surgery, and all the other treatments her doctors feel are necessary. But this isn’t a story about cancer treatments, it’s a story about how this young woman has taken her current circumstance and turned it into something life-affirming and positive.
Foret started making custom jewelry pieces last fall before Christmas in order to raise money to buy her kids Christmas presents. The surprising twist was that her work was so unique and beautiful that it started gaining attention from local galleries and boutiques throughout the Detroit metro area. Soon, she was expanding her designs and original pieces until she had created a unique collection of original art jewelry pieces, all growing from her signature piece, “Tree of Life.”
“I designed the Tree of Life piece while I was going through chemotherapy for ovarian cancer,” said Foret. “To me, this piece represents all the roads we travel and how these journeys make each of us unique.
“I have so much to be thankful for. My Tree of Life continues to grow, and I hope my work adds something to other women’s lives that reassures them that they are unique and that everyday is special.”
One of her jewelry sets, called “My Angel,” is in memory of Foret’s chemo buddy who died a few weeks ago in November. All the proceeds from sales of this jewelry go to ovarian cancer research. “I know that in honoring my friend’s life, I am also doing something positive for other women who will benefit from ongoing research and an eventual cure for ovarian cancer,” said Foret.
Because of her initial success, Foret recently decided to open up an online store to sell her jewelry over the internet. The web site, www.pulsejewelry.com, just went live on November 19, 2005, and is already receiving and shipping orders for the holidays.
Not only is she busy designing and creating her art jewelry pieces, she has also been learning how to use the technology to maintain and run her online store, update and add new products, and fulfill orders using online shipping.
“I really love what I do, and I feel like I have such an exciting life,” said Foret. “My hope is that through my work, other women will enjoy these original jewelry pieces while knowing they are raising awareness and supporting one of the most important issues facing women today – ovarian cancer.”
Lauren Hobson is the Editor of Biz Talk Newsletter, a free monthly publication designed to provide small businesses and non-profits with tips and techniques to help them make the most of their web sites and marketing efforts without spending a lot of money. Biz Talk is published by Five Sparrows, LLC (http://www.fivesparrows.com). This article may be re-printed without cost provided that there are no changes to the content and is credited with the line, "Article by Lauren A. Hobson, http://www.fivesparrows.com. Copyright 2005, Five Sparrows, LLC. Used by Permission."
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lauren_Hobson
ovarian cancer : The Hidden Issues Of Ovarian Cancer
Dr Christiane Northrup has some interesting insights into the emotional and energetic issues associated with ovarian cancer. Whilst it is impossible to generalize emotional and energetic responses, she highlights the issue of rage in ovarian cancers. She describes the ovaries as being 'female balls' which means they relate to an active participation in the world in a way that expresses our unique creative potential, as women, on an individual basis.
She says: "...we as women must be open to the uniqueness of our creations and their own energies and impulses, without trying to force them into predetermined forms. Our ability to yield to our creativity, to acknowledge that we cannot control it with our intellects, is the key to understanding ovarian power." (p187, Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom)
She relates the issue of rage as deriving from being in an abusive relationship - not necessarily physically abusive, though of course this could be the case. And it may not necessarily be a personal or intimate relationship. It could be with work, societal, or even spiritual. But it embodies a way of relating and dealing with something or someone, where the woman involved feels controlled by the situation and does not believe in her ability to change it, or herself. It is a denial of her innate power and self-sovereignty. A denial of a woman's innate dignity, creativity, spirituality, and complexity.
Interestingly, Dr Northrup notes that ovarian cancer is linked to a diet high in fat and dairy food. Dairy products in Oriental medicine, are associated with the liver meridian. Meridians are energy conduits, and though they have a specific anatomy, they are not equated necessarily with the organs of the same name, as understood in conventional western medicine. The emotion associated with a liver meridian that is out of balance, is rage and anger.
Oriental medicine believes that diseases start in our energetic body first, and then progress to the physical body. And certainly not all women who have a high fat and high dairy diet develop ovarian cancer. Dr Northrup suggests that women take care of their ovaries and uterus by reclaiming and expressing whatever this deep creative energy is for them. She suggests taking the time to do this daily.
A recent scientific study has also found that drinking two cups or more of tea a day can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by 46%. This study was done in Sweden over a 15 year period. Sweden is a country where there is a higher risk of ovarian cancer, as are other countries with a high dairy consumption (Denmark and Switzerland).
References:
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/news/ng.asp?id=64537
Dr Christiane Northrup, Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom (Piatkus, 1995)
If you'd like to read more about supplements, herbs, and a deeper understanding of why we get sick, check out this article. If you enjoy the health benefits of tea, read this to discover why green tea is so beneficial, and how green tea weight loss helps.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rebecca_Prescott
She says: "...we as women must be open to the uniqueness of our creations and their own energies and impulses, without trying to force them into predetermined forms. Our ability to yield to our creativity, to acknowledge that we cannot control it with our intellects, is the key to understanding ovarian power." (p187, Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom)
She relates the issue of rage as deriving from being in an abusive relationship - not necessarily physically abusive, though of course this could be the case. And it may not necessarily be a personal or intimate relationship. It could be with work, societal, or even spiritual. But it embodies a way of relating and dealing with something or someone, where the woman involved feels controlled by the situation and does not believe in her ability to change it, or herself. It is a denial of her innate power and self-sovereignty. A denial of a woman's innate dignity, creativity, spirituality, and complexity.
Interestingly, Dr Northrup notes that ovarian cancer is linked to a diet high in fat and dairy food. Dairy products in Oriental medicine, are associated with the liver meridian. Meridians are energy conduits, and though they have a specific anatomy, they are not equated necessarily with the organs of the same name, as understood in conventional western medicine. The emotion associated with a liver meridian that is out of balance, is rage and anger.
Oriental medicine believes that diseases start in our energetic body first, and then progress to the physical body. And certainly not all women who have a high fat and high dairy diet develop ovarian cancer. Dr Northrup suggests that women take care of their ovaries and uterus by reclaiming and expressing whatever this deep creative energy is for them. She suggests taking the time to do this daily.
A recent scientific study has also found that drinking two cups or more of tea a day can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by 46%. This study was done in Sweden over a 15 year period. Sweden is a country where there is a higher risk of ovarian cancer, as are other countries with a high dairy consumption (Denmark and Switzerland).
References:
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/news/ng.asp?id=64537
Dr Christiane Northrup, Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom (Piatkus, 1995)
If you'd like to read more about supplements, herbs, and a deeper understanding of why we get sick, check out this article. If you enjoy the health benefits of tea, read this to discover why green tea is so beneficial, and how green tea weight loss helps.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rebecca_Prescott
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
ovarian cancer : It Whispers, So Listen
Ovarian cancer is the biggest killer amongst all of the female cancers. Nearly 80% of those treated for ovarian cancer will experience a recurrence. The chances of death within the first five years of treatment is nearly 50%, no matter if it is stage 2,3, or 4. These grim statistics are now a reality for my own life. I am an ovarian cancer survivor.
One reason ovarian cancer is so deadly is because it is very difficult to detect. Often, by the time it is diagnosed, the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. There is no reliable screening for ovarian cancer like there is for breast cancer and cervical cancer. It can only be detected through an exam by an Ob/Gyn. So, it is important for all women to make an effort to get those yearly exams.
There is a tumor marker,CA-125, in the blood that may show the presence of ovarian cancer. It is not used as a screening procedure because it is not reliable enough. However, in cases where a woman is at a high risk, the CA-125 marker may be used to alert a Dr. for further testing.
