Regardless of which form of cancer you get diagnosed with, it is scary to say the least. Most of us don't know how to address the subject with our friends and family, while others just give them-selves up for lost.

Official Definition of ovarian cancer:

Ovarian Cancer is a form of cancer which forms in tissues of the ovary (one of a pair of female reproductive glands in which the ova, or eggs, are formed). Most ovarian cancers either begin in the cells on the surface of the ovary, or begin in egg cells.

I am going to try to leave medical terms out of this Article as much as possible to make this subject easier to understand for everyone. For medical terms and more detailed information please see your health-care provider.

Recent studies (to be found on the Ovarian Cancer Home Page) show that we have 22,430 new cases in the United States in the Year 2007. The deaths are rather high as well at 15,280 this year alone. However, my aim is not to scare you to death but to bring you some good news and to give you basic education.

Over the past centuries, Experts have believed that ovarian cancer was only detectable in the late stages of the disease, making it necessary to take drastic action or resulting in death. Recent Studies have proven otherwise. The American Cancer Society, the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation and the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists released the first ever consensus listing early warning symptoms of ovarian cancer. This means to you, that your chances of being diagnosed early is much better then thought.

Another highly encouraging fact is that incidence in ovarian cancers have steadily declined since 1999.

So what are some of the early warning signs to look out for?

Abdominal Swelling/Bloating/Clothes Too Tight

-Abdominal/Pelvic Pain or Pressure or Feeling "Full"

-Gastrointestinal Symptoms (such as gas, indigestion, nausea, or changes in bowel movements)

-Vaginal Bleeding or Discharge

-Urinary Problems - Urgency, Burning, or Spasms

-Difficulty eating

-Feeling full quickly all the time

-Fatigue and/or Fever

-Pain During Intercourse

-Back Pain

-Difficulty Breathing

If you have one or more of these on a regular basis (they occur at least 12 times a month)you want to see a doctor. Please remember that having a family history makes you no more or less perceptible to this cancer. Please don't panic in any case, these symptoms could be signs of several other illnesses with some of them being no worst then a flu.

A positive thought for just a second is the much reduced lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer of 1 in 70 to 1 in 8 for breast cancer.

I suspect I might have it what now?

You need to see your Doctor (OB-GYN). There you will undergo a pelvic and rectal exam. If he or she finds any signs of possible cancerous growth you will be asked to take a pelvic and transvaginal ultrasound (during the test sound waves are measured coming from a wand inserted into your vagina, these waves are shown on a screen and recorded. Allowing the Doctor to determine if any tumors, cysts or masses are present). Most of the time you will also be asked to take a CA-125 blood test. (This test checks for levels of antigen in the blood which is known to be a tumor maker)

Do I have a chance to be cured?

As long as you have been diagnosed early on the answer is an amazing rate of 70 - 90% in your favor. Sadly most patiences wait to long to be checked out and then it is too late.

What can I do to get this Treated?

Depending on how far the cancer is spread, you may have to have one or both ovaries or the uterus removed. In some cases a full hysterectomy is neccessary. At high advanced stages with wide spread cancer chemo therapy (chemo drug is put into blood stream via IV) may be the way you have to go. Occassionally in extreme cases you it is neccessary to have the chemo drug put straight into the stomach via catheter, hence increasing your chances of survival.

What can I do to lower my risk of ovarian cancer?

The disease is most common in woman over 60 years of age, but can hit you at any age. If you have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer get genetic testing for the BRCA I or BRCA II gene done. For all others make sure you get a yearly pelvic exam and report any unusual symptoms to your doctor. Please remember the doctor is the one person you should never have secrets from.

Live a reasonably healthy lifestyle. Staying in touch with your body is a good way to notice things that may not be right in your system.