Ovarian Cancer

Screening of ovarian cancer

2008-12-25T21:39:00.000-08:00

When a patients is suspected of ovarian cancer tests and examination are always done before surgery. The doctor will check the patients medical and family history and after the medical history been done a physical exam together with a pelvis exam and pap test will be done on the patients. During the pelvic exam the doctor might able to felt an ovarian lump.

Others screening of ovarian cancer tests are chemistry screen to check for liver and kidney problems. When the doctor have done all the screening then surgery will be done. Surgery such as removing the ovaries and fallopian tube, removing lymph nodes. At times appendectomy will be done to removes your appendix.

Knowing some of the early sign of ovarian cancer

2008-07-13T23:55:00.000-07:00

Knowing some of the early sign of ovarian cancer can save ones life but the symptoms of ovarian disease is quite difficult to know in the beginning as the disease are so mild that even the doctor may escape with the symptom or take the symptoms for other disease unless a fully body check is done. Still the real causes of ovarian cancer remain unknown but researchers believe it might be causes due to the monthly release of an egg through a tiny tear in an ovarian follicle. This ovarian cancer can occur in one or both ovaries, located on either side of the uterus. Most of the beginning symptoms of ovarian cancer are abdominal pain and urinary incontinence.

The first sign are always pain in abdomen and it is due to the ovarian tumors that attacking the female abdomen. This pain in the abdomen are always taken as stomach ache. If the pain in the abdomen happens many times. Another early symptoms of ovarian cancer are urinary incontinence where by the women will have abnormal urge to urinate and sometimes a woman may even leak urine even if she has gone to the bathroom. it is wise to check with your doctor and tells the doctor all about the unusual things.

Early symptoms of ovarian cancer

2008-05-06T01:57:00.000-07:00

Ovarian cancer refer as a silent cancer to women as the symptoms will slow to show and when it is notice its already spreads to other parts of the body or in the advance stage and the changers of curing is poor. The early stage symptoms of ovarian cancer can be notice or include is feeling difficulty in eating or feeling full most of the time or quickly. Feeling frequency and urgency in urine, bloating and feeling abdominal or pelvic pain. If women who experience such symptoms its advisable to see your doctor for early check up, as early stage diagnosis is associated with an improved prognosis which can save your life.

Women who has many children and breastfeeding their babies, their chances of diagnosis with ovarian cancer are very low in percentage. Taking birth controls is another factors that can lower the chances of getting ovarian cancer.

Symptom and risk factors of ovarian cancer

2008-03-05T20:44:00.000-08:00

As ovarian cancer is a silent disease because most of the symptom when diagnose is at a late stage and had spread to other parts of the body. Ovarian cancer is a disease in which malignant cells are found in an ovary. The three cells that are found in the tissue are epithelial cell as most of these tumor are benign and 85% of this epithelial are ovarian cancer cases. The germ cell and the stromal cell. Most of the early symptom of ovarian cancer swelling in the abdomen. Having the frequency and urgency of urine. Feeling pain during sexual intercourse. Bowel problem and unexplained weight loss and gain. Loss of appetite and bleeding from the vagina.

Some of of risk factors of ovarian cancer in women are women whose family has history of ovarian cancer, Women having their first child at the age of after 30 years old, Having late Menopause mostly after the age of 55. Women who used Hormone Replacement Therapy after menopause periods has increased risk of suffering ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer may be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of treatments.

estrogen treatment increased the risk of ovarian cancer

2007-11-19T23:20:00.000-08:00

Research has found that women during menopausal periods taking estrogen treatment are eight times higher risks of developing ovarian cancer than women who do not taking estrogen treatment. Estrogen treatment as confirned by the research as the cause of ovarian cancer and are likely to develop cancer of the lining of the uterus.

The latest large studies of ovarian cancer found a link between hormone use , showed that postmenopausal estrogen use for more then ten years was associated with the increased risk of ovarian cancer. Another reports that estrogen use alone and estrogen progestin used on average about ten days in a month will increased the risk of ovarian cancer.

Blood test for colon cancer risk

2007-09-10T00:18:00.000-07:00

Doctor may soon be able to determine if a patients needs a colonoscopy through a new blood test which looks for a cancer related proteins that can identify colon cancer and precancerous polyps. This screening procedure for colon cancer is recommended for all adults over the age of fifty. The cancer reseacher doctor said that if the doctor can tell you, that you have a 92% change of having colon cancer, you might be more willing to undergo a colonoscopy.

Doctor use several tools to screen for colon cancer and precancerous lesions, including blood tests and imaging technologies such as virtual colonoscopy. Another promising new test identifies genetic markers for cancer in stool sampales. The blood test might also reduce the overall number of people who needs a colonoscopy by screening out low risk patients. Patient who is at high risk should have the test righ aways.

Ovarian cancer,women without children are at higger risk

2007-07-17T21:12:00.000-07:00

Every year there are thousand and thousands of new cases of ovarian cancer discovered in the world and thousands deaths per year cause by ovarian cancer. The average age of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer is 60. It can happen in women at the early age or after sixty.

Most ovarian cancer symptoms are only detected at the late stages of the disease as the disease has already spread to others parts of the body. At this stages surgery is treated to remove the cancerous cells and then follow by chemotheraphy. It is advisable to see your doctor if you comes across symptoms such as intestinal problems, vaginal bleeding or problems with your menstrual cycles as earliest detection can save the disease from spreading to others parts of the body.

Women who had children had lower risk of getting ovarian cancer than women who had never been pragnant before or do not had children. Women using a long time oral contraceptives also reduces the risk of ovarian cancer.

one women out of 70 women will develop ovarian cancer

2007-06-22T02:22:00.000-07:00

Ovarian cancer is often described as the "silent killer" because there are no readily identifiable symptoms. When sometimes you notice you have symptoms of ovarian cancer it might be to late to cure and the fourth killer disease in the world to women. Women after the age of fifty must had a ovarian check up as early detection can save a women lives.

Survey has found one women out of 70 women will develop ovarian cancer in her life time and the cancer occur more to white people than the Asian women. The risk factors for women to have ovarian cancer are women with ovulation facilitators who had several pregnancies and also a swedist study shows evidencw that high intakes of lactose and dairy products, especially milk, may incearse the risk of serous ovarian cancer. The less change of women to get ovarian cancer is food which isa vegetarian rich diet, breast feeding during chilbirth and oral contraceptives.

The symptoms pelvic-abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, non-menstruation related bleeding (spottings, metrorrhagy). Ovarian cancer is very often associated with other cancers which must be screened and detected simultaneously: breast, colon, endometrium (womb lining), cervix.

Nina Wong richest women in H.K. died of ovarian cancer

2007-05-09T19:56:00.000-07:00

Hong kong, Nina Wong a powerful and the richest women in Asia bid farewell to the world who passed away yesterday on the 3rd of April at the age of sixty nine. She was reported to be suffering from overian cancer and the disease had latery spread to her liver and other parts of her organs. Nina Wong, a pigtailed business women who build her kinapped husband company into a real estate empire.

Nina Wong's husband, Teddy Wang was declared legally dead in 1999, nine years after he was abducted. he was never seen again despite the ransom requested by the kidnappers of US$33million being paid to the kidnappers by the family.

Nina Wong nickname little sweetie captivated the public with her girlish dress, big eyes and round face. She wore garlish outfits and kept her hair in pigtail. She mostly take fast food as her lunch and her dinner. News reports say she intended to donated a large sum of her fortune to charity.

Eat less could cut risk of cancer

2007-04-04T01:58:00.000-07:00

The quest to create an effective anti-ageing pill receive a big boost from study that sheds light on why eating much less can help people live longer. Studies in a wide range of species from monkeys, to worms and mice have come to the same conclysion, eat all the nutritions necessary for a healthy life and cut calories to the bare minimum - half the normal daily amount and you could extent life span by up to half, pushing well over century, while cutting the risk of cancer,ovarian cancer, heart disease and strokes.

Another insight into how calorie restrition translates into a longer life is published by a team that has studied what happen in the body during these extreme diets. It is thought the effect could be mimicked with a long lifge pill. One theory on how calorie restrition slows agring is that it lowers free radical production by indycing the imformation of efficient mitochondria.

Ovarian cancer early detection saves lives.

2007-02-23T19:12:00.000-08:00

History of colon cancer in the family is one of the risk for women of getting the disease. The risk of getting ovarian cancer is about 10% and endometrial cancer is about 50% because they carry a mismatch repair gene mutation. 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 if detected early has a high rate chance of survival as the disease has only affected the ovary. Most women when came to know that they affected with ovarian cancer they are already in stage two or three. This time the cancer has alredy spread from the ovary to the pelvis and the chances of survival is 50%. If detected at thr late stage where the disease has already spread to most parts of the body the chances of survival is very low. Early detection saves lives. There are a number of screening tests use currently to detected ovarian cancer. These include bimanual pelvic examination, ultrasound examination, and measurement of various circulating proteins.

ovarian cancer on my left ovary

2007-01-26T20:10:00.000-08:00

Ovarian cancer has been quite common nowaday. I am a 47 and had a partial hysterectomy about 10 years ago after bad pap test, cone biopsies and severe bleeding for years. I was diagnosed with IBS and now have blood in my urine even after treatment with antibiotics for a UTI. My GP sent me for an ultrasound to rule out problems with my kidneys and bladder and found a 3cm cyst on my left ovary. When the GP called to tell me this, his nurse said it was nothing to worry about. After thinking about it I called back to have a copy of the report faxed to me. The report didn't say what type of cyst only the size. I am now waiting for my GYN to review the report and call me on Monday. I am more concerned because of my age and that previously gyn problems.