A woman's worst nightmare is the diagnosis of cancer. Yet, early detection is the best way to prevent any cancer from spreading and growing. Take care of yourself and take the time to get your yearly exam. It could save your life.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jean_Wensink
One reason ovarian cancer is so deadly is because it is very difficult to detect. Often, by the time it is diagnosed, the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. There is no reliable screening for ovarian cancer like there is for breast cancer and cervical cancer. It can only be detected through an exam by an Ob/Gyn. So, it is important for all women to make an effort to get those yearly exams.
There is a tumor marker,CA-125, in the blood that may show the presence of ovarian cancer. It is not used as a screening procedure because it is not reliable enough. However, in cases where a woman is at a high risk, the CA-125 marker may be used to alert a Dr. for further testing.
A woman's worst nightmare is the diagnosis of cancer. Yet, early detection is the best way to prevent any cancer from spreading and growing. Take care of yourself and take the time to get your yearly exam. It could save your life.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jean_Wensink
ovarian cancer : Ovarian Cancer Stages
By the stage of a cancer we try to express how far the disease has spread. It is crucial, as treatment is mostly decided depending on the stage of a cancer. For ovarian cancer, doctors use a simple I-IV staging system called the FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) system.
Stage I means the cancer is confined to the ovaries. In stage IA, the cancer is confined to one ovary, while in IB the cancer is present in both ovaries. In stage IC, in addition to the cancer being present in either one or both of the ovaries, cancer cells may be present on the outer surfaces of one or both ovaries, or in fluid taken from inside the abdomen; or, the outer wall of a cystic ovarian tumor may have burst.
By stage II we mean the cancer has grown outside the ovary or ovaries, but it is inside the pelvis. In stage IIA, the cancer has reached the fallopian tubes or the womb, while IIB means the cancer has grown into other tissues in the pelvis, such as the bladder or rectum. Stage IIC indicates that in addition to stages IIA and IIB, either some cancer is present on the surface of at least one ovary or cancer cells are found in fluid taken from inside the abdomen during surgery, or the ovary ruptures before or during surgery.
Stage III means the cancer has spread outside the pelvis into the abdominal cavity. It is also stage III if cancer is found in the lymph nodes in the upper abdomen, groin or behind the womb. In stage IIIA, cancer can be seen under the microscope in tissue taken from the lining of the abdomen, while in IIIB, small tumor growths are found on the lining of the abdomen. In IIIC, tumor growths larger than 2cm are found on the lining of the abdomen; the lymph nodes in the upper abdomen, groin or behind the womb contain cancer.
Stage IV, the most advanced of all, means the cancer has spread into other body organs such as the liver or lungs.
Ovarian Cancer provides detailed information on Ovarian Cancer, Ovarian Cancer Symptoms, Ovarian Cancer Treatments, Ovarian Cancer Stages and more. Ovarian Cancer is affiliated with Mesotherapy Before And After. ===>
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eddie_Tobey
Stage I means the cancer is confined to the ovaries. In stage IA, the cancer is confined to one ovary, while in IB the cancer is present in both ovaries. In stage IC, in addition to the cancer being present in either one or both of the ovaries, cancer cells may be present on the outer surfaces of one or both ovaries, or in fluid taken from inside the abdomen; or, the outer wall of a cystic ovarian tumor may have burst.
By stage II we mean the cancer has grown outside the ovary or ovaries, but it is inside the pelvis. In stage IIA, the cancer has reached the fallopian tubes or the womb, while IIB means the cancer has grown into other tissues in the pelvis, such as the bladder or rectum. Stage IIC indicates that in addition to stages IIA and IIB, either some cancer is present on the surface of at least one ovary or cancer cells are found in fluid taken from inside the abdomen during surgery, or the ovary ruptures before or during surgery.
Stage III means the cancer has spread outside the pelvis into the abdominal cavity. It is also stage III if cancer is found in the lymph nodes in the upper abdomen, groin or behind the womb. In stage IIIA, cancer can be seen under the microscope in tissue taken from the lining of the abdomen, while in IIIB, small tumor growths are found on the lining of the abdomen. In IIIC, tumor growths larger than 2cm are found on the lining of the abdomen; the lymph nodes in the upper abdomen, groin or behind the womb contain cancer.
Stage IV, the most advanced of all, means the cancer has spread into other body organs such as the liver or lungs.
Ovarian Cancer provides detailed information on Ovarian Cancer, Ovarian Cancer Symptoms, Ovarian Cancer Treatments, Ovarian Cancer Stages and more. Ovarian Cancer is affiliated with Mesotherapy Before And After. ===>
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eddie_Tobey
Friday, July 21, 2006
ovarian cancer : Prophylactic oophorectomy
Prophylactic oophorectomy significantly reduces your odds of developing cancer if you're at high risk — up to 50 percent for breast cancer and 95 percent for ovarian cancer. Weigh the pros and cons of this surgical prevention to determine whether it's an option for you.
Your doctor has determined that you carry a mutation in breast cancer gene BRCA1 or BRCA2. A mutation to either of these genes significantly increases your risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Your heart freezes at the thought of preventive mastectomy — the surgical removal of your breasts to prevent breast cancer. Do other preventive care options exist?
Yes, in fact, they do. One is called preventive (prophylactic) oophorectomy — the surgical removal of your ovaries. Although the procedure is usually performed to reduce your risk of ovarian cancer, if performed before you reach menopause it also reduces your risk of breast cancer.
But the surgery isn't for everyone. Before considering such a severe approach to breast and ovarian cancer prevention, talk with a genetic counselor to assess your risk. From there, weigh the pros and cons of the surgery and understand the implications that the surgery will have for you.
do. One is called preventive (prophylactic) oophorectomy — the surgical removal of your ovaries. Although the procedure is usually performed to reduce your risk of ovarian cancer, if performed before you reach menopause it also reduces your risk of breast cancer.
But the surgery isn't for everyone. Before considering such a severe approach to breast and ovarian cancer prevention, talk with a genetic counselor to assess your risk. From there, weigh the pros and cons of the surgery and understand the implications that the surgery will have for you.
What is preventive oophorectomy, and what does it have to do with breast cancer?
Oophorectomy refers to the surgical removal of your ovaries. Removing your ovaries greatly reduces the amount of circulating estrogen in your body. This can halt or slow breast cancers that depend on estrogen to grow.
How much of an impact can this have on your risk of breast and ovarian cancer? A significant one. Prophylactic oophorectomy reduces your risk of breast cancer by about 50 percent if you're premenopausal, and it reduces your risk of ovarian cancer by up to 95 percent — no matter what your menopausal status.
Oophorectomy vs. mastectomy
You might think that preventive mastectomy would be the best way to lower your risk of breast cancer. And the procedure does reduce your risk of breast cancer to a much greater extent than does prophylactic oophorectomy. However, you might choose prophylactic oophorectomy over mastectomy because oophorectomy protects against both breast and ovarian cancer, rather than just breast cancer. Having a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation puts you at risk of both diseases.
You might also opt for prophylactic oophorectomy because ovarian cancer is much more difficult than is breast cancer to detect and treat at an early stage. Preventive mastectomy by itself offers no protection against ovarian cancer.
Oophorectomy also may seem appealing if you're concerned about how you'll look if you have your breasts removed. The downside, though, is that you'll experience premature menopause.
You attain the greatest risk reduction for ovarian and breast cancer by having both procedures.
Who is prophylactic oophorectomy recommended for?
Prophylactic oophorectomy is usually recommended if you're at increased risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer due to an inherited mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes — two genes linked to breast cancer, ovarian cancer and other cancers. High-risk women age 35 and older who have completed their families are the best candidates for this surgery.
If you have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene alteration, your risk of ovarian cancer is much higher than it is for the general population — and your risk of breast cancer is even higher. But because ovarian cancer is much more difficult to detect at an early stage than is breast cancer, it's more likely to be deadly.
