4 Encouraging Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research

It’s estimated that in 2016, more than 22,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. While the prevalence of this disease is relatively low, most diagnoses are made in the later stages, when women face a lower chance of survival.
Early detection has become a primary focus in ovarian cancer research. And the progress in research and testing means there are more long-term survivors than ever before.
Knowledge of the disease’s symptoms and the importance of care by a gynecologic oncologist can have a positive impact. As new advances are made, it’s more important than ever for women to be educated about their overall health (and specifically about new methods for detecting, preventing, and treating ovarian cancer).
Though a major research breakthrough may be elusive at the moment, women still have reasons to be hopeful.
Screenings and Preventive Measures

A good way to screen for ovarian cancer currently doesn’t exist, but women can take certain preventive measures. Birth control pills have been shown to reduce lifetime risk of ovarian cancer by 50 percent if taken for more than five years. Women also can consider getting the distal portion of their fallopian tubes removed when they are getting their tubes tied, or they can get their tubes removed altogether.
It’s also important for women to know about their families’ histories of ovarian cancer. Some women should consider genetic testing to see whether they have mutations that could indicate a highe...

Source: Disruptive Women in Health Care - April 8, 2016 Category: Consumer Health News Authors: dw at disruptivewomen.net Tags: Cancer Source Type: blogs