In 1990 I had a cone biopsy for severe Stage 3 dysplasia, but after that paps were normal and had 3 kids. Now I am having problems with cysts on my ovaries, adenomyosis, and fibroids. My urine also detected trace blood and still haven't found out why, but I suspect it is all related to my gyno problems since I was checked for everything else.

you will see that IBS is most always the easy answer for doctors. I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say you do not have IBS and you'll know why I say that after you read some of these women's stories. I am now in the process of seeing a gyno/onco b/c the pain of all my problems is excruciating and I'm trying to get some answers. One thing I've learned is to get copies of ALL the testing that has been done.

Risk factors of preventing ovarian cancer

2006-11-16T19:55:00.000-08:00

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.

Ways of preventing of ovarian cancer

2006-10-18T01:32:00.000-07:00

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.

Stages and test of ovarian cancer

2006-10-05T23:56:00.000-07:00

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

Tea reduce the risk of ovarian cancer

2006-09-27T03:20:00.000-07:00

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.

Ovarian cysts in women

2006-09-18T00:31:00.000-07:00

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.

ovarian cancer : High-risk groups

2006-09-11T01:50:00.000-07:00

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

ovarian cancer : Screening for ovarian cancer

2006-09-11T01:45:00.000-07:00

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 : Epithelial Cancer Stage 4 -

2006-09-05T00:08:00.000-07:00

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.

ovarian cancer : Epithelial Cancer Stage 3

2006-09-05T00:05:00.000-07:00

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.

ovarian cancer : Germ Cell Tumor

2006-09-05T00:02:00.000-07:00

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.

ovarian cancer : Treatment Options by Stage

2006-09-04T23:54:00.000-07:00

ovarian cancer : Was Your Ovarian Cancer Misdiagnosed? (2)

2006-08-25T03:28:00.000-07:00

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

ovarian cancer : Was Your Ovarian Cancer Misdiagnosed? (1)

2006-08-25T03:26:00.000-07:00

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

ovarian cancer : Living With Cancer

2006-08-25T03:20:00.000-07:00

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

ovarian cancer : BRCA1 and BRCA2: Their Function

2006-08-16T20:32:00.000-07:00

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.

ovarian cancer : BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutations and Cancer Risk

2006-08-16T20:29:00.000-07:00

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.

ovarian cancer : How Are Ovarian Cancer Inherited?

2006-08-16T20:22:00.000-07:00

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,

ovarian cancer : Cancer Symptom

2006-08-10T00:07:00.000-07:00

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

ovarian cancer : Topotecan Not Recommended for Ovarian Cancer

2006-08-09T23:59:00.000-07:00

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

ovarian cancer : High in Fat and Meat Diets

2006-08-03T02:16:00.000-07:00

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

ovarian cancer : Ovarian Cancer & Hysterectomies

2006-08-03T02:12:00.000-07:00

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

ovarian cancer : Cervical Cancer, the End is Near

2006-07-31T22:38:00.000-07:00

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

ovarian cancer : Drinking Tea May Guard Against Ovarian Cancer

2006-07-31T22:35:00.000-07:00

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

ovarian cancer : Living With Cancer - Anyway

2006-07-27T03:10:00.000-07:00

ovarian cancer : The Hidden Issues Of Ovarian Cancer

2006-07-27T03:07:00.000-07:00

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

ovarian cancer : It Whispers, So Listen

2006-07-25T21:58:00.000-07:00

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

ovarian cancer : Ovarian Cancer Stages

2006-07-25T21:55:00.000-07:00

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

ovarian cancer : Prophylactic oophorectomy

2006-07-21T19:36:00.000-07:00

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,

ovarian cancer : Active Coping Helps Gynecologic Cancer

2006-07-21T19:22:00.000-07:00

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.

ovarian cancer : Physical activity does not ward off ovarian cancer

2006-07-14T02:18:00.000-07:00

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

ovarian cancer : Stem cells help ovarian tumors persist

2006-07-14T02:15:00.000-07:00

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.

ovarian cancer : Treatment for Advanced Ovarian Cancer

2006-07-12T04:23:00.000-07:00

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,

ovarian cancer : Ovarian cancer tests

2006-07-12T04:18:00.000-07:00

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,

ovarian cancer : Painkiller 'may cut cancer risk'

2006-07-09T10:52:00.000-07:00

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

ovarian cancer : Common pain reliever may lower ovarian cancer risk

2006-07-09T10:50:00.000-07:00

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

Ovarian Cancer: Who's at Risk?

2006-07-05T02:06:00.000-07:00

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

ovarian cancer : Understanding Ovarian Cancer

2006-07-05T01:57:00.000-07:00

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

ovarian cancer : Better Lymph Node Analysis May Improve Colon Cancer Treatment

2006-07-02T21:07:00.000-07:00

Examining a colon cancer patient's lymph nodes may help doctors decide on the best treatment while helping them avoid unnecessary therapies, a new study shows.

Doctors routinely remove the nodes during surgery to determine if the cancer has spread to the nodes or not. If the cancer has not yet spread to the lymph nodes, surgery alone may be a sufficient treatment.

"One-third of patients with tumor-free lymph nodes have recurrences, and therefore, adjuvant (supplemental) chemotherapy may be beneficial in these patients," researchers at the John Wayne Cancer Institute and Saint John's Health Center in California explained in a prepared statement. "However, if all node-negative patients are treated, 70 percent will be subjected to unnecessary chemotherapy because surgery alone is curative."

Investigating further, the researchers studied 132 colon cancer patients to see whether analyzing lymph nodes could better predict effective therapy.

The patients in the study had dye injected near their tumors to stain the sentinel (first) lymph nodes. This dye showed the doctors the path by which lymph fluids, which can contain cancer cells, drain from the body's tissues. Then the lymph nodes were removed and studied.

"The sentinel lymph node is the first node to receive lymphatic drainage from a primary anatomical site and is therefore the most likely node to harbor a metastasis," the study authors explained.

Thirty percent of the patients studied had stage I cancer, 41 percent stage II and 29 percent stage III cancer. By analyzing the sentinel nodes, 23.6 percent of the patients had their status changed to a more severe stage. Of the 51 patients whose cancer had metastasized to the lymph nodes, researchers found tumors in the sentinel nodes of 45 patients, and found tumors in a total of 18 percent of the sentinel nodes. Only 6 percent of other lymph nodes were diagnosed with tumors. There was a false-negative rate of only 7.4 percent.

The researchers concluded that "lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node techniques are feasible and accurate in colon cancer... avoiding the unnecessary toxic effects and expense for those cured by surgery alone."

By Diana Kohnle

ovarian cancer : Excess pounds may raise ovarian cancer risk

2006-07-02T20:58:00.000-07:00

Being overweight in young adulthood or later in life may raise a woman's risk of ovarian cancer, particularly if she's never had children, researchers have found.

In a study of 2,110 women with and without ovarian cancer, researchers found that those who were relatively heavy, either in recent years or at the age of 18, were more likely than thinner women to develop the disease.

But the relationship between weight and ovarian cancer was strongest among women who'd never given birth. For them, cancer risk climbed in tandem with recent body mass index (BMI), a measure of weight in relation to height.

Among childless women, those who were obese in recent years had 2.5 times the risk of ovarian cancer compared with the thinnest women. The same pattern emerged when the researchers looked at the women's weight gain since age 18.

Dr. Julia Greer and her colleagues at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center report the findings in the journal Cancer.

A number of studies have looked at the relationship between body weight and ovarian cancer risk, with conflicting results. A connection is considered biologically plausible because excess body fat can raise levels of estrogen, as well as male sex hormones called androgens, which may in turn feed ovarian tumor development.

Pregnancy and childbirth are believed to lower the risk of ovarian cancer by reducing the number of times a woman ovulates in her lifetime, and therefore her estrogen exposure.

The new findings suggest that in overweight women who've had no children, the effects of excess body fat and "incessant" ovulation combine to raise the risk of ovarian cancer, according to the study authors.

Along with their greater estrogen exposure, these women may develop chronic inflammation in the ovaries as a result of continuous ovulation, the researchers speculate. This inflammation might then damage cells in a way that leads to cancer.

The findings offer yet another reason to maintain a healthy weight throughout life, Greer told Reuters Health. And that goes for all women, whether they've had children or not, she pointed out.

According to American Cancer Society estimates, Greer noted, at least one third of all cancer deaths in the U.S. each year are attributable to excess weight and obesity.

Copyright © 2006 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.

ovarian cancer ; What Are the Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer?

2006-06-28T02:15:00.000-07:00

A risk factor is anything that increases your chance of getting a disease such as cancer. Different cancers have different risk factors. For example, unprotected exposure to strong sunlight is a risk factor for skin cancer. Smoking is a risk factor for cancers of the lung, mouth, larynx, bladder, kidney, and several other organs.

Researchers have discovered several specific factors that increase a woman's likelihood of developing epithelial ovarian cancer. These risk factors do not apply to other less common types of ovarian cancer such as germ cell tumors and stromal tumors.