Because BRCA1 carriers are at risk of developing ovarian cancer at an earlier age than are BRCA2 carriers, they usually have the procedure at an earlier age — between ages 35 and 40. Carriers of a BRCA2 alteration can usually delay the procedure until age 45. In either case, you may be able to postpone having prophylactic oophorectomy until you've finished having children.
Prophylactic oophorectomy may also be recommended if you have a strong family history of breast cancer and ovarian cancer but no known genetic alteration. It might also be recommended if you have a strong likelihood of carrying the gene mutation based on your family history but choose not to proceed with genetic testing.
Assessing your cancer risk
Whether or not prophylactic oophorectomy is your best choice hinges upon your risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer. Your level of risk depends on your personal medical history, your family history and your genes.
You might be considered at high risk of breast and ovarian cancer and a candidate for prophylactic oophorectomy if you have a known mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. You might also be a candidate if you have certain combinations of the following risk factors:
A personal history of breast cancer diagnosed before menopause
A known mutation of the breast cancer genes — BRCA1 or BRCA2 — in your family
A first-degree relative, such as your mother, sister or daughter, with onset of breast cancer before age 50
A family member diagnosed with ovarian cancer before age 50
A family history of ovarian cancer in two or more relatives
A male family member with breast cancer
Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry
If one or more of these factors apply to you, consider making an appointment with a genetic counselor. A genetic counselor can chart your family history, provide an assessment of your cancer risk based on your family history and discuss with you the merits of genetic testing in your particular situation. The genetic counselor will help you understand your individual risk to aid in your decisions about prophylactic surgery. You may also want to meet with a breast health specialist and gynecologic surgeon to discuss other options.
by U.S. National Library of Medicine,
Your doctor has determined that you carry a mutation in breast cancer gene BRCA1 or BRCA2. A mutation to either of these genes significantly increases your risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Your heart freezes at the thought of preventive mastectomy — the surgical removal of your breasts to prevent breast cancer. Do other preventive care options exist?
Yes, in fact, they do. One is called preventive (prophylactic) oophorectomy — the surgical removal of your ovaries. Although the procedure is usually performed to reduce your risk of ovarian cancer, if performed before you reach menopause it also reduces your risk of breast cancer.
But the surgery isn't for everyone. Before considering such a severe approach to breast and ovarian cancer prevention, talk with a genetic counselor to assess your risk. From there, weigh the pros and cons of the surgery and understand the implications that the surgery will have for you.
do. One is called preventive (prophylactic) oophorectomy — the surgical removal of your ovaries. Although the procedure is usually performed to reduce your risk of ovarian cancer, if performed before you reach menopause it also reduces your risk of breast cancer.
But the surgery isn't for everyone. Before considering such a severe approach to breast and ovarian cancer prevention, talk with a genetic counselor to assess your risk. From there, weigh the pros and cons of the surgery and understand the implications that the surgery will have for you.
What is preventive oophorectomy, and what does it have to do with breast cancer?
Oophorectomy refers to the surgical removal of your ovaries. Removing your ovaries greatly reduces the amount of circulating estrogen in your body. This can halt or slow breast cancers that depend on estrogen to grow.
How much of an impact can this have on your risk of breast and ovarian cancer? A significant one. Prophylactic oophorectomy reduces your risk of breast cancer by about 50 percent if you're premenopausal, and it reduces your risk of ovarian cancer by up to 95 percent — no matter what your menopausal status.
Oophorectomy vs. mastectomy
You might think that preventive mastectomy would be the best way to lower your risk of breast cancer. And the procedure does reduce your risk of breast cancer to a much greater extent than does prophylactic oophorectomy. However, you might choose prophylactic oophorectomy over mastectomy because oophorectomy protects against both breast and ovarian cancer, rather than just breast cancer. Having a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation puts you at risk of both diseases.
You might also opt for prophylactic oophorectomy because ovarian cancer is much more difficult than is breast cancer to detect and treat at an early stage. Preventive mastectomy by itself offers no protection against ovarian cancer.
Oophorectomy also may seem appealing if you're concerned about how you'll look if you have your breasts removed. The downside, though, is that you'll experience premature menopause.
You attain the greatest risk reduction for ovarian and breast cancer by having both procedures.
Who is prophylactic oophorectomy recommended for?
Prophylactic oophorectomy is usually recommended if you're at increased risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer due to an inherited mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes — two genes linked to breast cancer, ovarian cancer and other cancers. High-risk women age 35 and older who have completed their families are the best candidates for this surgery.
If you have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene alteration, your risk of ovarian cancer is much higher than it is for the general population — and your risk of breast cancer is even higher. But because ovarian cancer is much more difficult to detect at an early stage than is breast cancer, it's more likely to be deadly.
Because BRCA1 carriers are at risk of developing ovarian cancer at an earlier age than are BRCA2 carriers, they usually have the procedure at an earlier age — between ages 35 and 40. Carriers of a BRCA2 alteration can usually delay the procedure until age 45. In either case, you may be able to postpone having prophylactic oophorectomy until you've finished having children.
Prophylactic oophorectomy may also be recommended if you have a strong family history of breast cancer and ovarian cancer but no known genetic alteration. It might also be recommended if you have a strong likelihood of carrying the gene mutation based on your family history but choose not to proceed with genetic testing.
Assessing your cancer risk
Whether or not prophylactic oophorectomy is your best choice hinges upon your risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer. Your level of risk depends on your personal medical history, your family history and your genes.
You might be considered at high risk of breast and ovarian cancer and a candidate for prophylactic oophorectomy if you have a known mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. You might also be a candidate if you have certain combinations of the following risk factors:
A personal history of breast cancer diagnosed before menopause
A known mutation of the breast cancer genes — BRCA1 or BRCA2 — in your family
A first-degree relative, such as your mother, sister or daughter, with onset of breast cancer before age 50
A family member diagnosed with ovarian cancer before age 50
A family history of ovarian cancer in two or more relatives
A male family member with breast cancer
Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry
If one or more of these factors apply to you, consider making an appointment with a genetic counselor. A genetic counselor can chart your family history, provide an assessment of your cancer risk based on your family history and discuss with you the merits of genetic testing in your particular situation. The genetic counselor will help you understand your individual risk to aid in your decisions about prophylactic surgery. You may also want to meet with a breast health specialist and gynecologic surgeon to discuss other options.
by U.S. National Library of Medicine,
ovarian cancer : Active Coping Helps Gynecologic Cancer
Women who take an active approach to cope with a diagnosis of gynecologic cancer have a higher quality of life than those who cope by distancing themselves from dealing with the disease, according to a report in the journal Cancer (Vol. 94, No. 1: 131-140).
A year after diagnosis, there wasn't much difference in quality of life between the early-stage patients and those with regionally advanced cancer (without metastasis).
The early-stage patients said they felt less anxiety, depression, and confusion, and had fewer mood swings than immediately after diagnosis, resulting in a QOL equal to that of similar women without cancer.
The regionally advanced stage patients reported similar QOL, but with some additional distress.
But there was a big difference in QOL between those who coped actively and those who disengaged.
Women Improve With New Focus and Acceptance
Patients who coped in two active ways — positive re-framing and acceptance — reported greater physical, emotional, and functional well-being than at diagnosis.
Positive re-framing is described by the researchers as looking at the cancer diagnosis in a new way, such as using it as a reason to find a new meaning and focus in life.
Acceptance doesn't involve resignation, said the researchers, but is the ability to face unfortunate realities that cannot be changed.
Those who actively sought and got comfort and understanding from someone reported better relationships with their doctors and others.
But patients who disengaged — avoiding dealing with problems brought on by the disease or giving up any attempt to cope — had more distress, poorer emotional well being, worse overall quality of life, and even poorer functional well-being.
Women with Endometrial, Cervical, or Ovarian Cancer Participated
Lutgendorf used questionnaires to measure the quality of life (QOL) of 98 women with early-stage or regionally advanced gynecologic (endometrial, cervical, or ovarian) cancers at the University of Iowa health facilities.
The researchers measured QOL immediately after diagnosis and again a year later, rating the women's physical, functional, emotional, and social well-being, and how satisfied they were with their doctors.
Immediately after diagnosis, the regionally advanced cancer patients and early-stage patients generally reported about the same quality of life, with more distress than healthy women of similar ages and backgrounds.
Those with regionally advanced cancer didn't feel physically as well or as fully functional, but they seemed to adjust to that, said the researchers.
Treatment Progress Must Also be Considered
An American Cancer Society (ACS) expert on gynecologic cancers said the study confirms earlier ones like it, but must be interpreted with caution because the authors left out some important information.
"Those who disengaged had a poorer quality of life, but the researchers didn't say if those were the patients whose chemotherapy wasn't helping, which could have been the reason for emotional difficulties," noted Carolyn Runowicz, MD, professor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, and a practicing gynecologic cancer surgeon.
Runowicz, also a member of the ACS advisory board on gynecologic cancers, said it's not reasonable to criticize patients for coping skills if the reason they're not doing well emotionally is that their cancer is not responding to therapy.
Aside from coping, patients get better during the first year after diagnosis because their treatments — surgery and sometimes chemotherapy — reduce their volume of disease, noted Runowicz.
But Runowicz said the study, like others before it, showed that cancer patients generally get better following diagnosis — that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
"And that's a good thing to know, for a patient who has just been diagnosed," she concluded.
Copyright 2006 © American Cancer Society, Inc.
A year after diagnosis, there wasn't much difference in quality of life between the early-stage patients and those with regionally advanced cancer (without metastasis).
The early-stage patients said they felt less anxiety, depression, and confusion, and had fewer mood swings than immediately after diagnosis, resulting in a QOL equal to that of similar women without cancer.
The regionally advanced stage patients reported similar QOL, but with some additional distress.
But there was a big difference in QOL between those who coped actively and those who disengaged.
Women Improve With New Focus and Acceptance
Patients who coped in two active ways — positive re-framing and acceptance — reported greater physical, emotional, and functional well-being than at diagnosis.
Positive re-framing is described by the researchers as looking at the cancer diagnosis in a new way, such as using it as a reason to find a new meaning and focus in life.
Acceptance doesn't involve resignation, said the researchers, but is the ability to face unfortunate realities that cannot be changed.
Those who actively sought and got comfort and understanding from someone reported better relationships with their doctors and others.
But patients who disengaged — avoiding dealing with problems brought on by the disease or giving up any attempt to cope — had more distress, poorer emotional well being, worse overall quality of life, and even poorer functional well-being.
Women with Endometrial, Cervical, or Ovarian Cancer Participated
Lutgendorf used questionnaires to measure the quality of life (QOL) of 98 women with early-stage or regionally advanced gynecologic (endometrial, cervical, or ovarian) cancers at the University of Iowa health facilities.
The researchers measured QOL immediately after diagnosis and again a year later, rating the women's physical, functional, emotional, and social well-being, and how satisfied they were with their doctors.
Immediately after diagnosis, the regionally advanced cancer patients and early-stage patients generally reported about the same quality of life, with more distress than healthy women of similar ages and backgrounds.
Those with regionally advanced cancer didn't feel physically as well or as fully functional, but they seemed to adjust to that, said the researchers.
Treatment Progress Must Also be Considered
An American Cancer Society (ACS) expert on gynecologic cancers said the study confirms earlier ones like it, but must be interpreted with caution because the authors left out some important information.
"Those who disengaged had a poorer quality of life, but the researchers didn't say if those were the patients whose chemotherapy wasn't helping, which could have been the reason for emotional difficulties," noted Carolyn Runowicz, MD, professor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, and a practicing gynecologic cancer surgeon.
Runowicz, also a member of the ACS advisory board on gynecologic cancers, said it's not reasonable to criticize patients for coping skills if the reason they're not doing well emotionally is that their cancer is not responding to therapy.
Aside from coping, patients get better during the first year after diagnosis because their treatments — surgery and sometimes chemotherapy — reduce their volume of disease, noted Runowicz.
But Runowicz said the study, like others before it, showed that cancer patients generally get better following diagnosis — that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
"And that's a good thing to know, for a patient who has just been diagnosed," she concluded.
Copyright 2006 © American Cancer Society, Inc.
Friday, July 14, 2006
ovarian cancer : Physical activity does not ward off ovarian cancer
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The benefits of physical activity do not extend to reducing the risk of developing ovarian cancer, according to a new study reported in the International Journal of Cancer.
"However, despite not protecting for ovarian cancer, physical activity has so many other positive health effects that women should be encouraged to exercise daily, if possible," study chief Dr. Elisabete Weiderpass from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm emphasized in comments to Reuters Health.
She and her colleagues assessed associations between physical activity during different periods of life and ovarian cancer incidence in roughly 96,000 women from Norway and Sweden who were followed for more than a decade.
"We asked the women how much they exercised at ages 14, 30 and between ages 30 and 50 year," Weiderpass said.
A total of 264 women developed ovarian cancer during the time they were followed.
According to Weiderpass, "the risk (probability) of developing ovarian cancer was the same for women who were highly active or sedentary, in any period of life." The results were similar for different ovarian tumor types and for different subsets of women grouped according to known risk factors for ovarian cancer.
"We concluded that physical activity does not protect women for ovarian cancer," Weiderpass said. She acknowledged that this was a bit of a surprise. "We thought that physical activity would protect women from ovarian cancer," she said.
SOURCE: International Journal of Cancer, June 15, 2006.
By Megan Rauscher
"However, despite not protecting for ovarian cancer, physical activity has so many other positive health effects that women should be encouraged to exercise daily, if possible," study chief Dr. Elisabete Weiderpass from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm emphasized in comments to Reuters Health.
She and her colleagues assessed associations between physical activity during different periods of life and ovarian cancer incidence in roughly 96,000 women from Norway and Sweden who were followed for more than a decade.
"We asked the women how much they exercised at ages 14, 30 and between ages 30 and 50 year," Weiderpass said.
A total of 264 women developed ovarian cancer during the time they were followed.
According to Weiderpass, "the risk (probability) of developing ovarian cancer was the same for women who were highly active or sedentary, in any period of life." The results were similar for different ovarian tumor types and for different subsets of women grouped according to known risk factors for ovarian cancer.
"We concluded that physical activity does not protect women for ovarian cancer," Weiderpass said. She acknowledged that this was a bit of a surprise. "We thought that physical activity would protect women from ovarian cancer," she said.
SOURCE: International Journal of Cancer, June 15, 2006.
By Megan Rauscher
ovarian cancer : Stem cells help ovarian tumors persist
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Primitive cells that resemble stem cells may help some ovarian cancer tumors linger and recur in the body, but it may be possible to subdue them, U.S. researchers reported on Tuesday.
The findings build on other studies that show leukemia, breast, brain and other tumors have so-called side population cells that resemble the healthy stem cells found elsewhere in the body.
"Cancer stem cells, like somatic stem cells, are thought to be capable of unlimited self-renewal and proliferation," Dr. Patricia Donahoe of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School and colleagues wrote in their report, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
They found these stem cells, which act as a kind of master cell, first in batches of ovarian tumor cells taken from mice. They then identified similar cells in human cancer cells.
When injected into mice these side-population cells formed tumors -- but their growth was slowed by a naturally produced compound called Mullerian Inhibiting Substance.
If the cells could be identified in human ovarian cancer patients, they might be used to assess a woman's chances of recovery, and, eventually, to find ways to better treat her cancer, Donahoe's team said.
