Ovarian Cancer Awareness

This year over 15,000 women in the US will hear the words “You have ovarian cancer.” Most cases occur in women over the age of 50, but this disease also affects younger women. The diagnosis may come as a surprise as there are often no symptoms or mild symptoms until the disease is in an advanced stage. It is a disease that whispers.

Because ovarian cancer is tough to detect early, it's important for women to have an annual vaginal exam beginning at age 18 to detect any abnormalities in their reproductive organs. Telling your doctor about any unusual discomfort or symptoms, particularly anything that persists for two or more weeks, is also important.

What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer? Unfortunately, the symptoms are common to other medical conditions as well. They may include:
• Pelvic and/or abdominal pain, swelling, bloating or feeling full
• Vague but persistent gastrointestinal problems such as gas, nausea or indigestion
• Unexplained weight loss or gain
• Ongoing, unusual fatigue
• Unexplained changes in bowel habits such as going more or less frequently
Experiencing some of these symptoms does not automatically mean ovarian cancer. And some women with ovarian cancer do not experience any of these symptoms. That is partly why ovarian cancer is difficult to detect early, and why an annual physical is important.

The exact causes of ovarian cancer are unknown. However, certain risk factors may affect a women’s risk for ovarian cancer. Learn more about these risk factors at the National Cancer Institute website.

Can ovarian cancer be prevented? Currently, there is no known way to completely prevent ovarian cancer, but some factors may reduce a woman's likelihood of developing the disease:
• Taking birth control pills (oral contraception) for several years
• Having one or more children, and breastfeeding
• Having a tubal ligation (having your fallopian tubes "tied") or hysterectomy (an operation to remove the uterus and cervix)

Women who are at high risk for ovarian cancer due to family or personal history may consider having their ovaries removed before cancer develops. This is called a "prophylactic oophorectomy." This usually, but not always, protects women from developing ovarian cancer. A woman should carefully consider and discuss the possible benefits and risks with her doctor based on her personal situation.

Get the latest news and research on ovarian cancer at MedlinePlus.org

Dean Cancer Risk Assesment Services

Do you have a personal or family history of cancer, or have concerns about your risks based on your own health history? Talk to your doctor about whether a Cancer Risk Assessment may be beneficial for you. A cancer risk assessment will help answer the following questions:
• Am I at increased risk for the cancers that run in my family?
• Do my children or other relatives have a greater chance to develop cancer?
• Is there genetic testing* available that would help me or my family?
• What are the steps I need to take to reduce my risks of cancer?

* Note: Genetic testing is NOT an automatic part of the risk assessment. It is only approached after careful analysis of the family history and thorough consideration of the benefits and limitations.

Based at the Dean Hematology & Oncology Clinic, 1200 John Q. Hammons Drive, Madison, Dean's Cancer Risk Assessment Services are provided by genetic counselors in conjunction with oncologists, psychologists and others involved in cancer care.

Cecelia Bellcross, MS, CGC, one of Dean's cancer genetics specialists explains: "My role is to help patients and their families better understand their personal and inherited risks for cancer, types of screening and genetic testing that are available, the benefits and limitations of testing, and how to manage or reduce risk factors. I don't just see oncology patients; I also provide consultation for individuals without cancer who are referred due to family history."

A consultation with Dean's Cancer Risk Assessment Services, can be scheduled by calling (608) 410-2700. A physician's referral is not required to schedule an appointment. Cancer risk assessment and genetic counseling are services covered by Dean Health Plan and many insurance carriers.

Download Dean's Cancer Risk Assessment Services fact sheet (PDF, 43 KB)

Back To School Sack Lunches

Packing a safe, delicious and nutritious sack lunch that will appeal to your child can be challenging in today’s food environment. With a little planning and some creativity, parents can avoid the early morning temptation to grab a bologna sandwich, chips, cookie and soda. A balanced lunch should include one or two servings of grain, a fruit, a vegetable, a milk or milk product, and a meat or meat substitute. See serving ideas below. Vary the flavors, colors and textures to whet the child’s interest. Pack lunches and refrigerate or freeze the night before school to save time in the morning.

Get Recipes:
• Crunchy Apple Peanut Butter (or Cream Cheese) Wrap
• Lunch Trail Mix

Lunch Bag Safety
• Use an insulated lunchbox or bag
• Include a frozen icepack to keep cold foods cold
• Frozen water bottles or a frozen juice box can serve as both a cold pack and a beverage
• Freeze meat or cheese sandwiches, they will thaw by lunch
• Pack cold and frozen foods side by side
• Throw away all uneaten perishable items

Serving Ideas
• Whole grain – bread, pita or pocket bread, tortillas, bagels, crackers or cereal
• Fruit – fresh or dried fruit is best; if a juice is packed as a beverage make sure to buy 100% fruit juice in small containers, mini fruit cups packed in juice not syrup
• Fresh vegetables – baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, green, yellow or red peppers strips, celery sticks, sliced zucchini or vegetable juice
• Milk product – low fat milk (from the cafeteria), cheese cubes, mozzarella sticks, or individual cartons of yogurt or cottage cheese
• Meat or meat substitute – lean meat, dried meat, beans, peanut butter or other nut butters, nuts, seeds or hummus

Recipes submitted by Dean Dietitian Mary Hughes, RD