Most women with ovarian cancer do not have any known risk factors. Risk factors increase the odds of getting a disease but do not guarantee it will occur. Only a small number of women who have risk factors will develop ovarian cancer.

Age: Most ovarian cancers develop after menopause. A woman is considered to be menopausal when she has gone a year without a menstrual period. Half of all ovarian cancers are found in women over the age of 63.

Obesity: A study from the American Cancer Society found a higher rate of death from ovarian cancer in obese women. The risk was increased by 50% in the heaviest women.

Reproductive history: Women who started menstruating at an early age (before age 12), had no children or had their first child after age 30, and/or experienced menopause after age 50 may have an increased risk of ovarian cancer. There seems to be a relationship between the number of menstrual cycles in a woman's lifetime and her risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Fertility drugs: In some studies, researchers have found that prolonged use of the fertility drug clomiphene citrate, especially without achieving pregnancy, may increase the risk for developing ovarian tumors, particularly a type known as "tumors of low malignant potential" (LMP tumors). If you are taking this drug, you should discuss its potential risks with your doctor. However, infertility also increases the risk of ovarian cancer, even without use of fertility drugs. More research to clarify these relationships is now underway.

Family history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or colorectal cancer:Your ovarian cancer risk is increased if your mother, sister, or daughter has (or have had) ovarian cancer, especially if she developed ovarian cancer at a young age. Two-thirds of women who develop ovarian cancer are over 55 years old. If your relative had ovarian cancer when she was younger than 55, that may be a sign that your risk is even higher. The younger your relative was when she developed ovarian cancer, the higher your risk. You can inherit an increased risk for ovarian cancer from relatives on your mother's side or father's side of the family. About 10% of ovarian cancers result from an inherited tendency to develop the disease. If there is a family history of cancer caused by an inherited mutation (change) of the breast cancer gene BRCA1 or BRCA2, you have a very high risk of ovarian cancer. Also, a mutation leading to inherited colorectal cancer can increase the risk of ovarian cancer. Many cases of familial epithelial ovarian cancer are caused by inherited gene mutations that can be identified by genetic testing.
Women with ovarian cancers caused by these inherited gene mutations tend to have a better prognosis than patients who do not have any family history of ovarian cancer. (See the section on causes of ovarian cancer for information on these gene mutations.)

Genetic counseling, genetic testing, and strategies for preventing ovarian cancer in women with an increased familial risk are discussed in the prevention section of this document.

copyrighted by the American Cancer Society, Inc. All rights reserved.

ovarian cancer : How Is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed?

2006-06-28T02:09:00.000-07:00

Ovarian cancer may cause several signs and symptoms. However, most of these may also be caused by benign (non-cancerous) diseases and by cancers of other organs. 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 2 of these symptoms.

Others symptoms, which tend to occur later in the course of the disease, are prolonged swelling of the abdomen, abdominal pain and cramping, a feeling of pelvic pressure, vaginal bleeding, and leg pain.

If there is reason to suspect you may have ovarian cancer, your doctor will use one or more methods to be absolutely certain that the disease is present and to determine the stage of the cancer.

Consultation With a Specialist

If your pelvic examination or other tests suggest that you may have ovarian cancer, you will need a doctor or surgeon who specializes in treating women with this type of cancer. A gynecologic oncologist is an obstetrician/gynecologist who is specially trained in treating cancers of the female reproductive system.

Imaging Studies

Imaging methods such as computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and ultrasound studies can confirm whether a pelvic mass is present. Although these studies cannot confirm that the mass is a cancer, they are useful if your doctor is looking for spread of ovarian cancer to other tissues and organs.

Ultrasound: Ultrasound (ultrasonography) is the use of sound waves to create an image on a video screen. Sound waves are released from a small probe placed in the woman's vagina or on the surface of her abdomen. The sound waves create echoes as they enter the ovaries and other organs. The same probe detects the echoes that bounce back, and a computer translates the pattern of echoes into a picture. Because ovarian tumors and normal ovarian tissue often reflect sound waves differently, this test may be used to find tumors and determine whether a mass is solid or a fluid-filled cyst.

Computed tomography (CT): The CT scan is an x-ray procedure that produces detailed cross-sectional images of your body. Instead of taking one picture, like a conventional x-ray, a CT scanner takes many pictures as it rotates around you. A computer then combines these pictures into an image of a slice of your body. The machine will take pictures of multiple slices of the part of your body that is being studied.

CT scans are useful in showing how large the tumor is, what other organs it may be invading, whether lymph nodes are enlarged and whether the kidneys or bladder are affected.

This test can help tell if your cancer has spread into your liver or other organs. Often after the first set of pictures is taken you will receive an intravenous injection of a "dye" or contrast agent that helps better outline structures in your body. A second set of pictures is then taken.

CT scans can also be used to precisely guide a biopsy needle into a suspected metastasis. For this procedure, called a CT-guided needle biopsy, the patient remains on the CT scanning table, while a radiologist advances a biopsy needle toward the location of the mass. CT scans are repeated until the doctors are confident that the needle is within the mass. A fine needle biopsy sample (tiny fragment of tissue) or a core needle biopsy sample (a thin cylinder of tissue about ½ inch long and less than 1/8 inch in diameter) is removed and examined under a microscope.

CT scans take longer than regular x-rays and you need to lie still on a table while they are being done. But just like other computerized devices, they are getting faster and the most modern ones only take seconds..

You will need to have an IV (intravenous) line through which the contrast "dye" is injected. The injection can also cause some flushing. Some people are allergic and get hives or, rarely, more serious reactions like trouble breathing and low blood pressure. Be sure to tell the doctor if you have ever had a reaction to any contrast material used for x-rays. You may be asked to drink 1 to 2 pints of a solution of contrast material.

Barium enema x-ray: This is a test to see whether the cancer has invaded the colon (large intestine) or rectum (it is also used to look for colorectal cancer). After taking laxatives the day before, the radiology technician puts barium sulfate, a chalky substance, into the rectum and colon. Because barium is impermeable (impossible for x-rays to go through) to x-rays, it outlines the colon and rectum on x-rays of the abdomen.

Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is also done after the large intestine has been cleaned with laxatives. A doctor inserts a fiberoptic tube into the rectum and passes it through the entire colon. This allows the doctor to see the inside and detect any cancer. It is also used to look for colorectal cancer. Because this is uncomfortable, the patient will be sedated.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI scans use radio waves and strong magnets instead of x-rays. The energy from the radio waves is absorbed and then released in a pattern formed by the type of tissue and by certain diseases. A computer translates the pattern of radio waves given off by the tissues into a very detailed image of parts of the body. Not only does this produce cross sectional slices of the body like a CT scanner, it can also produce slices that are parallel with the length of the body. A contrast material might be injected just as with CT scans, but this is done less often. MRI scans are not used often to look for ovarian cancer.

MRI scans are particularly helpful to examine the brain and spinal cord. MRI scans take longer than CT scans, – often up to 30 minutes or more. Also, you have to be placed inside a tube, which is confining and can upset people with claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces). The machine also makes a thumping noise that you may find disturbing. Some places will provide headphones with music to block the sound.

Chest x-ray: This procedure may be done to determine whether ovarian cancer has spread (metastasized) to the lungs. This spread may cause one or more tumors in the lungs and often causes fluid to collect around the lungs. This fluid, called a pleural effusion, can be seen with chest x-rays.

Positron emission tomography: Better known as a PET scan, this test uses radioactive glucose to look for the cancer. Cancers use glucose (sugar) at a higher rate than normal tissues. This means that the radioactivity will tend to concentrate in the cancer. In some instances this test has proved useful in finding ovarian cancer that has spread. It is even more valuable when combined with a CT scan (PET/CT scan).

Other Tests

Laparoscopy: This procedure uses a thin, lighted tube through which a doctor can look at the ovaries and other pelvic organs and tissue in the area around the bile duct. The tube is inserted through a small incision (cut) in the lower abdomen and sends the images of the pelvis or abdomen to a video monitor. Laparoscopy provides a view of organs that can help in planning surgery or other treatments and can help doctors confirm the stage (how far the tumor has spread) of the cancer. Also, doctors can manipulate small instruments through the laparascopic incision(s) to remove small tissue samples to examine under the microscope.

Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is also done after the large intestine has been cleaned with laxatives. A doctor inserts a fiberoptic tube into the rectum and passes it through the entire colon. The images are sent to a video monitor. This allows the doctor to see the inside and detect any cancer. It is also used to look for colorectal cancer. Because this is uncomfortable, the patient will be sedated.

Tissue sampling:The only way to determine for certain if a growth in the pelvic region is cancer is to remove a sample of the growth from the suspicious area and examine it under a microscope. This procedure is called a biopsy. It can be done during the laparoscopy procedure. Or it can be done with a needle placed directly into the tumor through the abdomen. The skin of the abdomen will be numbed with local anesthetic. Usually the needle will be guided by either ultrasound or CT scanning. This method might be used if the patient cannot have surgery because of advanced cancer or some other serious medical condition. Often, a biopsy is done at the time of surgery.

In patients with ascites (collection of fluid inside the abdomen), samples of fluid can also be used to diagnose the cancer. In this procedure, the skin of the abdomen is numbed and a needle attached to a syringe is passed through the abdomen into the cavity. The fluid is sucked up into the syringe.