Ovarian cancer is deadly, and is diagnosed in 22,000 women in North America per year, killing 16,000. More than 70 percent of women die of ovarian cancer within five years.
Usually treatment appears to be successful but the tumors come back. "The majority of patients who respond to primary chemotherapy ultimately develop recurrent, usually drug-resistant, disease that is conceivably due to the ability of ovarian cancer stem cells to escape these drugs," the researchers wrote.
Donahoe's team said their study suggests there may be a way to find these latent tumor cells and test new drugs to kill them -- maybe even Mullerian Inhibiting Substance.
Copyright © 2006 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
The findings build on other studies that show leukemia, breast, brain and other tumors have so-called side population cells that resemble the healthy stem cells found elsewhere in the body.
"Cancer stem cells, like somatic stem cells, are thought to be capable of unlimited self-renewal and proliferation," Dr. Patricia Donahoe of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School and colleagues wrote in their report, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
They found these stem cells, which act as a kind of master cell, first in batches of ovarian tumor cells taken from mice. They then identified similar cells in human cancer cells.
When injected into mice these side-population cells formed tumors -- but their growth was slowed by a naturally produced compound called Mullerian Inhibiting Substance.
If the cells could be identified in human ovarian cancer patients, they might be used to assess a woman's chances of recovery, and, eventually, to find ways to better treat her cancer, Donahoe's team said.
Ovarian cancer is deadly, and is diagnosed in 22,000 women in North America per year, killing 16,000. More than 70 percent of women die of ovarian cancer within five years.
Usually treatment appears to be successful but the tumors come back. "The majority of patients who respond to primary chemotherapy ultimately develop recurrent, usually drug-resistant, disease that is conceivably due to the ability of ovarian cancer stem cells to escape these drugs," the researchers wrote.
Donahoe's team said their study suggests there may be a way to find these latent tumor cells and test new drugs to kill them -- maybe even Mullerian Inhibiting Substance.
Copyright © 2006 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
ovarian cancer : Treatment for Advanced Ovarian Cancer
The National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health, today issued an announcement encouraging treatment with anticancer drugs via two methods, after surgery, for women with advanced ovarian cancer. The combined methods, which deliver drugs into a vein and directly into the abdomen, extend overall survival for women with advanced ovarian cancer by about a year.
The clinical announcement to surgeons and other medical professionals who treat women with ovarian cancer was made with the support of six professional societies and advocacy groups. The announcement coincides with publication in the New England Journal of Medicine* of the results of a large clinical trial by Deborah Armstrong, M.D., medical oncologist and an associate professor at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center in Baltimore, Md., and her colleagues in an NCI-supported research network known as the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG). This is the eighth trial evaluating the use of chemotherapy delivered into the abdomen for ovarian cancer. Together, these trials show a significant improvement in survival for women with advanced ovarian cancer.
The two treatment methods are called intravenous, or IV, for chemotherapy delivered into a vein and intraperitoneal, or IP, for chemotherapy delivered into the abdominal, or peritoneal, cavity. The Armstrong trial involved 429 women with stage III ovarian cancer who were given chemotherapy following the successful surgical removal of tumors. It compared two treatment regimens: 1) IV paclitaxel followed by IV cisplatin, to 2) IV paclitaxel followed by IP cisplatin and the subsequent administration of IP paclitaxel.
“Americans look to NCI — and to all of the institutes that constitute the National Institutes of Health — for unbiased research studies and sound counsel. This clinical announcement is a demonstration of that commitment,” said NIH Director Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D.
“The National Cancer Institute wants to make certain that the results of clinical research are rapidly disseminated to both health care providers and patients, in order to ensure that life-enhancing cancer treatments are widely available,” said NCI Director Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D.
"IP therapy is not a new treatment approach, but it has not been widely accepted as the gold standard for women with ovarian cancer," said Armstrong. "There has been a prejudice against IP therapy in ovarian cancer because it's an old idea, it requires skill and experience for the surgery and for the chemotherapy, and it's more complicated than IV chemotherapy. But now we have firm data showing that we should use a combination of IP and IV chemotherapy in most women with advanced ovarian cancer who have had successful surgery to remove the bulk of their tumor."
Standard treatment for women with stage III ovarian cancer has been surgical removal of the tumor (debulking), followed by six to eight courses of IV chemotherapy given every three weeks with a platinum drug, such as cisplatin or carboplatin, and a taxane drug, such as paclitaxel. The new NCI clinical announcement recommends that women with advanced ovarian cancer who undergo effective surgical debulking receive a combination of IV and IP chemotherapy. IP chemotherapy allows higher doses and more frequent administration of drugs, and it appears to be more effective in killing cancer cells in the peritoneal cavity, where ovarian cancer is likely to spread or recur first.
“In our trial, women who received part of their chemotherapy via an IP route had a median survival time 16 months longer than women who received only IV chemotherapy,” said Armstrong. The 205 women treated via the IP route fared better, even though most of them received fewer than the six planned treatments. Complications associated with the abdominal catheter used to deliver the IP chemotherapy were the main reason only 86 of the women completed all six IP treatments. Women who received IP chemotherapy had more side effects than those treated with IV chemotherapy alone, but most side effects were temporary and easily managed. One year after treatment, women in both study groups had the same reported quality of life.
“Randomized, multicenter clinical trials, including this most recent study, clearly show the value of IP chemotherapy — an extended life for women with advanced ovarian cancer,” said Philip DiSaia, M.D., chairman of the GOG.
"For most women who have had successful surgical removal of tumors to less than one centimeter in size, we now know that the longest survival may be achieved by giving their chemotherapy directly into the abdomen," said Beth Karlan, M.D., president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists and director of Gynecologic Oncology and the Gilda Radner Ovarian Cancer Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, Calif.
In response to this announcement, the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance's outgoing president, Ginger Ackerman, and its executive director, Sherry Salway Black, said the Alliance would widely disseminate this information on IP therapy to their patient community. “We welcome the results of the recent trial that demonstrates increased survivorship,” said Salway Black.
"It is important for women to have the facts about when it is appropriate to consider IP chemotherapy," said Karl Podratz, M.D., Ph.D., chairman of the board of the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF) and professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. "GCF looks forward to working with NCI and the ovarian cancer community to educate women about the results of this very important clinical trial, and what it means for women with advanced ovarian cancer.”
Karen Stanley, R.N., M.S.N, president of the Oncology Nursing Society, and Susan Vogt Temple, R.N., president of the Society of Gynecologic Nurse Oncologists, noted that their societies have plans in place to teach oncology nurses and women with ovarian cancer how IP chemotherapy can be given safely and reliably.
More studies are needed to determine the best IP drug regimen and the optimal number of IP treatments. Future trials also will address how to reduce toxicity associated with IP administration.
In addition to continued research to improve ovarian cancer treatment, NCI is funding studies to identify disease markers and develop improved screening techniques, enabling earlier detection and treatment of the disease. An estimated 22,220 women in the United States were diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2005. It causes more deaths in the United States than any other cancer of the female reproductive system, with an estimated 16,210 women dying from the disease in 2005. The most recent statistics show that only 45 percent of women survive five years after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer; the rate increases to 94 percent when the disease is diagnosed before it has spread. However, women with ovarian cancer frequently have no symptoms or only mild symptoms until the disease is advanced. As a result, only 19 percent of all cases are detected at that early, localized stage.
copyright U.S. National Library of Medicine,
The clinical announcement to surgeons and other medical professionals who treat women with ovarian cancer was made with the support of six professional societies and advocacy groups. The announcement coincides with publication in the New England Journal of Medicine* of the results of a large clinical trial by Deborah Armstrong, M.D., medical oncologist and an associate professor at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center in Baltimore, Md., and her colleagues in an NCI-supported research network known as the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG). This is the eighth trial evaluating the use of chemotherapy delivered into the abdomen for ovarian cancer. Together, these trials show a significant improvement in survival for women with advanced ovarian cancer.
