Re: article

From: Kate Murphy (katemm@mindspring.com)
Tue Dec 5 20:14:35 2000


On 4 Dec 2000, at 17:00, argent@hemc.net wrote:

> I have not been to this site in a long time and am trying to catch up
> but besides telling everyone's individual triumph, or tragedy I think
> the situation we are all in, no matter what "stage" needs to be heard.
> In the US women are dieing of Ovarian Cancer at young ages and there
> isn't even a diagnostic test for it yet and most adhesion sufferers are
> women,

While there is not a definitive test for ovarian cancer, there is a good way of screening for it: the triple test consisting of a good pelvic exam, a transvaginal ultrasound, and a CA-125 blood test. These need to be done at the same time.

Many early ovarian cancers cannot be felt on pelvic exam, some are missed via TVU, and there are many other conditions that can raise the CA-125 -- but together they give a good idea of what might be happening.

The trouble with ovarian cancer is that its symptoms are vague and mimic all sorts of fairly benign conditions: upset stomach, gas, intestinal distress. Pain is not common early in the disease. One symptom that often goes unsuspected is a change in waistline, along with bloating.

If you have a family history of breast, ovarian, or colon cancer -- insist on regular screening via the triple exam even if you get pooh- poohed.

Kate -- who is a seven year ovarian cancer survivor. Kate Murphy katemm@mindspring.com


Enter keywords:
Returns per screen: Require all keywords: