We are grateful to County Executive Aaron Reardon for issuing a proclamation declaring September 2005 Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in Snohomish County.
The general population knows very little about this disease, yet ovarian cancer is the most deadly of the gynecological cancers and the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States.
Every woman is at risk for ovarian cancer, regardless of age, heritage, fitness level or medical history. The American Cancer Society estimates that this year more than 22,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and more than 16,000 will die from disease in the United States. When ovarian cancer is detected early, more than 90 percent of women survive. However, only about 20 percent of those diagnosed are at this early stage. Lack of awareness about symptoms contributes to delays in diagnosis for thousands of women in the U.S. each year.
Women should be aware that symptoms may include abdominal bloating, discomfort or pain (pressure, swelling, gas, indigestion, cramps); urinary frequency/urgency; diarrhea or constipation; nausea, loss of appetite; unexplained weight loss or gain; abnormal vaginal bleeding; or excessive fatigue. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious conditions. It is important to check with a healthcare professional if any of these symptoms are new and persist for two to three weeks, and/or are becoming more frequent or severe.
Reardon’s commitment to support women’s health concerns is greatly appreciated. Increased awareness about the symptoms is crucial in saving lives. As an 8-year ovarian and breast cancer survivor, I am very lucky that both cancers were found early. Empowered with a knowledge of the symptoms of ovarian cancer, a woman will not have to rely on luck to benefit from early detection.
Joan Elvin-McAree
Ovarian and Breast Cancer Alliance of Washington
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