September: Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Ovarian cancer education is getting headlines lately and it's about time. Today kicks off Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and it seems everyone is joining the cause. Reported this week from Entertainment Tonight, ABC's hit drama Desperate Housewives had one of their stars smiling for the camera for an ovarian cancer public service announcement (PSA). The PSA features Kyle MacLachlan, who will be Calloway Golf Foundation's Women's Cancer Initiative spokesperson for 2008, and powerful Oscar winner Halle Berry will also be appearing this fall in their print advertising campaign. The American Cancer Society states that over 21,000 new cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed each year with 15,000 more women dying from it annually.

Since scientists have yet to find out what causes ovarian cancer, there are many risk factors involved in someone developing the disease. Some risk factors include age, obesity, and family history. The older a woman gets, the higher her risk for getting ovarian cancer same with women who are overweight. If your mother, sister or daughter has or had ovarian, breast or colon cancer, your odds are higher as well. On the opposite side of the coin, reproductive history, gynecological surgery, and diet can help lower your risk. The more kids you have and the longer you breast feed may help keep you at low risk. If you have had your tubes tied or undergone a hysterectomy, your risk is 70 percent lower. By following a low-fat diet for at least four years can not only keep you healthy, but keep you out of the danger zone for many cancers including ovarian.

In the last few years, a lot of research has been done to find a cure for ovarian cancer. Recently ginger root has been named as a possible cancer cell killer and so has The Pill. The popularity of The Pill over the decades has led to many reports that lengthy use-over seven years-of the oral contraceptive may lessen the risk of ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of death in American women. Researchers are working hard on early-detection methods, medications, and prevention of the gene mutations that cause tumors to form on the ovaries and are constantly taking new risk factors into consideration.

HealthNews has reported that ovarian cancer is close to being detected with a simple blood test to tell if you have the cancer-causing cells. A screening test has not been approved or ruled out yet, but scientists are still working out the kinks in being able to isolate the elevated blood levels that can lead to ovarian cancer. The popularity of Vitamin C also fares well with a lowered risk of ovarian cancer possible with each squeeze of the orange and studies have shown that complementary and alternative medicines like yoga, herbal pain remedies, and acupressure have found popularity among patients with ovarian cancer.

Take care this September and educate yourself on ovarian cancer. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, or would just like more information on the disease please visit the American Cancer Society or the National Cancer Institute for detailed descriptions of what to expect before, during, and after treatment, information on support groups, and alternative methods of pain relief.