| One of the cancers that are among the | | | | include irregular menstrual cycles (although |
| deadliest is ovarian caner. It is rare, but | | | | many women have these anyway, but someone |
| it is among the most deadly, with a low | | | | prone to cancer will find that birth control |
| survival rate in the final two stages. This | | | | does not properly regulate it), frequent |
| is because it is a relatively silent killer | | | | nausea and fever, and vaginal bleeding. A |
| that often progresses beyond any hope of | | | | frequent need to use the bathroom is another |
| healing before it is discovered. New tests | | | | indication of the possibility of ovarian |
| are allowing doctors to catch this disease | | | | cancer. All of these things need to be |
| earlier, improving chances of survival, but | | | | discussed with your doctor so that she or he |
| it is still a little-known menace that | | | | knows what the possibilities might be. |
| affects women. | | | | |
| | | | Behaviors that are though to reduce the risk |
| Ovarian cancer initially attacks the ovaries. | | | | (although nothing can completely eradicate |
| As with most cancers, the exact cause of the | | | | the risk of ovarian cancer) include healthy |
| cancer is not completely known. However, it | | | | diet and exercise, oral contraceptives, |
| does start in the ovaries. If caught soon | | | | breastfeeding, and having at least one |
| enough, the ovaries can usually be removed, | | | | full-term pregnancy. Of course, none of these |
| with a very god chance of success. The key, | | | | behaviors are complete protection against any |
| however, is catching the cancer early. It | | | | illness, including cancer, but it can help |
| needs to be caught in its first or second | | | | you reduce your chance of developing it. |
| stage for the best chance of survival. And | | | | Surgical procedures are also thought to help. |
| therein lies the problem. Most of the time, | | | | Things like having your tubes "tied" and also |
| the cancer is not found until it is in the | | | | the removal of the ovaries can reduce your |
| third or fourth stage. These stages are | | | | risk as well. Although, interestingly enough, |
| pretty much too late for most people. The | | | | even removing your ovaries does not |
| fourth stage especially, as by this time the | | | | completely eliminate your chances of |
| cancer has probably spread throughout the | | | | developing ovarian cancer (even though it |
| body. This cancer cannot be detected by a pap | | | | helps significantly). |
| smear. Therefore, it is important that you | | | | |
| inform your doctor of a family history of | | | | By understanding your family history and |
| ovarian cancer (genetics is the main | | | | taking care to live a healthy lifestyle, you |
| indicator and cause) and any other | | | | can probably avoid ovarian cancer. It is a |
| irregularities. Even though improved tests | | | | rare cancer, but more deadly perhaps because |
| can help detect the cancer earlier than | | | | of that rarity. Most women are not likely to |
| before, it is important that your physician | | | | get it, but it is a good idea to be on your |
| be on the look out for indicators. | | | | guard, especially if there is a history of |
| | | | ovarian cancer in your family. |
| Some of the symptoms of ovarian cancer | | | | |