The two treatment methods are called intravenous, or IV, for chemotherapy delivered into a vein and intraperitoneal, or IP, for chemotherapy delivered into the abdominal, or peritoneal, cavity. The Armstrong trial involved 429 women with stage III ovarian cancer who were given chemotherapy following the successful surgical removal of tumors. It compared two treatment regimens: 1) IV paclitaxel followed by IV cisplatin, to 2) IV paclitaxel followed by IP cisplatin and the subsequent administration of IP paclitaxel.
“Americans look to NCI — and to all of the institutes that constitute the National Institutes of Health — for unbiased research studies and sound counsel. This clinical announcement is a demonstration of that commitment,” said NIH Director Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D.
“The National Cancer Institute wants to make certain that the results of clinical research are rapidly disseminated to both health care providers and patients, in order to ensure that life-enhancing cancer treatments are widely available,” said NCI Director Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D.
"IP therapy is not a new treatment approach, but it has not been widely accepted as the gold standard for women with ovarian cancer," said Armstrong. "There has been a prejudice against IP therapy in ovarian cancer because it's an old idea, it requires skill and experience for the surgery and for the chemotherapy, and it's more complicated than IV chemotherapy. But now we have firm data showing that we should use a combination of IP and IV chemotherapy in most women with advanced ovarian cancer who have had successful surgery to remove the bulk of their tumor."
Standard treatment for women with stage III ovarian cancer has been surgical removal of the tumor (debulking), followed by six to eight courses of IV chemotherapy given every three weeks with a platinum drug, such as cisplatin or carboplatin, and a taxane drug, such as paclitaxel. The new NCI clinical announcement recommends that women with advanced ovarian cancer who undergo effective surgical debulking receive a combination of IV and IP chemotherapy. IP chemotherapy allows higher doses and more frequent administration of drugs, and it appears to be more effective in killing cancer cells in the peritoneal cavity, where ovarian cancer is likely to spread or recur first.
“In our trial, women who received part of their chemotherapy via an IP route had a median survival time 16 months longer than women who received only IV chemotherapy,” said Armstrong. The 205 women treated via the IP route fared better, even though most of them received fewer than the six planned treatments. Complications associated with the abdominal catheter used to deliver the IP chemotherapy were the main reason only 86 of the women completed all six IP treatments. Women who received IP chemotherapy had more side effects than those treated with IV chemotherapy alone, but most side effects were temporary and easily managed. One year after treatment, women in both study groups had the same reported quality of life.
“Randomized, multicenter clinical trials, including this most recent study, clearly show the value of IP chemotherapy — an extended life for women with advanced ovarian cancer,” said Philip DiSaia, M.D., chairman of the GOG.
"For most women who have had successful surgical removal of tumors to less than one centimeter in size, we now know that the longest survival may be achieved by giving their chemotherapy directly into the abdomen," said Beth Karlan, M.D., president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists and director of Gynecologic Oncology and the Gilda Radner Ovarian Cancer Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, Calif.
In response to this announcement, the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance's outgoing president, Ginger Ackerman, and its executive director, Sherry Salway Black, said the Alliance would widely disseminate this information on IP therapy to their patient community. “We welcome the results of the recent trial that demonstrates increased survivorship,” said Salway Black.
"It is important for women to have the facts about when it is appropriate to consider IP chemotherapy," said Karl Podratz, M.D., Ph.D., chairman of the board of the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF) and professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. "GCF looks forward to working with NCI and the ovarian cancer community to educate women about the results of this very important clinical trial, and what it means for women with advanced ovarian cancer.”
Karen Stanley, R.N., M.S.N, president of the Oncology Nursing Society, and Susan Vogt Temple, R.N., president of the Society of Gynecologic Nurse Oncologists, noted that their societies have plans in place to teach oncology nurses and women with ovarian cancer how IP chemotherapy can be given safely and reliably.
More studies are needed to determine the best IP drug regimen and the optimal number of IP treatments. Future trials also will address how to reduce toxicity associated with IP administration.
In addition to continued research to improve ovarian cancer treatment, NCI is funding studies to identify disease markers and develop improved screening techniques, enabling earlier detection and treatment of the disease. An estimated 22,220 women in the United States were diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2005. It causes more deaths in the United States than any other cancer of the female reproductive system, with an estimated 16,210 women dying from the disease in 2005. The most recent statistics show that only 45 percent of women survive five years after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer; the rate increases to 94 percent when the disease is diagnosed before it has spread. However, women with ovarian cancer frequently have no symptoms or only mild symptoms until the disease is advanced. As a result, only 19 percent of all cases are detected at that early, localized stage.
copyright U.S. National Library of Medicine,
ovarian cancer : Ovarian cancer tests
Currently, there is no specific screening test for ovarian cancer. However, research is ongoing to develop a reliable method for early detection among asymptomatic women (see news stories, in Related Pages below). In the meantime, regular physicals, pelvic exams, and an awareness of family history and symptoms are important.
Testing of symptomatic women includes the following, which have been shown to be positive in ovarian cancer (although not all of these tests would be used in an individual patient as they detect different types of ovarian tumors):
Epithelial tumors
CA-125 (Cancer antigen 125)
BRCA-1 and BRCA-2
Carcinoembrionic antigen (CEA)
Galactosyltranferase
Tissue polypeptide antigen (TPA)
Germ cell tumors
AFP (Alpha feto protein)
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
Stromal tumors
Inhibin
Other non-laboratory tests that are used to evaluate abnormalities include:
Ultrasound (pelvic and/or transvaginal): uses sound waves to create a picture of the uterus and ovaries. It can help determine whether an ovarian growth is likely to be a cancer or a fluid-filled cyst.
CT scan (computerized tomography)
X-ray of the gastrointestinal tract
copyright U.S. National Library of Medicine,
Testing of symptomatic women includes the following, which have been shown to be positive in ovarian cancer (although not all of these tests would be used in an individual patient as they detect different types of ovarian tumors):
Epithelial tumors
CA-125 (Cancer antigen 125)
BRCA-1 and BRCA-2
Carcinoembrionic antigen (CEA)
Galactosyltranferase
Tissue polypeptide antigen (TPA)
Germ cell tumors
AFP (Alpha feto protein)
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
Stromal tumors
Inhibin
Other non-laboratory tests that are used to evaluate abnormalities include:
Ultrasound (pelvic and/or transvaginal): uses sound waves to create a picture of the uterus and ovaries. It can help determine whether an ovarian growth is likely to be a cancer or a fluid-filled cyst.
CT scan (computerized tomography)
X-ray of the gastrointestinal tract
copyright U.S. National Library of Medicine,
Sunday, July 09, 2006
ovarian cancer : Painkiller 'may cut cancer risk'
Using paracetamol regularly could reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by almost a third, a study says.
A team from Athens University found the risk fell by 30% after analysing eight previous studies into the painkiller covering over 746,000 women.
But researchers warned long-term use could lead to an increase risk of liver and kidney failure, the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology reported.
Experts said more research was needed into the effect.
And the report stressed the researchers were not suggesting that women start taking paracetamol to guard against the disease.
Ovarian cancer is not one of the most common cancers, affecting about one in 60 women.
But the mortality rate is high - less than a third survive for five years following diagnosis - as the disease is often hard to spot and therefore not identified until it is in its late stage.
The team reviewed studies covering paracetamol and ovarian cancer from 1966 to 2004 in the UK, US and Denmark. Some 4,405 of the women had ovarian cancer.
Regular use differed from study to study, but was most commonly referred to as at least 30 tablets a month.
