Editor’s Note: This article is featured in the September issue of Glo Magazine, a sister publication of InkFreeNews, serving the greater Fort Wayne area.

By Amber Bouthot
InkFreeNews

Each September, glo pays tribute to our magazine’s namesake, Gloria Baumgartner, who lost her fight with ovarian cancer in 2008. Gloria was not only a dear friend, loving wife and mother, she was also the highly respected business manager and treasurer of The Papers (glo’s parent company) where her husband, Ron, continues to serve as president and publisher.

Gloria Baumgartner

Although she had been seeing a specialist for GI discomfort, bloating and all the typical, but vague signs of ovarian cancer, Gloria was not diagnosed with the disease until it was well advanced. Sadly, Gloria’s story is not unique. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 20,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer annually and of those cases, nearly 13,000 will die from the disease.

Ovarian cancer, often dubbed the “silent killer,” is one of the most lethal gynecologic cancers. It ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women and is responsible for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. The high mortality rate associated with ovarian cancer is primarily because it is often diagnosed at
an advanced stage when it is more difficult to treat. However, understanding the risks and taking proactive steps can help women protect themselves against this deadly disease.

Why Is Ovarian Cancer So Deadly?

One of the key challenges with ovarian cancer is that its symptoms are often vague and nonspecific. Women may experience bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and urinary symptoms, such as urgency or frequency. These symptoms are easily mistaken for less serious conditions, leading many women to delay seeking medical attention until the cancer has progressed. Furthermore, unlike cervical cancer, there is currently no reliable screening test for ovarian cancer. The Pap smear, which effectively screens for cervical cancer, does not detect ovarian cancer.

Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer

While the exact cause of ovarian cancer is still unknown, several risk factors have been identified:

√ Age: The risk of ovarian cancer increases with age, with most cases occurring in women over 50.

√ Family History: Women with a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer are at a higher risk. This is particularly true if a close relative, such as a mother or sister, had ovarian cancer.

√ Genetic Mutations: Certain genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, significantly increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer. Women with these mutations have up to a 40% chance of developing the disease.

√ Reproductive History: Women who have never been pregnant, or who had their first child after age 35, may be at a slightly increased risk.

√ Hormone Replacement Therapy: Long-term use of estrogen replacement therapy, particularly without progesterone, has been linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

√ Endometriosis: Women with endometriosis, a condition in which tissue like the lining inside the uterus grows outside the uterus, have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Steps Women Can Take to Protect Themselves

While there is no surefire way to prevent ovarian cancer, there are steps women can take to reduce their risk and catch the disease early:

√ Know Your Family History: Understanding your family history of cancer is crucial. If you have a strong family history of ovarian or breast cancer, consider genetic counseling and testing for BRCA mutations.

√ Be Aware of Symptoms: Pay attention to your body and recognize the potential symptoms of ovarian cancer. If you experience persistent bloating, pelvic pain, or changes in your urinary habits, consult your healthcare provider.

√ Regular Check-ups: While there is no screening test for ovarian cancer, regular pelvic exams can help detect abnormalities in the reproductive organs. Discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider during these visits.

√ Consider Birth Control Pills: Studies have shown that the use of oral contraceptives (birth control pills) for several years can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. However, this option should be discussed with a healthcare provider, as birth control pills have their own risks and benefits.

√ Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking may contribute to a lower risk of cancer in general. While these steps cannot guarantee prevention, they promote overall well-being.

The Importance of Advocacy and Awareness

Raising awareness about ovarian cancer is crucial in improving early detection and outcomes. Women should feel empowered to advocate for their health and seek second opinions if they feel their concerns are not being adequately addressed. Support organizations and participate in events that raise awareness and funding for ovarian cancer research, as advancements in understanding this disease are essential to improving survival rates.

Ovarian cancer may be a silent threat, but women are not powerless in the face of it. By understanding the risks, staying vigilant about symptoms, and making informed health decisions, women can take steps to protect themselves against ovarian cancer. Early detection remains key, so never hesitate to speak up about any changes in your health — your life could depend on it.