In all these procedures, the tissue obtained is sent to the pathology laboratory. There it is examined under the microscope by a pathologist, a doctor skilled in diagnosing cancer.

Blood tests: Your doctor will order blood counts to make sure you have enough red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets (cells that help stop bleeding). There will also be tests to measure your kidney and liver function as well as your general health status. Finally the doctor will order a CA-125 test. If the test is elevated, consultation with a gynecologic oncologist is recommended.

Copyright 2006 © American Cancer Society, Inc.

ovarian cancer : Ovarian cancer kills JonBenet's mother

2006-06-25T06:23:00.000-07:00

Patsy Ramsey, who was thrust into the international spotlight by the unsolved 1996 slaying of her daughter, six-year-old beauty pageant queen JonBenet, died yesterday following a long battle with ovarian cancer, her lawyer said. She was 49.

Ramsey was diagnosed with the disease in 1993 and suffered a recurrence several years ago, said the lawyer, L. Lin Wood said. She died at her father's home in Roswell, Ga., a suburb of Atlanta, with her husband, John, at her bedside.

"It is not unexpected but it is a sad day," Wood told The Associated Press.

JonBenet was found beaten and strangled in the basement of the family's home in Boulder, Colo., on Dec. 26, 1996.

Patsy Ramsey said she found a ransom note on the back staircase demanding $118,000 for the safe return of JonBenet. John Ramsey said he found his daughter's body in a basement room eight hours later.

Boulder police said early on that Patsy and John Ramsey were under an "umbrella of suspicion" in JonBenet's death. The Ramseys said an intruder killed their daughter. A grand jury investigation in Boulder ended with no indictments, and no arrests have been made in the case.

In 2003, U.S. District Judge Julie Carnes in Atlanta concluded that the evidence she reviewed suggested an intruder killed JonBenet. That opinion came with the judge's decision to dismiss a libel and slander lawsuit against the Ramseys by a freelance journalist, whom the Ramseys had named as a suspect in their daughter's slaying. The Boulder district attorney at the time said she agreed with Carnes' declaration.

"Hopefully her legacy will not be tied to the false accusation related to the brutal murder of her daughter," Wood said of Patsy Ramsey yesterday.

Copyright © 2006, Canoe Inc. All rights reserved.

ovarian cancer : Possible Side Effects of Treatment

2006-06-25T06:18:00.000-07:00

The side effects of cancer treatment depend on the type of treatment and may be different for each woman. Doctors and nurses will explain the possible side effects of treatment, and they can suggest ways to help relieve problems that may occur during and after treatment.

Surgery causes short-term pain and tenderness in the area of the operation. Discomfort or pain after surgery can be controlled with medicine. Patients should feel free to discuss pain relief with their doctor. For several days after surgery, the patient may have difficulty emptying her bladder and having bowel movements. When both ovaries are removed, a woman loses her ability to become pregnant. Some women may experience feelings of loss that may make intimacy difficult. Counseling or support for both the patient and her partner may be helpful.
Also, removing the ovaries means that the body's natural source of estrogen and progesterone is lost, and menopause occurs. Symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness, are likely to appear soon after the surgery. Some form of hormone replacement therapy may be used to ease such symptoms. Deciding whether to use it is a personal choice; women with ovarian cancer should discuss with their doctors the possible risks and benefits of using hormone replacement therapy.
Chemotherapy affects normal as well as cancerous cells. Side effects depend largely on the specific drugs and the dose (amount of drug given). Common side effects of chemotherapy include nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, fatigue, numbness and tingling in hands or feet, headaches, hair loss, and darkening of the skin and fingernails. Certain drugs used in the treatment of ovarian cancer can cause some hearing loss or kidneys damage. To help protect the kidneys while taking these drugs, patients may receive extra fluid intravenously.
Radiation therapy, like chemotherapy, affects normal as well as cancerous cells. Side effects of radiation therapy depend mainly on the treatment dose and the part of the body that is treated. Common side effects of radiation therapy to the abdomen are fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, urinary discomfort, diarrhea, and skin changes on the abdomen. Intraperitoneal radiation therapy may cause abdominal pain and bowel obstruction (a blockage of the intestine).

Doctors and nurses will explain the possible side effects of treatment, and they can suggest ways to help relieve problems that may occur during and after treatment.

The Importance of Followup Care

Followup care after treatment for ovarian cancer is important. Regular checkups generally include a physical exam, as well as a pelvic exam and Pap test. The doctor also may perform additional tests such as a chest x-ray, CT scan, urinalysis, complete blood count, and CA-125 assay.

In addition to having followup exams to check for the return of ovarian cancer, patients may also want to ask their doctor about checking them for other types of cancer. Women who have had ovarian cancer may be at increased risk of developing breast or colon cancer. In addition, treatment with certain anticancer drugs may increase the risk of second cancers, such as leukemia.

American Cancer Society

ovarian cancer : Causes

2006-06-20T00:50:00.000-07:00

An ovarian tumor is a growth of abnormal cells that may be either noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Although benign tumors are made up of abnormal cells, these cells don't spread to other body tissues (metastasize). Ovarian cancer cells metastasize in one of two ways. Most often, they spread directly to other organs in the pelvis and abdomen. Rarely, they can spread through your bloodstream or lymph nodes to other parts of your body.

The causes of ovarian cancer remain unknown. Some researchers believe it has to do with the tissue-repair process that follows the monthly release of an egg through a tiny tear in an ovarian follicle (ovulation) during a woman's reproductive years. The formation and division of new cells at the rupture site may set up a situation in which genetic errors can occur. Others propose that the increased hormone levels before and during ovulation may stimulate the growth of abnormal cells.

Three basic types of ovarian tumors exist, designated by where they form in the ovary. They include:

Epithelial tumors. About 90 percent of ovarian cancers develop in the epithelium, the thin layer of tissue that covers the ovaries. This form of ovarian cancer generally occurs in postmenopausal women.
Germ cell tumors. These tumors occur in the egg-producing cells of the ovary and generally occur in younger women.
Stromal tumors. These tumors develop in the estrogen- and progesterone-producing tissue that holds the ovary together.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ovarian-cancer/DS00293/DSECTION=3

ovarian cancer : Overview

2006-06-20T00:42:00.000-07:00

Women have two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus. The ovaries — each about the size of an almond — produce eggs (ova) as well as the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. Ovarian cancer occurs when cells grow in an uncontrolled, abnormal manner and produce tumors in one or both ovaries.

Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer in women. It's diagnosed in more than 25,000 women in the United States each year, and about 16,000 women die of the disease annually.

Your chances of surviving ovarian cancer are better if the cancer is found early. But because the disease is difficult to detect in its early stage, only about 29 percent of ovarian cancers are found before tumor growth has spread into tissues and organs beyond the ovaries. Most of the time, the disease has already advanced before it's diagnosed.

Until recently, doctors thought that early-stage ovarian cancer rarely produced any symptoms. But new evidence has shown that many women do have signs and symptoms before the disease has spread. Being aware of them may lead to earlier detection.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ovarian-cancer/DS00293

ovarian cancer : Treatment Options by Stage and Type of Tumor

2006-06-09T21:08:00.000-07:00

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.

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Stage 2 - Epithelial Cancer
The first form of treatment for Stage 2 epithelial cancer is surgery, including total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy, lymphadenectomy, and tumor debulking.

After surgery, follow-up therapy may include combination chemotherapy with/without radiotherapy, or participation in a clinical trial that evaluates new chemotherapeutic drugs or drug combinations.

Note: In order to evaluate the benefits and disadvantages of chemotherapy, some researchers have divided Stage 1 and Stage 2 epithelial cancer patients into "favorable" and "unfavorable" groups. The favorable group has ovarian cancer with the following characteristics:
growth that is limited to one or both ovaries
an intact ovarian capsule (outer wall)
no evidence of tumor on the outer surface of the ovary
no evidence of tumor cells in pelvic washings
low grade (well-differentiated or moderately well-differentiated) type
The unfavorable group is identified by:

tumors with surface involvement
a ruptured capsule
evidence of tumor cells in pelvic washings
high grade (poorly differentiated) type
Study findings suggest that the favorable group is not helped by the administration of chemotherapy. By contrast, the unfavorable group may benefit from some form of post-operative therapy; however, the exact protocol for such therapy remains to be established. Therefore, systemic chemotherapy should be considered for patients who have a 25% or greater chance of relapse.

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.

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by Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All rights reserved.

ovarian cancer : Treatment

2006-06-09T21:04:00.000-07:00

There are three main forms of treatment for ovarian cancer:

Surgery to remove cancerous tissue.
Chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells using strong anti-cancer drugs.
Radiotherapy to destroy cancer cells by high-energy radiation exposure.
There are also many combinations of these treatment methods and it is usually worthwhile to get a second opinion about treatment before entering into a specific program. Treatment depends upon a number of factors (e.g., stage and grade of the disease, the histopathologic type, and the patient's age and overall health).

Surgery
Surgery usually is required to treat ovarian cancer. Most patients undergo surgery in addition to another form of treatment (e.g., chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy). Surgery helps the physician to accurately stage the tumor, make a diagnosis, and perform debulking (removal of as much tumor mass as possible). Debulking surgery is especially important in ovarian cancer because aggressive removal of cancerous tissue is associated with improved survival. Patients with no residual tumor mass, or tumor masses that measure less than 1 cm, have the best opportunity for cure.

