Welcome to my 30 Days of Teal series!
August has come and gone, and thank goodness because it was the longest and most crazy months of 2019. I moved across the country again, started my new position as editor-in-chief of my university's newspaper, and began the final fall semester of my undergraduate career. The good news is I hit the two-year mark since my diagnosis!
But what about September?
September is my favorite. What's not to love? Football, my birthday, childhood cancer awareness, and perhaps closer to home -- Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
 |
| New headshot for the paper! PC: Kevin Barrett |
This month deserves way more attention than it gets, especially as everyone's minds are clouded with the return of football and a new academic year, right before everyone starts to "think pink" for October. But what about the world's "silent killer" for women?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20,418 new cases of ovarian cancer were reported in 2016, the latest year for which incidence data are available for 100 percent of the population. In the US alone, 14,223 women died of ovarian cancer, and for every 100,000 women in the US, 10 new cases were reported.
And it happens to more than just our beloved elderly.
I was diagnosed two years ago, right before my 21st birthday. Definitely not your traditional candidate for this kind of cancer, but silent it indeed was. I had no symptoms or warning signs, and I really didn't have any checkmarks in the risk factors column other than stress.
Ask yourself, how much do you know about gynecologic cancers? Take this CDC quiz to test yourself. More importantly, schedule an annual exam with your gynecologist. They're not that scary, I promise. And everyone needs one. Your health is an investment.
Ovarian cancer, and all of its specific little kinds, has no known cause to this day. This makes knowing the risk factors an imperative part of every woman's knowledge. Risk factors include:
- Age: the older you are, the more risk you naturally pose in being diagnosed due to hormones
- Genetics: If you didn't pick your parents well enough... kidding! Our genes know and control our [good and bad] fate before we even exist
- Family history of ovarian or breast cancer: increases your risk. You should let your medical care team aware of your history as you may need to start your screening at a younger age
- Previous medical conditions of the reproductive system
Additionally, the use of fertility treatments, estrogen hormone replacement therapy, and/or lack of pregnancy may also increase your risk.Ovarian cancer is known to be deadly because in its early stages, it shows little to no signs or symptoms. It often goes undetected until its too late and spreads to the abdomen and pelvis.
It's called the "Silent Killer" in women for many reasons. First, even in its late stages, ovarian cancer mimics non-life threatening conditions. Symptoms such as discomfort, bloating, swelling, frequent urination, weight loss and constipation are among the many things a proper diagnosis is mistaken for. Second, the disease is very hard to diagnose. The lack of effective screenings makes early detection difficult.
Pay attention to your body; know what is normal for you. Make healthy lifestyle choices. (such as: eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables; exercise regularly; maintain a healthy weight; avoid smoking; and practice safe sex.). Know your family health history. Share it with your doctor. Get the HPV vaccine if you are at an age when it is recommended. Get screened for cervical cancer regularly.
Quick Facts to know according to the NOCC:
- All women are at risk
- An estimated 1 in 78 women will develop cancer in her lifetime
- A pap smear test will not detect ovarian cancer
- Number 1 cause of gynecological cancer-related deaths
- Fifth leading cause of all cancer-related deaths
- When diagnosed and treated in the early stages, the 5-year survival rate of ovarian cancer is 90%
Take the quiz to find your risk.
If reading any of this concerned you, please know that I am here to talk. Listen to your body, call your doctor to schedule an appointment, print and fill out this very helpful resource to bring to your appointment.
I hope my 30 Days of Teal series helps educate and bring all of us closer as we learn more about this aggressive disease. You can expect to read more about my story, my cause, and my hopes for the future for myself, those trying to prevent disease, and other survivors alike. Future posts include how to help yourself or others through chronic illness, how to donate to those in need, and other things the community needs bringing to the light. I will be sharing resources, research articles, events and [hopefully] insightful pieces to get you thinking and moving toward spreading awareness of ovarian cancer.
Make sure to sign up for email notifications in the sidebar for every time I post throughout this series, and before you forget, make sure to visit my GOCA Teal Trot 5K run/walk page to join or donate!
Know that you have my support as a resource who's been there before. Don't be afraid to reach out!Take care of yourselves,
Abi
No comments:
Post a Comment