The researchers estimated that contraceptive use has prevented approximately 200,000 cancers and 100,000 deaths from ovarian cancer

The use of oral contraceptives protect women “a significant and long term” ovarian cancer, according to a study published by the British journal The Lancet. …read the rest of this entry»

According to a review of seven studies involving a total of over 169,000 women, of which 3516 were suffering from ovarian cancer or endometrial cancer, women who consume more soy foods have lower risk of developing these types of tumors. …read the rest of this entry»

There is much debate even today on the use of oral contraceptives (OCs) are already known several significant adverse effects, especially long term, but still use at the level of family planning is undisputed.

Recently published a study which indicates that hormone replacement therapy would protect long-term ovarian cancer to women under 75 years who used OCs. …read the rest of this entry»

When I first noticed my abdomen swelling in September 2002, I was diagnosed with Stage 2-3 ovarian cancer, with the CA125 test showing an Antigen level of 1500. A very large mass had grown, over 20 cm in size, by the time of my surgery and full hysterectomy five months later, in February 2003. Just prior to surgery, my CA125 test showed I was up to 5000. After removing over 5 pounds of mass, it was determined I was borderline Stage 4. My CA125 test after surgery was at 98. The Doctors told me to have at least 6-8 chemotherapy treatments following surgery. …read the rest of this entry»

Age at diagnosis: 16
Current age: 26
Occupation: Teacher at a daycare

Dianne’s advice: Believe in yourself and trust that God will pull you through. Dianne’s Cancer Journey

I had dysgerminoma or, in nonmedical terms, ovarian cancer. I had an easier time with my treatment because I was 16 and wanted children later in life. My doctors tried to do as little as possible. I chose to have surgery and then have my doctors watch me closely.

I had three different doctors in a week and a half, blood tests every day, and a bunch of other tests. In surgery, they removed my ovary and fallopian tube on the left side. I was so scared to go into surgery. I was eight when I had my first operation; I tore my liver in a car accident. This time, I was all alone and far from home. I was living in California at the time and visiting my aunt in Washington. I spent a week in the hospital all alone. My parents came to visit, but they could only stay a few hours, and they took my sister back with them. …read the rest of this entry»

Age at diagnosis:7
Current age:29
Occupation:Massage therapist

Jane’s advice:The main thing is to ask questions about your disease, the treatment, and side effects. There is no such thing as a silly or embarrassing question when it concerns you or your body. Laugh and cry a lot.

Jane’s Cancer Journey
My first remembrance that something was wrong was at the end of a school day. It seemed like suddenly, my stomach began to feel like it was twisting around. I really wanted to see the nurse, but my second-grade teacher wouldn’t let me because we were about to be dismissed for the day. I’d have to wait until I got home. It was only about an eight-block walk home, but at the time, it seemed to go on forever. I cried all the way home, holding my belly because it hurt so much. When I finally reached my doorstep, I can remember flinging my books on the floor and dropping and rolling around on the floor crying. …read the rest of this entry»

Welcome and Participant Introductions

Glenda Durham:
Hello and welcome to the American Cancer Society Cancer Survivors Network. I’m Glenda Durham, your host. Today I will be talking with three women who were diagnosed with cancer while they were pregnant. As a cancer survivor myself, I am pleased to be your host for today’s conversation about: being diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy; making treatment decisions; future pregnancies or adoption; fear of recurrence and shortened life expectancy; and listening to your body.

Our first guest is Angel, a 30-year-old breast cancer survivor from Texas. Angel is married and has two sons, one of whom is two years old and the other two months. Welcome to the show, Angel.

Angel:
Thank you.

Glenda:
Your doctor found a lump in your left breast during your first prenatal visit, when you were pregnant with your firstborn son. You had a needle biopsy, which confirmed that you had cancer. You underwent a mastectomy, and the cancer was found to be stage II. You underwent five rounds of chemo while you were pregnant and are currently finishing another round of 12 sessions. Thank you for joining us today, Angel.

Angel:
Thank you.

Glenda:
Also joining us is Heike, a 36-year-old ovarian cancer survivor from Idaho. Heike is married and has a two and a half-year-old son. We’re glad to have you with us today, Heike.

Heike:
Thank you.

Glenda:
Like Angel, you were pregnant with your first child when cancer was found. You were at your first prenatal visit and your doctor thought your pregnancy seemed abnormally advanced. An ultrasound showed that you had a cyst on your left ovary. The doctor predicted the cyst would shrink after three months and recommended that you have an ultrasound every two weeks to check it. The cyst continued to grow rather than shrink. You declined to have surgery, fearing this might hurt the fetus. When the pain was too much to endure you agreed to the surgery, and the cyst was found to be cancerous. Late in your pregnancy you underwent a Cesarean section and had a full hysterectomy. You’ve also had six cycles of chemo. Your baby is healthy, and you are cancer-free. And thank you for joining our group, Heike. …read the rest of this entry»

Dr. Wendy Harpham:
Hi, and welcome to the American Cancer Society Cancer Survivors Network. I’m Dr. Wendy Harpham, your host. In this program, I’ll be talking one-on-one with four survivors of ovarian cancer who are in different stages of treatment. As a cancer survivor myself, I am pleased to speak with our guests about: self-advocacy in the medical setting; the effect of illness on family relationships; advocating for ourselves and others, as well as other topics that arise in the course of our discussion.

Dr. Wendy Harpham:
I’m speaking with Sandi, a 51 year-old survivor from Ontario, Canada. Sandi is married and does not have children. Hi, Sandi.

Sandi:
Good morning. How are you?

Dr. Wendy Harpham:
Good. In 1999, you experienced abdominal bloating that didn’t go away. You went to a doctor, who referred you to a gynecologist. You then had a hysterectomy, and a large tumor was removed that was diagnosed as ovarian cancer. After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy, all of your exams and tests and scans have shown you have had no cancer, ever since. Any other additions to your history?

Sandi:
Subsequent to that, I had the genetic testing for the ovarian and breast, and also the genetic testing for the colorectal, ovarian and uterine link.

Dr. Wendy Harpham:
Have you gotten those results yet?

Sandi:
I’ve received the results for the ovarian and breast testing, and that was negative, but I have the initial results from the colorectal ovarian, which is the hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer link, and the initial results are positive, which I suspected.

Dr. Wendy Harpham:
So, you’re a survivor of ovarian cancer, and now you know you have an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

Sandi:
82 percent risk. …read the rest of this entry»