The surgeon usually performs a laparotomy (through an abdominal incision) or laparoscopy (using a tube containing a light and camera that is inserted into the pelvic cavity through a small incision). A sample of the tumor (called a frozen section) is examined immediately under a microscope to confirm ovarian cancer and rule out metastasis from another site. If the cancer is a metastasis from another organ, the surgeon searches for the primary tumor within the abdominal cavity.

Once ovarian cancer is confirmed, a total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus [womb]), bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries on both sides), omentectomy (removal of the fatty tissue that covers the bowels), lymphadenectomy (removal of one or more lymph nodes) may be performed. Tissue removed during debulking is sent for histopathological examination.

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by Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All rights reserved

ovarian cancer : Few women know ovarian-cancer risk factors

2006-06-01T00:56:00.000-07:00

Only 15 percent of U.S. women are familiar with ovarian-cancer symptoms, and 82 percent have never discussed it with their doctors, a survey finds.

The national survey sponsored by the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition finds 54 percent of the women who have not spoken to their doctors about ovarian cancer do not think it's an issue because the doctor never initiated the discussion.

Fifty-nine percent of women have talked to their doctor about breast cancer, compared to only 18 percent of women who have talked to their doctor about ovarian cancer.

Forty percent of the women are not sure of the risk factors, and many incorrectly identified the use of high-dose estrogen without progesterone and extended use of the birth-control pill as risk factors.

In fact, women who have used oral contraceptives for three or more years have about a 30-percent to 50-percent lower risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Sixty-seven percent of women incorrectly believe that a yearly Pap test is effective in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

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ovarian cancer : How are ovarian cysts found?

2006-06-01T00:49:00.000-07:00

Since ovarian cysts may not cause symptoms, 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.

With an ultrasound, the doctor can see how the cyst is shaped; its size and location; and whether it's fluid-filled, solid, or mixed. A pregnancy test is also done. Hormone levels (such as LH, FSH, estradiol, and testosterone) may also be checked. Your doctor may want to do other tests as well.

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.

There are also non-cancerous diseases that increase the levels of CA-125, like uterine fibroids and endometriosis. These non-cancerous causes of increased CA-125 are more common in women under 35, while ovarian cancer is very uncommon in this age group. For this reason, the CA-125 test is recommended mostly for women over age 35, who are at high risk for the disease and have a cyst that is partially solid.

Hilton Johani is a leading expert on period pains,Tinnitus, hyperacusis and Meniere's disease and has been running his tinnitus related website since 1999.

His advice and tinnitus treatment plans have helped thousands of people around the world.

Click to view his Tinnitus website.

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ovarian cancer : When are women most likely to have ovarian cysts?

2006-05-31T00:21:00.000-07:00

Functional ovarian cysts usually occur during the childbearing years. Most often, cysts in women of this age group 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.

Hilton Johani is a leading expert on period pains,Tinnitus, hyperacusis and Meniere's disease and has been running his tinnitus related website since 1999.

His advice and tinnitus treatment plans have helped thousands of people around the world.

Copyright Hilton Johani - http://www.t-gone.com

ovarian cancer : What are the treatments for ovarian cysts?

2006-05-31T00:15:00.000-07:00

If you have not yet gone through menopause, 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.

If surgery is needed, often the cyst can be removed without removing the ovary. Even if one ovary has to be removed, it is still possible to become pregnant as long as one ovary remains.

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.

If you have gone through menopause and you have an ovarian cyst, talk with your doctor about what will be done during surgery. Make sure you understand whether he or she plans to remove just the cyst, the cyst and the ovary, or to do a hysterectomy. Talk over the options with your doctor and make your own wishes known.

Hilton Johani is a leading expert on period pains,Tinnitus, hyperacusis and Meniere's disease and has been assisting John Currie in running his tinnitus related website since 1999.

His advice and tinnitus treatment plans have helped thousands of people around the world.

by Hilton Johani

ovarian cancer : Was Your Ovarian Cancer Misdiagnosed?

2006-05-31T00:11:00.000-07:00

Two Percent of All Female Newborns in the United States Are at Risk of Getting Ovarian Cancer

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

ovarian cancer : Cancer of the Ovaries

2006-05-30T00:38:00.000-07:00

Treatments and Risk Factors
The treatment for ovarian cancer varies according to a number of factors. For most women the first treatment is also a diagnostic procedure which involves surgery to determine the extent to which the disease has spread. As a result of surgery, the cancer will be staged.
Stages range from I to IV, with I being the earliest and IV being the most advanced stage. Treatment of ovarian cancer is based on the stage and grade of the disease. A pathologist will determine the grade (how likely it is to spread) of the malignancy.

Hysterectomy with salpingo- oophorectomy (removal the fallopian tubes and one or both ovaries) will most often follow a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Young women who still desire children and who have certain types of early ovarian cancer confined to one ovary may be able to have only the diseased ovary removed.

Chemotherapy or radiation will follow the hysterectomy based on individual patient cases.
Are You at Risk?
An immediate (mother, sister, or daughter) family member who has had ovarian cancer increases your risk of developing this disease about three times, giving you a five to seven percent risk of future ovarian cancer.
When the cause is genetic, ovarian cancer usually shows up a decade earlier in each successive generation. Are You at Risk?
An immediate (mother, sister, or daughter) family member who has had ovarian cancer increases your risk of developing this disease about three times, giving you a five to seven percent risk of future ovarian cancer.

When the cause is genetic, ovarian cancer usually shows up a decade earlier in each successive generation. (If your mother had ovarian cancer in her 60's, you stand a good chance that this disease will develop in you in your 50's.)

Genetic counseling is a good idea for women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancers. Women with a family history may opt for oophorectomy, although this procedure does not offer absolute protection it does reduce risk by 75 to 90 percent.

Research has determined that women who use powders to dust their genital areas have a 60 percent higher risk of ovarian cancer. Feminine deodorant sprays can almost double your risk!

Women who use oral contraceptives for at least five years reduce their chance of developing ovarian cancer by half for the short-term following use and possibly for lifetime. The longer you use the pill, the lower your risk.

Having two or three children can cut your risk by as much as 30 percent over women who never conceive or give birth. Having five or more children reduces the risk up to 50 percent, and breast-feeding your children can further reduce your risk.

Tubal ligation reduces a woman's risk up to 70 percent.

From Tracee Cornforth,

ovarian cancer ; Diagnosis

2006-05-30T00:34:00.000-07:00

Symptomless ovarian cancer is most often detected during a woman's regular gynecological examination. Your physician will palpitate your ovaries during your pelvic and rectal exam for the presence of ovarian cysts or fibroid tumors. If any abnormalities are noted, he will follow up with further testing which may include an ultrasound and chest X-ray. If further testing is required, a laparoscopy may be performed.

New methods for early screening of ovarian cancer are being investigated including ultrasound in conjunction with a blood test. The blood test may detect an antigen called CA 125 which has been detected in the blood of women with ovarian cancer.

These tests are useful in evaluating tumor growth, however neither of them has been proven as a reliable way to screen for ovarian cancer. Ultrasound can detect changes, but it does not give enough information alone to diagnose ovarian cancer. The CA 125 blood test can return positive results when no cancer is present due to other conditions a woman may experience including fibroid tumors, endometriosis, pelvic infection, pregnancy, or other non-gynecological problems.

Although these methods of screening for ovarian cancer look promising, further study is needed before either of these tests are routinely used to screen for ovarian cancer.

©2006 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.

Ovarian Cancer: The Silent Killer

2006-05-30T00:28:00.000-07:00

Ovarian cancer is often called the "silent" killer because many times there are no symptoms until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage. One-third of American women will get some form of cancer in their lifetime and approximately one and one half percent of those cases will be cancer involving one or both ovaries.

Early symptoms of ovarian cancer are often mild, making this disease difficult to detect. Some early symptoms may include:

An unusual feeling of fullness or discomfort in the pelvic region
Unexplainable indigestion, gas, or bloating that is not relieved with over-the-counter antacids
Pain during sexual intercourse
Abnormal bleeding
Swelling and pain of the abdomen
Most often these symptoms do not indicate ovarian cancer
However, if you experience them you should discuss them with your clinician.
Early detection of ovarian cancer offers a 90 percent cure rate. Sadly, a lack of symptoms from this silent disease means that about 75 percent of ovarian cancer cases will have spread to the abdomen by the time they are detected and, unfortunately, most patients die within five years.

©2006 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.

ovarian cancer ; Possible Side Effects of Treatment

2006-05-29T02:14:00.000-07:00

ovarian cancer ; Treatment for Ovarian Cancer

2006-05-29T02:11:00.000-07:00

Treatment depends on a number of factors, including the stage of the disease and the general health of the patient. Patients are often treated by a team of specialists. The team may include a gynecologist, a gynecologic oncologist, a medical oncologist, and/or a radiation oncologist. Many different treatments and combinations of treatments are used to treat ovarian cancer.