'Strong correlation'
Lead researcher Dr Stefanos Bonovas said due to the high mortality rate, focussing on prevention was the "most rational approach for reducing deaths".
"Strategies that focus on prevention may therefore provide the most rational approach for reducing deaths from this form of cancer.
"Because paracetamol is so widely used, a link with a decreased risk of ovarian cancer could have important public health implications."
But he added: "The risks of long-term paracetamol use - including liver and chronic kidney failure - may outweigh the potential benefits of preventing ovarian cancer in low-risk cases.
"But we do feel that our study highlights the need for further research into this highly important link between a simple over-the-counter medicine and a very aggressive form of cancer."
The study was unable to identify why the painkiller reduced the risk.
Dr Kat Arney, science information officer at Cancer Research UK, said the research was welcome, but also warned about the side effects.
She added: "The next step is to do laboratory research to understand more about how paracetamol achieves this protective effect and to test the benefits of the drug in a large-scale clinical trial."
by Dr Stefanos Bonovas
A team from Athens University found the risk fell by 30% after analysing eight previous studies into the painkiller covering over 746,000 women.
But researchers warned long-term use could lead to an increase risk of liver and kidney failure, the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology reported.
Experts said more research was needed into the effect.
And the report stressed the researchers were not suggesting that women start taking paracetamol to guard against the disease.
Ovarian cancer is not one of the most common cancers, affecting about one in 60 women.
But the mortality rate is high - less than a third survive for five years following diagnosis - as the disease is often hard to spot and therefore not identified until it is in its late stage.
The team reviewed studies covering paracetamol and ovarian cancer from 1966 to 2004 in the UK, US and Denmark. Some 4,405 of the women had ovarian cancer.
Regular use differed from study to study, but was most commonly referred to as at least 30 tablets a month.
'Strong correlation'
Lead researcher Dr Stefanos Bonovas said due to the high mortality rate, focussing on prevention was the "most rational approach for reducing deaths".
"Strategies that focus on prevention may therefore provide the most rational approach for reducing deaths from this form of cancer.
"Because paracetamol is so widely used, a link with a decreased risk of ovarian cancer could have important public health implications."
But he added: "The risks of long-term paracetamol use - including liver and chronic kidney failure - may outweigh the potential benefits of preventing ovarian cancer in low-risk cases.
"But we do feel that our study highlights the need for further research into this highly important link between a simple over-the-counter medicine and a very aggressive form of cancer."
The study was unable to identify why the painkiller reduced the risk.
Dr Kat Arney, science information officer at Cancer Research UK, said the research was welcome, but also warned about the side effects.
She added: "The next step is to do laboratory research to understand more about how paracetamol achieves this protective effect and to test the benefits of the drug in a large-scale clinical trial."
by Dr Stefanos Bonovas
ovarian cancer : Common pain reliever may lower ovarian cancer risk
LONDON (Agence de Presse Medicale) - Using paracetamol (known in the US as acetaminophen) regularly appears to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by 30 percent, according to the results of a review of several studies, reported in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
Lead researcher Dr. Stefanos Bonovas, of the department of pharmacology at the University of Athens, and colleagues looked at all studies covering paracetamol and ovarian cancer from 1966 to 2004.
Bonovas said several observational studies had examined paracetamol as a potential chemopreventive agent. But it was the "non-conclusive nature of the epidemiological evidence" which prompted his group to conduct a review, or "meta-analysis" of the studies.
The researchers analyzed eight major studies involving more than 746,000 women between 1998 and 2004. The studies included 10 to 1,573 cases of ovarian cancer. Most of the studies were carried out in the U.S., while one was conducted in the UK and one in continental Europe.
Seven of the eight studies evaluated the effect of paracetamol on the incidence of ovarian cancer, while one evaluated the effect of paracetamol the mortality of ovarian cancer. Paracetamol exposure was classified as 'regular' or 'irregular.' In the biggest study, 'regular' was defined as more than 30 tablets in the month before the study began.
The analysis showed that 'regular use' was associated with a 30 percent reduction in the risk of developing ovarian cancer compared with non-use. By contrast, 'irregular use' was not associated with any reduction in the risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Bonovas said the findings of the meta-analysis support a protective association between paracetamol use and ovarian cancer and provide evidence for a dose effect. On the other hand, the long-term risks of liver and chronic renal failure might outweigh the drug's potential benefits in women at low risk of ovarian cancer.
"However, we believe that a randomized trial in women with a high risk of developing the disease might be appropriate. Further research is also needed into how this protective mechanism actually works," Bonovas added in a statement
By Nick Hudson
Lead researcher Dr. Stefanos Bonovas, of the department of pharmacology at the University of Athens, and colleagues looked at all studies covering paracetamol and ovarian cancer from 1966 to 2004.
Bonovas said several observational studies had examined paracetamol as a potential chemopreventive agent. But it was the "non-conclusive nature of the epidemiological evidence" which prompted his group to conduct a review, or "meta-analysis" of the studies.
The researchers analyzed eight major studies involving more than 746,000 women between 1998 and 2004. The studies included 10 to 1,573 cases of ovarian cancer. Most of the studies were carried out in the U.S., while one was conducted in the UK and one in continental Europe.
Seven of the eight studies evaluated the effect of paracetamol on the incidence of ovarian cancer, while one evaluated the effect of paracetamol the mortality of ovarian cancer. Paracetamol exposure was classified as 'regular' or 'irregular.' In the biggest study, 'regular' was defined as more than 30 tablets in the month before the study began.
The analysis showed that 'regular use' was associated with a 30 percent reduction in the risk of developing ovarian cancer compared with non-use. By contrast, 'irregular use' was not associated with any reduction in the risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Bonovas said the findings of the meta-analysis support a protective association between paracetamol use and ovarian cancer and provide evidence for a dose effect. On the other hand, the long-term risks of liver and chronic renal failure might outweigh the drug's potential benefits in women at low risk of ovarian cancer.
"However, we believe that a randomized trial in women with a high risk of developing the disease might be appropriate. Further research is also needed into how this protective mechanism actually works," Bonovas added in a statement
By Nick Hudson
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Ovarian Cancer: Who's at Risk?
The exact causes of ovarian cancer are not known. However, studies show that the following factors may increase the chance of developing this disease:
Family history. First-degree relatives (mother, daughter, sister) of a woman who has had ovarian cancer are at increased risk of developing this type of cancer themselves. The likelihood is especially high if two or more first-degree relatives have had the disease. The risk is somewhat less, but still above average, if other relatives (grandmother, aunt, cousin) have had ovarian cancer. A family history of breast or colon cancer is also associated with an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Age. The likelihood of developing ovarian cancer increases as a woman gets older. Most ovarian cancers occur in women over the age of 50, with the highest risk in women over 60.
Childbearing. Women who have never had children are more likely to develop ovarian cancer than women who have had children. In fact, the more children a woman has had, the less likely she is to develop ovarian cancer.
Personal history. Women who have had breast or colon cancer may have a greater chance of developing ovarian cancer than women who have not had breast or colon cancer.
Fertility drugs. Drugs that cause a woman to ovulate may slightly increase a woman's chance of developing ovarian cancer. Researchers are studying this possible association.
Talc. Some studies suggest that women who have used talc in the genital area for many years may be at increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Some evidence suggests that women who use HRT after menopause may have a slightly increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
About 1 in every 57 women in the United States will develop ovarian cancer. Most cases occur in women over the age of 50, but this disease can also affect younger women.
As we learn more about what causes ovarian cancer, we may also learn how to reduce the chance of getting this disease. Some studies have shown that breast feeding and taking birth control pills (oral contraceptives) may decrease a woman's likelihood of developing ovarian cancer. These factors decrease the number of times a woman ovulates, and studies suggest that reducing the number of ovulations during a woman's lifetime may lower the risk of ovarian cancer.
