Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer
September 8, 2009 by Peggy Rowland
Filed under Women's Health
Too many women know too little about ovarian cancer.
The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) set out to measure the lack of awareness about the disease with their “Break the Silence” survey.
The survey, conducted in 2006, showed that only 15% of women are familiar with ovarian cancer symptoms, while 40% said they aren’t sure about the risk factors for ovarian cancer.
Another survey finding that illustrates the “silence” surrounding ovarian cancer is that 82% of women haven’t talked to their doctor regarding the risk factors and symptoms of ovarian cancer. Why? 54% of women surveyed said they don’t think it’s an issue because their doctor didn’t initiate a discussion about it.
Part of raising your awareness about ovarian cancer means realizing that you have to be in charge of your own health. Ovarian cancer is a threat, whether your doctor mentions it or not. And Pap tests won’t detect ovarian cancer. Sadly, the survey found that 67% of women think that the Pap test can help identify ovarian cancer. This myth is dangerous since some women with negative Pap tests may ignore symptoms of ovarian cancer.
According to NOCC, risk factors for ovarian cancer include genetic predisposition; personal or family history of breast, ovarian or colon cancer; increasing age and undesired infertility.
Read more about symptoms and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Also, visit NOCC for ovarian cancer support and medical information.
(Image via stock.xchng)
Women should know more about the causes and the early warning signs and symptoms to get more chance of survival rate. Hope there will be concern people who will spread the awareness in remote areas, or let us say, 3rd world countries….I think it is more significant to spread the awareness there….