Surgery is the usual initial treatment for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the uterus, and the cervix are usually removed. This operation is called a hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Often, the surgeon also removes the omentum (the thin tissue covering the stomach and large intestine) and lymph node (small organs located along the channels of the lymphatic system) in the abdomen.
Staging during surgery (to find out whether the cancer has spread) generally involves removing lymph nodes, samples of tissue from the diaphragm and other organs in the abdomen, and fluid from the abdomen. If the cancer has spread, the surgeon usually removes as much of the cancer as possible in a procedure called tumor debulking. Tumor debulking reduces the amount of cancer that will have to be treated later with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be given to destroy any cancerous cells that may remain in the body after surgery, to control tumor growth, or to relieve symptoms of the disease.
Most drugs used to treat ovarian cancer are given by injection into a vein (intravenous). The drugs can be injected directly into a vein or given through a catheter, a thin tube. The catheter is placed into a large vein and remains there as long as it is needed. Some anticancer drugs are taken by mouth. Whether they are given intravenously or by mouth, the drugs enter the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body.
Another way to give chemotherapy is to put the drug directly into the abdomen through a catheter. With this method, called intraperitoneal chemotherapy, most of the drug remains in the abdomen.
After chemotherapy is completed, second-look surgery may be performed to examine the abdomen directly. The surgeon may remove fluid and tissue samples to see whether the anticancer drugs have been successful.
Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, involves the use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy affects the cancer cells only in the treated area. The radiation may come from a machine (external radiation). Some women receive a treatment called intraperitoneal radiation therapy in which radioactive liquid is put directly into the abdomen through a catheter.

Clinical trial" (research studies) to evaluate new ways to treat cancer are an important treatment option for many women with ovarian cancer. In some studies, all patients receive the new treatment. In others, doctors compare different therapies by giving the promising new treatment to one group of patients and the usual (standard) therapy to another group. Through research, doctors learn new, more effective ways to treat cancer.

http://www.cancersociety.com/ovarian_tp.cfm

ovarian cancer : Ovarian Cancer FAQs

2006-05-29T02:03:00.000-07:00

Q. Where are the ovaries?

A. The ovaries are above the womb and connected to it by two short tubes (the Fallopian tubes). This means that they are below and to either side of the navel.

Q. How common is ovarian cancer?

A. In the year 2000 (the most recent for which figures are available) there were 6,734 cases of ovarian cancer diagnosed in the UK. In the USA the estimated 2004 incidence is 25,500 cases. Overall about one woman in 50 will get ovarian cancer at some time during her life.

Q. How dangerous are ovarian cancers?

A. In 2002, 4,687 women in the UK died of ovarian cancer, making it a more common cause of death than cervical and uterine cancer combined. In the USA it is estimated that 16,000 women will die from ovarian cancer in 2004.

Q. What are the risk factors for ovarian cancer?

A. Like most cancers it is more common with increasing age. The other risk factor is if you carry certain genes (see below). Having children reduces the risk: women with three or four children have only half the risk of a childless woman. Infertile women (ie women who cannot conceive despite trying for several years) appear to have an even higher risk than other childless women. Taking the contraceptive pill reduces the risk of ovarian cancer by somewhere between a third and a half, depending on how long it is taken for.
Although the effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on ovarian cancer risk has been studied, the results are unclear. Some studies have found an increased risk, but analysis of all the published research shows conflicting results.
There have been some reports claiming that using talc in the genital area increases the risk of ovarian cancer. However, most of the research conducted on this has not produced reliable findings and there is no good evidence to support these claims.
. Does the diet affect the risk of ovarian cancer?

A. There is some evidence that being overweight can increase your risk of ovarian cancer. Some research has suggested that beta-carotene in the diet can reduce the risk of this cancer, although this finding has not yet been confirmed.

Q. Does ovarian cancer run in families?

A. There are several genes, which are known to carry increased risks of various cancers, which can run in families. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes were originally discovered because they cause an increased risk of breast cancer, but we now know that they also substantially increase the risk of ovarian cancer. The HNPCC gene was discovered because it increases the risk of colon cancer, but women with this gene also have a greater chance of getting ovarian cancer. Overall, if you have one close relative (mother, sister or daughter) who has had ovarian cancer, your risk goes up about 4-fold. If you have two cases amongst close relatives, your risk goes up 10-fold or more.

Q. Can we screen for ovarian cancer.

A. There is no reliable method of screening for ovarian cancer. However, both the CA125 blood test and vaginal ultrasound are currently being tested as possible methods for screening women for ovarian cancer.

Q. What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?

A. There are few clear symptoms of ovarian cancer. Typically it can cause pain in the abdomen, a feeling of being bloated, fatigue, weight loss, or problems with urination. However, these can all be caused by a number of other diseases. This makes it difficult to diagnose ovarian cancer by symptoms alone.

Q. How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?

A. If ovarian cancer is suspected, two main tests are used to make the diagnosis. First, an ultrasound scan of the abdomen is performed. Sometimes the scan is taken from inside the vagina. The second test is to measure the level of the CA125 marker in the blood. Neither of these tests gives a definite diagnosis of ovarian cancer, but if both tests are positive, the patient is usually referred to a surgeon who will operate to see if the ovaries show any signs of cancer.

Q. How is ovarian cancer treated?

A. The treatment used will depend on how advanced the cancer is and how old the patient is. For younger patients with early cancer, limited surgery is used to preserve their fertility. For older patients with more advanced cancers, the ovaries and the womb are usually removed. If the cancer has spread, further tissue may need to be removed to get out as much of the cancer as possible. Chemotherapy is normally used after the surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. Sometimes it is also used before the surgery to shrink the tumour and make it easier to remove completely.

Q. How effective are the treatments?

A. Overall, only about two out of every five women with ovarian cancer can be cured. Like all other cancers, the stage at which ovarian cancer is diagnosed determines how easily it is to cure. If diagnosed and treated while the cancer is still confined to the ovaries, nearly 75% of women can be cured. However, once it has spread into the pelvic cavity, the cure rate drops to one third. If it has spread further, only one quarter to on sixth of patients can be cured. For these figures 'cured' is defined as surviving for five years after the first diagnosis.

(c) 2004-05 Association for International Cancer Research

ovarian cancer : Proteins' promise: new test could reveal early ovarian cancer

2006-05-28T05:48:00.000-07:00

A test that measures protein concentrations in the blood can signal the presence of ovarian cancer, a new study shows. The finding brings scientists a step closer to a diagnostic tool for catching this stealthy cancer early enough for effective treatment. The researchers caution, however, that they haven't yet perfected the procedure.

There is currently no routine screening for ovarian cancer in the general population, even though more than 22,000 women are diagnosed with the disease each year in the United States. Doctors typically test for ovarian cancer when a woman experiences a combination of symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and abnormal vaginal bleeding, or if she has a family history of this cancer. Doctors use ultrasound or touch to examine the abdomen and can use a blood sample to look for a high concentration of the protein called CA125, which sometimes indicates ovarian cancer.

Unfortunately, these tests miss many early-stage ovarian cancers, a shortcoming that has tragic consequences. Most women found to have ovarian cancer don't survive 5 years beyond the day of diagnosis, primarily because the cancer has spread unnoticed by the time it's discovered. However, early-stage cancer that's confined to the ovaries is highly treatable.

To devise an early-warning test, David C. Ward of the Nevada Cancer Institute in Las Vegas and his colleagues measured the relative concentrations of 169 proteins in the blood of ovarian cancer patients and healthy women. The amounts of 35 of the proteins varied significantly between the groups.

The researchers chose four of those proteins that are relatively simple to detect as the basis for a new ovarian cancer test. Two of the proteins, prolactin and osteopontin, showed up more abundantly in the cancer patients. The two others, leptin and insulin-like growth factor-II, were scarcer in the patients.

The researchers tried out the test on 246 blood samples, about half from cancer patients and half from healthy women. The four-protein analysis enabled the scientists, who didn't know beforehand the source of a sample, to correctly identify the cancer status of the blood-sample donor 95 percent of the time. Notably, the test correctly spotted 26 of 27 early-stage ovarian cancers, the team reports in an upcoming Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

By testing their approach on blood samples from unidentified women, the researchers "make a powerful argument for the potential of this type of strategy," says John O. Schorge of the University of Texas-Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

Doctors at the Yale University School of Medicine are using the new analysis to test women who have a close relative with ovarian cancer or who harbor a mutation in one of the cancer-suppressing genes known as BRCA1 or BRCA2, Ward says. Such women are likely to be the first to benefit from a test for ovarian cancer, Schorge says.

Ward's team is attempting to improve the test's accuracy by adding other proteins to the array tested. "We absolutely have to increase the sensitivity of this test," Ward says. Before such a test can make it to the clinic, it would also have to prove itself in evaluations involving blood samples from thousands of women.
Science News,by N. Seppa

ovarian cancer : Symptoms of ovarian cancer

2006-05-28T05:02:00.000-07:00

Of the 128 women with a pelvic mass, 84 had benign masses and 44 had malignancies, 11 with early stage disease and 33 with advanced disease. Women with malignancies had a higher median number of symptoms and recurring symptoms than the clinic patients, with 36 percent having had symptoms for two months or less, 24 percent having symptoms for two to three months, and 14 percent having symptoms longer than one year. When comparing women who had malignancy with women who had IBS (and, therefore, had high numbers of symptoms), a significantly higher percentage of women with malignancy had pelvic pain (41 versus 25 percent), bloating (70 versus 49 percent), increased abdominal size (64 versus 32 percent), and urinary tract symptoms (55 versus 33 percent). Women with ovarian cancer were significantly more likely than the clinic group to have pelvic pain, abdominal pain, difficulty eating, bloating, increased abdominal size, and urinary urgency.