Women who have had an operation that prevents pregnancy (tubal ligation) or have had their uterus and cervix removed (hysterectomy) also have a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer. In addition, some evidence suggests that reducing the amount of fat in the diet may lower the risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Women who are at high risk for ovarian cancer due to a family history of the disease may consider having their ovaries removed before cancer develops (prophylactic oophorectomy). This procedure usually, but not always, protects women from developing ovarian cancer. The risks associated with this surgery and its side effects should be carefully considered. A woman should discuss the possible benefits and risks with her doctor based on her unique situation.
Having one or more of the risk factors mentioned here does not mean that a woman is sure to develop ovarian cancer, but the chance may be higher than average. Women who are concerned about ovarian cancer may want to talk with a doctor who specializes in treating women with cancer: a gynecologist, a gynecologic oncologist, or a medical oncologist. The doctor may be able to suggest ways to reduce the likelihood of developing ovarian cancer and can plan an appropriate schedule for checkups.
A Service of the National Cancer Institute
Family history. First-degree relatives (mother, daughter, sister) of a woman who has had ovarian cancer are at increased risk of developing this type of cancer themselves. The likelihood is especially high if two or more first-degree relatives have had the disease. The risk is somewhat less, but still above average, if other relatives (grandmother, aunt, cousin) have had ovarian cancer. A family history of breast or colon cancer is also associated with an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Age. The likelihood of developing ovarian cancer increases as a woman gets older. Most ovarian cancers occur in women over the age of 50, with the highest risk in women over 60.
Childbearing. Women who have never had children are more likely to develop ovarian cancer than women who have had children. In fact, the more children a woman has had, the less likely she is to develop ovarian cancer.
Personal history. Women who have had breast or colon cancer may have a greater chance of developing ovarian cancer than women who have not had breast or colon cancer.
Fertility drugs. Drugs that cause a woman to ovulate may slightly increase a woman's chance of developing ovarian cancer. Researchers are studying this possible association.
Talc. Some studies suggest that women who have used talc in the genital area for many years may be at increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Some evidence suggests that women who use HRT after menopause may have a slightly increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
About 1 in every 57 women in the United States will develop ovarian cancer. Most cases occur in women over the age of 50, but this disease can also affect younger women.
As we learn more about what causes ovarian cancer, we may also learn how to reduce the chance of getting this disease. Some studies have shown that breast feeding and taking birth control pills (oral contraceptives) may decrease a woman's likelihood of developing ovarian cancer. These factors decrease the number of times a woman ovulates, and studies suggest that reducing the number of ovulations during a woman's lifetime may lower the risk of ovarian cancer.
Women who have had an operation that prevents pregnancy (tubal ligation) or have had their uterus and cervix removed (hysterectomy) also have a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer. In addition, some evidence suggests that reducing the amount of fat in the diet may lower the risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Women who are at high risk for ovarian cancer due to a family history of the disease may consider having their ovaries removed before cancer develops (prophylactic oophorectomy). This procedure usually, but not always, protects women from developing ovarian cancer. The risks associated with this surgery and its side effects should be carefully considered. A woman should discuss the possible benefits and risks with her doctor based on her unique situation.
Having one or more of the risk factors mentioned here does not mean that a woman is sure to develop ovarian cancer, but the chance may be higher than average. Women who are concerned about ovarian cancer may want to talk with a doctor who specializes in treating women with cancer: a gynecologist, a gynecologic oncologist, or a medical oncologist. The doctor may be able to suggest ways to reduce the likelihood of developing ovarian cancer and can plan an appropriate schedule for checkups.
A Service of the National Cancer Institute
ovarian cancer : Understanding Ovarian Cancer
Cancer is a group of many related diseases that begin in cells, the body's basic unit of life. To understand cancer, it is helpful to know about normal cells and what happens when they become cancerous.
The body is made up of many types of cells. Normally, cells grow, divide, and produce more cells when the body needs them. This orderly process helps to keep the body healthy. Sometimes, however, cells keep dividing when new cells are not needed. These extra cells form a mass of tissue, called a growth or tumor. Tumors can be benign or malignant.
Benign tumors are not cancer. They often can be removed and, in most cases, they do not come back. Cells in benign tumors do not spread to other parts of the body. Most important, benign tumors are rarely a threat to life.
Ovarian cysts are a different type of growth. They are fluid-filled sacs that form on the surface of an ovary. They are not cancer. Cysts often go away without treatment. If a cyst does not go away, the doctor may suggest removing it, especially if it seems to be growing.
Malignant tumors are cancer. Cells in these tumors are abnormal and divide without control or order. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also spread (metastasize) from their original site to other parts of the body.
A malignant tumor that begins in the ovaries is called ovarian cancer. There are several types of ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer that begins on the surface of the ovary (epithelial carcinoma) is the most common type. This is the type of cancer discussed in this booklet. Ovarian cancer that begins in the egg-producing cells (germ cell tumors) and cancer that begins in the supportive tissue surrounding the ovaries (stromal tumors) are rare and are not discussed in this booklet. The Cancer Information Service and the other NCI sources listed under "National Cancer Institute Information Resources" can provide information or suggest resources that deal with these types of ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer cells can break away from the ovary and spread to other tissues and organs in a process called shedding. When ovarian cancer sheds, it tends to seed (form new tumors) on the peritoneum (the large membrane that lines the abdomen) and on the diaphragm (the thin muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen). Fluid may collect in the abdomen. This condition is known as ascites. It may make a woman feel bloated, or her abdomen may look swollen.
Ovarian cancer cells can also enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system (the tissues and organs that produce and store cells that fight infection and disease). Once in the bloodstream or lymphatic system, the cancer cells can travel and form new tumors in other parts of the body.
A Service of the National Cancer Institute
The body is made up of many types of cells. Normally, cells grow, divide, and produce more cells when the body needs them. This orderly process helps to keep the body healthy. Sometimes, however, cells keep dividing when new cells are not needed. These extra cells form a mass of tissue, called a growth or tumor. Tumors can be benign or malignant.
Benign tumors are not cancer. They often can be removed and, in most cases, they do not come back. Cells in benign tumors do not spread to other parts of the body. Most important, benign tumors are rarely a threat to life.
Ovarian cysts are a different type of growth. They are fluid-filled sacs that form on the surface of an ovary. They are not cancer. Cysts often go away without treatment. If a cyst does not go away, the doctor may suggest removing it, especially if it seems to be growing.
Malignant tumors are cancer. Cells in these tumors are abnormal and divide without control or order. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also spread (metastasize) from their original site to other parts of the body.
A malignant tumor that begins in the ovaries is called ovarian cancer. There are several types of ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer that begins on the surface of the ovary (epithelial carcinoma) is the most common type. This is the type of cancer discussed in this booklet. Ovarian cancer that begins in the egg-producing cells (germ cell tumors) and cancer that begins in the supportive tissue surrounding the ovaries (stromal tumors) are rare and are not discussed in this booklet. The Cancer Information Service and the other NCI sources listed under "National Cancer Institute Information Resources" can provide information or suggest resources that deal with these types of ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer cells can break away from the ovary and spread to other tissues and organs in a process called shedding. When ovarian cancer sheds, it tends to seed (form new tumors) on the peritoneum (the large membrane that lines the abdomen) and on the diaphragm (the thin muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen). Fluid may collect in the abdomen. This condition is known as ascites. It may make a woman feel bloated, or her abdomen may look swollen.
Ovarian cancer cells can also enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system (the tissues and organs that produce and store cells that fight infection and disease). Once in the bloodstream or lymphatic system, the cancer cells can travel and form new tumors in other parts of the body.
A Service of the National Cancer Institute
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