Ovarian cancer - also known as the silent murderer

The Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Florida (OLAF) held its Annual Teal Magnolia lunch fundraiser this weekend in Central Florida.

During the event, I had the honor of sitting next to a woman who lost her daughter 28 years for ovarian cancer several years ago. Although they have treated patients suffering from cancer 12 years, I was impressed even by the young age of his daughter. Ripper!

According to the National Cancer Institute, the definitionOvarian cancer: Cancer that forms in tissues of the ovary (one of a pair of female reproductive glands in which form the ova or eggs). Most ovarian cancers are epithelial ovarian carcinomas (cancer that begins in cells in the ovary) or malignant germ cell tumors (cancer that begins in egg cells).

Estimated number of new cases and deaths from ovarian cancer in the United States in 2009:

Newcases: 21,550
Deaths: 14,600

There is no test for ovarian cancer. The Pap test does not detect this type of cancer! This makes it difficult to diagnose why a woman should pay attention to your body and have symptoms checked out.

Please take a moment to review the symptoms of ovarian cancer as provided by OLAF:

- Swelling
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Difficulty eating or feeling as soon as all
- Urinary symptoms(Urgency or frequency)

Consult your doctor, preferably a gynecologist, if these symptoms are unusual for you, and occur almost daily for more than a few weeks.

Experts suggest a combination pelvic exam / rectal, transvaginal ultrasound, CA125 blood.

If ovarian cancer is suspected, experts suggest seeking a second opinion from a gynecologic oncologist before surgery is performed.

Ovarian cancer is not an "old lady"disease. This cancer affects women of all ages. In 2003-2007, the average age was 63, but there have been cases of women under age 20 and over 85 years. Due to the difficulty in diagnosing this cancer is often at an advanced stage before being detected. This has earned the nickname "the silent murderer."

If diagnosed when found, is simply a rate of 93% survival at five years. Therefore it is very important to know the symptoms and careto what your body is telling you!

Be your own advocate. Listen to your body. If you suspect anything unusual, take control and get a check! You owe it to yourself and your loved ones.