In comparing groups of symptoms, 43 percent of women with ovarian cancer had the combination of bloating, abdominal pain, and urinary tract symptoms, whereas 10 percent of women with benign masses, 13 percent of women with IBS, and 8 percent of clinic women had this combination. Symptoms were more severe and more frequent in women with ovarian cancer or IBS than in clinic patients. Symptoms typically were continuous in women with malignancies, compared with occasional and intermittent symptoms in clinic patients. Women with benign masses also often had daily symptoms, which overlapped with the symptoms experienced by women with ovarian cancer, but included constipation. Finally, women with ovarian cancer had a much shorter duration of symptoms at a median of six months or less compared with 12 to 24 months in clinic patients and those with IBS.

No effective screening test exists for ovarian cancer. The symptoms most commonly reported in patients with ovarian cancer include bloating, increased abdominal size, abdominal or pelvic pain, and urinary tract symptoms, although these also are common in women with benign masses. Symptoms tend to be more severe, more frequent, and of shorter duration in women with malignant masses than in women with benign masses. Women with ovarian cancer also are more likely to present with a combination of symptoms.The authors conclude that this study provides more evidence that ovarian cancer is not an asymptomatic disease. Symptoms that are more severe, more frequent, and of recent onset are more likely to be associated with ovarian masses.

Goff BA, et al. Frequency of symptoms of ovarian cancer in women presenting to primary care clinics. JAMA June 9, 2004;291:2705-12.

ovarian cancer : Symptoms of ovarian cancer

2006-05-28T04:57:00.000-07:00

Although ovarian cancer has been thought to be asymptomatic until the late stages of the disease, recent studies have indicated that women with ovarian cancer reported symptoms before diagnosis, and these symptoms are similar for late and early disease stages. The most common complaints reported before diagnosis have included abdominal, gastrointestinal tract, pain, constitutional, urinary, and pelvic symtoms. Given that five-year survival for ovarian cancer is much higher with early diagnosis, a reliable set of symptoms to look for might facilitate early detection. Goff and colleagues performed a study of primary care patients to determine whether the frequency, severity, and duration of symptoms were more pronounced in women with ovarian cancer than in those seen for routine problems.

The authors surveyed women visiting two primary care sites regarding the severity, frequency, and duration of 20 symptoms associated with ovarian cancer. The same survey was given to women presenting at a specialty clinic for removal of an ovarian or pelvic mass.

Of the 1,709 patients who completed the survey, 25 percent were presenting for a general checkup, 13 percent were there for a mammogram, and 62 percent were being seen for specific problems. Of these women, 95 percent had at least one of the 20 listed symptoms in the previous year, with back pain reported most commonly (60 percent), then fatigue (52 percent), indigestion (37 percent), urinary tract symptoms (35 percent), constipation (33 percent), and abdominal pain (28 percent). Many of the symptoms recurred at least monthly in 72 percent of the women. Symptoms were most common in women with diabetes, thyroid disease, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Postmenopausal women had fewer symptoms overall than premenopausal women. As age increased, all symptoms were less common except for urinary tract symptoms.
by Caroline Wellbery

continue...

Full Size Jukebox

2006-05-15T02:23:00.000-07:00

This amazing jukebox will be the hit of the party. A great addition to the basement or entertaining area of the home. Features include 42 cd storage, am/fm radio with digital tuner, dynamic 4 speaker stereo system, electronically assisted tuner, front loading 3 or 10 cd capacity changer, lcd display, programmable 20 track memory, random/repeat play, decorative musical playlist, percolating bubble tubes, neon lighting, external speaker outputs, BBE bass enhancer and tone control. Includes a full function remote control. 25.5"W x 15"D x 44.25"H (54"H with base cabinet). UL listed. Imported.

Copyright - DMSI 1999-2006

Home Theatre PowerCenter HT 800

2006-05-12T23:55:00.000-07:00

Harmful power surges and voltage spikes can travel up the AC power line and damage connected equipment. Lightning, automatic garage doors, power tools, refrigerators and fluorescent lights all cause power surges and voltage spikes that affect phone lines and coax cables. Monster's Surge-Guard™ detects harmful power surges and voltage spikes before they reach components. This HT800 features special surge protection for coax cables used for satellite and cable TV connections. Other surge protectors Coax surge protection can result in as much as 20 to 30 dB of signal loss, which ultimately affects the output performance of coax connections. Monster's ultra-low loss RF circuitry provides virtually no signal loss to maintain peak performance..

Best of all, an audible surge alarm and visual surge indicator warn you of harmful surges and let you know you're getting the most advanced protection available. "Polluted" AC power can degrade the performance you expect from your home theatre components..

Unless you live directly behind Hoover Dam, your AC power is most likely "polluted" by appliances sharing the same power line with your home theatre components. Electrical power tools, refrigerators, air conditioners, radio transmitters, cellular phones, microwave ovens - even your neighbor's freezer - all can generate electromagnetic interference and radio frequency noise which pollutes the AC power and degrades both audio and video performance. Plus, even your home theatre components can generate noise interference, adding more "pollution" to your AC power..

As a result, you'll hear a loss of dynamic range and resolution with a compressed soundstage and imprecise imaging. You'll see a lack of sharpness and color detail lessening the home theatre experience. And you'll never know how much of the essential drama is gone in the high performance picture and sound your system was originally designed to deliver..

Monster's Clean Power Circuitry filters out power pollution for more natural sound and better TV picture. Designed by world renown AC power expert Richard March, Monster's Clean Power Circuitry uses special filters to dramatically reduce electronic noise on your AC power line to give you the best possible sound and picture from your components. You'll see a more vivid picture and hear more natural sound with increased dynamic range and less noise - especially if your AC power is severely polluted. You'll get back the performance you never knew you lost..

Monster PowerCenters make life easier. Monster's FlatProfile plug lets you push your furniture flush against the wall. And, with color-coded outlets and cord labels, you can avoid unplugging your VCR by mistake, causing it to blink "12:00." Finally, a generous eight-foot Monster power cord, which is the optimum length to reach most electrical outlets, is included. Maximize your system's protection. Now you can get protection from harmful surges, voltage spikes and inconvenience! Monster's PowerCenters offer high performance solutions for today's technology challenges.

© Academic Superstore LP. All Rights Reserved.

Roulette Tutorial

2006-05-09T01:55:00.000-07:00

Roulette is one of the most popular casino table game in the world. While at first glance the roulette table layout may appear quite complicated, roulette is actually a very easy game to play and understand. To play the game of roulette is rather uncomplicated, but one must be a bit familiar with roulette rules before you play roulette and place any sophisticated bets. In addition to roulette rules, this page addresses proper etiquette around the table when you play roulette, and gives a walkthrough so you know exactly how to play roulette by the rules.

Roulette doesn't move at a quick pace, it's for a more relaxed crowd than you're likely to find at the craps table. Roulette rules kind of necessitate this sluggishness, as making all of the bets is what slows things down. When you're at the point that you want to place your bet, don't be concerned about someone else having already taken your bet, chips can share bets thanks to the colors. Roulette rules give you lots of time to set your bet, and can even keep doing so after the roulette wheel has been spun, just don't try it after the roulette dealer waves his hands over the table (if there are any new players the dealer will most likely say 'no more bets' out-loud too). Once the ball has found its pocket, the roulette dealer will call out the winning number and place a clear marker on that number's spot on the table layout. The roulette dealer then sweeps the table clean and the winner is paid. Wait until the roulette dealer says 'place your bets' before putting any chips down for the next spin.

HOW THE GAME IS PLAYED

A wood-and-chrome, bowl-shaped wheel with blocks numbered 0 to 36 is spun in one direction. (The American wheel has an additional number: the Double-Zero (00), and it can be spun only in one direction, whereas the French wheel can be spun in both directions.) The numbers 1 thru 36 are evenly split between red and black, while 0 and 00 are green pockets. A small ivory ball is spun around the outer rim of the wheel in the opposite direction. As the ball slows, it drops into one of the pockets of the wheel. You bet on which pocket the ball will drop into. There are a large number of bets allowed in casino roulette.

http://www.homepokergames.com/roulette.php

How can city serve Asian population?

2006-05-05T02:09:00.000-07:00

The QVS Food Mart on Route 165 is one of only a few stores close by for thousands of residents on the city's East Side. Plus, Norwich's Asian population is growing faster than almost any other ethnic group.

But in its fifth year, Tse's store is barely staying afloat.

"I'm staying on, but I'm losing money," he said. "I've never worked this hard in my life. I'm still here, though. I don't want to give up that easy."

Tse's business difficulty is one example of the confusing disconnect between the new Asian population and the established services and businesses Norwich has to offer them.

QVS offers ethnic products, but its location puts it out of reach for many Asian immigrants who rely on public transportation to get around the city.

City leaders want to bridge that gap. In the next couple of months, Mayor Ben Lathrop plans to invite Asian newcomers to City Hall to share ideas about what city leaders can do for them.

"Maybe the first meeting, we won't get a lot of people," Lathrop said. "But maybe those people will talk and word would spread. I want to tap into that new resource.

"If we don't take a step to open up the dialogue, then we both lose," he added.

Norwich businesses are missing out on a large discretionary income from Asian workers who come into the area for casino jobs, but return to New York City on their days off to spend time with family, said Planning Director Peter Davis. He and other city leaders want to find out what needs to happen to get more Asian immigrants to make Norwich their home.

Fe Delos-Santos, program director at the University of Connecticut's Asian American Studies Institute, said people sometimes assume the different lifestyles of newcomers are culturally based, but they're really tied to money.

She said many Asian immigrants were displaced from New York City jobs after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. But even though they've ventured to Norwich for jobs, most still consider New York City home base.

"In New York City, they've already worked with social service agencies to help them navigate this complex system of service," Delos-Santos said. "And some of them might be a little daunted about where to begin out here."

Delos-Santos said many newcomers are hindered by the limited public transportation in Eastern Connecticut and don't have money to invest in a car, license and insurance.

Many attribute Tse's business troubles to the fact that his store is tough to get to without a car.

But Tse, determined to make his store a success, is launching a creative approach to lure more Asian and neighborhood clientele. He's adding an international food court to offer traditional Asian entrees along with classic American dishes.

"I cannot compete with the big supermarkets," he said. "We're more or less a quick mart for the neighborhood. But we're hoping with a mix we could stay above water."

Tse's food court will include dine-in, take-out or delivery options. He will serve authentic Hong Kong specialties, traditional Asian cuisine and American favorites -- such as hamburgers, grinders and pizza.

Jackie Espinoza, who has lived on Route 165 for 13 years, said the neighborhood desperately needs some eateries.

"If we had something on this side of town, it would be phenomenal," she said. "We have nothing over here."

Espinoza said the QVS dining option will be a good start, but really wants to see some other staples, such as a Dunkin' Donuts, Tim Horton's or Burger King.

"Even a little hot dog stand would be better than nothing," said her neighbor, Gloria Knox, who said she doesn't like Chinese food, but agreed there needs to be more East Side dining options.

Tse is looking forward to offering a mix of foods, all of which he said he enjoys.

"I am very international," he said, adding that he and his wife make a point of trying local foods anywhere they travel.

"My motto is eat everything and anything in moderation. Don't be afraid of trying anything," he said.

By DOROTHY SCHNEIDER

Wreck Scuba Diving in Florida

2006-05-03T05:19:00.000-07:00

Some of the most enjoyable diving you may ever do is wreck scuba diving. Because travel by ship was the main way of going from continent to continent prior to development of air travel, and because the technology used on ships and in weather forecasting was not advanced at all, many ships sank in waters around the world providing dives that are interesting and fun. There are so many wrecks that only the Florida wreck diving will be covered in this article.

In fact, there are so many Florida wreck scuba diving spots available, you'll have plenty of difficulty choosing which ones to dive. Hurricanes, coral reefs, shoals and pirates all help sink the ships that are often quite near the shores.

During the Spanish colonial period, the Florida Straits were the most frequently used passage for ships to access the Gulf Stream to get the boost of these fast-flowing currents for their trip home across the Atlantic Ocean. Some of these ships were never to return safely home but were trapped into one of the many tragedies that happened to the then ill-equipped vessel when challenging Mother Nature. Many of these unfortunate victims of the sea have been excavated and are awaiting your arrival.

One great wreck scuba diving destination is Pensacola in the Panhandle of Florida. There are lots of ships within a small area. In Pensacola Bay, eleven ships were to become victims of a hurricane during 1500. The colonists that were becoming settles on the shore at what is now known as Pensacola Bay were unloading vessels when the massive storm overtook them. Of course, there were no storm warnings like we have today and they were taken unaware. The result of the loss of the eleven ships was to soon become the demise of the colony which only lasted 60 years.

The Trinite is another great wreck scuba diving spot. This French wreck lies off St. Augustine and went down during a storm in 1565 while the Frenchmen were preparing to attack the Spaniards who had colonized this section of the northeast Florida coastline. After the vessel sank, the attack did not occur. Today you can not only scuba dive the wreck at St. Augustine but you can also see other sights like the nation's oldest school house and oldest drug store, tour the fort as well as get in some fun in the sun.

You can do some wreck scuba diving at the resting place of the Tierra Firme fleet. Two ships from the fleet of 27 vessels, the Atocha and the Santa Margarita, went to their watery graves along with 380 sailors during a hurricane in 1622. The fleet had more than $250 million in cargo among them and the Atocha proved to be quite a profitable salvage job once it was located and now you can see it for yourself along with her sister ship in the Florida Keys.

In 1700 the Henneta Marie, a slave trade vessel that had unloaded slaves in Jamaica and was in the Key West to load sugar from the plantations sank. Today you can visit Key West during your wreck scuba diving vacation and see the oldest know wreck of a slave trading vessel that has been identified by name.

While you are in the Florida Keys for wreck scuba diving, go see the San Pedro which was one of the last vessels from the New Spain fleet to cross to what is now the United States. In 1733, this ship was taken victim by a hurricane along with several other ships traveling with her. There are wrecks covering over 80 miles of the Florida Keys oceanscape from this storm. The Spanish salvaged this ship only to find that she had been burned to the waterline so that pirates could not loot her.

In 1713 a vessel named Urca de Lima owned by the Spanish ran aground on a shoal off Florida's Atlantic coast during a hurricane. There were nine other ships lost during this hurricane but because the Urca de Lima was grounded and did not sink like the others, she was used as a supply ship to provide for the survivors of the other shipwrecks as well as the one remaining French vessel that had been accompanying the Urca de Lima. Over 1,000 men lost their lives in this tragic hurricane.

You can find still dive and find shipwrecks under the waters of the Atlantic Ocean on Florida's eastern coast as well as some in the calmer waters of the Gulf of Mexico which run along the western shore of Florida and the southern edge of the Florida Panhandle.

Florida is a great place to go wreck scuba diving and you will find the waters warm enough to dive even in the winter. In fact, the winter is the peak season in this southern state. You can obtain discount rates if you choose to travel to Florida during the off-season which is May through November. You'll also enjoy less crowded areas and beaches with fewer visitors.

As you plan your wreck scuba diving in Florida, be sure to have all your dive equipment checked by a professional so that you won't experience any problems while visiting a wreck. If you do not want to take your own dive gear, there are many dive shops located along the coastlines of Florida ready to provide for your every need.

If you want to ensure that finding the wrecks, scuba diving with a charter boat that specialized in wreck diving is practical. These captains know exactly where to visit quickly and easily locate the wrecks you want to visit. These locals can also point out other places of interest to see and things to do in the area during your holiday.

While wreck scuba diving, remember that safety must always come first when in the water. Don't take unnecessary chances. Be sure to stay with your dive party and your trip will be a great success.

Wreck Scuba Diving and other Scuba Diving Vacations

by JAubin

How To Sell Successfully

2006-04-28T21:44:00.000-07:00

I’m going to reveal how you can sell successfully
in your life.

I’m not going to go into WHY you need to be a
good salesperson NO MATTER who or what
your job is.

Ok … wait. I think I need to explain why, otherwise you
might not find the value in the tips I’m about to reveal.

In nutshell, you need to ‘sell’ everyday to get a
‘yes’ to whatever your request in life is.

It could be a sales job you are involved in and you
need to sell in order to make a living.

Or, you are a mother that needs to ‘sell’ to your
kids the idea of staying away from drugs. If you
don’t sell well enough, some of the bad boys in
the neighborhood are going to ‘sell’ to your kids the
idea that taking drugs is a cool thing to do.

Here’s another example:

Do you think presidents are salespeople?
If they are not, they better start ‘selling’ to people
to believe and trust them to run a country!

Selling is about persuasion and influencing people.
There are thousands of books related to improving
your selling skills. Go and pick one up if you want to
learn more because it’s impossible for me to spell-out
everything about salesmanship here.

I don’t care what strategies and tactics you can pick
up in a ‘How To Sell’ book.

You can have all the strategies in the world, and yet
you cannot be a super salesperson if you don’t have
the attitude and mindset to sell successfully.

Here’s how to use your attitude and mindset to
sell successfully if you are selling to make a living:

1. You must have belief in your product/service.

Can you recommend your friend to visit Bali Resort
for a vacation if you have never been there before?
Of course not! Not even if you are paid commission
for recommending it.

You must believe that the product or service that you
are selling will add value to your prospective customers
if they buy. They must gain benefits from it many times
over their investment into your product. If you have this
mindset, you’ll be able to sell successfully because all you
have in your mind is to make sure that they bought it
because they’ll regret it if they don’t buy your
product/service.

2. You must feel proud to sell your product/service

Whether you are selling a one million dollar insurance
policy or $200.00 carpet, you must feel proud to have the
‘rigts’ or authority to sell it. This means, you are not
‘just another salesperson’. Feel special to have this privilege
of salesmanship for the product. If you can have this
mindset, you’ll be excited to sell every day.

3. Never take ‘No’ personally.

When you try to sell something to someone, and he/she
did not want to buy from you, get on with your life!

He/she did not reject YOU, but just rejected the offer
that you want to sell. So, don’t take it personally. It’s
only a process of selling and it’s NORMAL to get a
‘No’ occasionally. NO ONE in this world can get a
‘Yes’ all the time. Sales experts know that when they
get a ‘No’, it’s time for them to learn more on how to
improve their sales.

The choice is yours on whether to use the power of your
attitude and mindset to improve your sales. If you
cannot have these three elements, you should
seriously consider the product or service you are
selling and whether it’s right for you to continue selling it.

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motivation