I want to tell you a quick story about ovarian cancer. EVERY
woman is at risk for this deadly disease, regardless of age,
regardless of family history, and regardless of whether she still
has ovaries in her body. (It is then called Primary Peritoneal
Cancer.)

This year, more than 23,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian
cancer in the U.S., and more than 14,000 will die from it. These
women are your mothers, sisters, friends, and yes, even your
daughters. This disease is more than 90% curable if caught
early. Unfortunately, most cases are not diagnosed until the late
stages, when it is more difficult to treat.

Every woman should know her risks for this disease and be aware
of its symptoms. If she has an elevated risk for ovarian cancer,
she should be screened annually for it and insist on quality
medical care. If tests reveal the possibility that she has
ovarian cancer, she should be referred to a gynecologic
oncologist for evaluation and treatment. Studies indicate that
women treated by these specialists do better and live longer than
those not treated by gynecologic oncologists.

My cancer journey began in the spring of 1998, when I was 55
years old. I was in excellent health, ate right, and exercised. I
felt great - except that my abdomen had rather suddenly enlarged,
and I was constipated for a couple of weeks. Because I had a
total hysterectomy (including ovaries) many years before that, I
went to a gastroenterologist with my symptoms.

The first few tests he ran were negative, and I was diagnosed
with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). I didn't feel this could
account for my enlarged girth and insisted on more
testing. Because of this persistence, I was ultimately correctly
diagnosed within a few short weeks with Ovarian Cancer (actually,
Primary Peritoneal Cancer). The final diagnosis was made through
a blood test called CA-125. Normal is 0-35; mine was 754. (For
more information on my diagnosis, treatment, and advocacy, go to
the Johns Hopkins website http://ovariancancer.jhmi.edu and click
on "Personal Stories." Scroll to Carolyn Benivegna and click on
it.)

This CA-125 test is not 100% accurate and is, therefore, not
considered by most physicians to be a good screening for ovarian
cancer. Approximately 80% of women who have ovarian cancer will
have an elevated CA-125. Approximately 20% of women who have
ovarian cancer do not ever have an elevated CA-125. That is why
it is critical to use the CA-125 only as part of a diagnostic
regimen that includes a rectovaginal pelvic exam and transvaginal
sonography.

TAKE ACTION if any of the following symptoms last more than two
weeks. Screening for ovarian cancer includes a combination
pelvic/rectal exam, a CA-125 blood test, and a transvaginal
sonogram. NOTE: Pap smears do NOT detect ovarian cancer.

    * Vague but persistent gas, nausea, indigestion,
      constipation, or diarrhea.
    * Abdominal bloating, feeling of fullness, or pain.
    * Frequent or urgent urination.
    * Menstrual disorders, pain during intercourse.
    * Fatigue, backaches.
    * Weight gain or loss.
    * Abdominal distention. 

One or more of the following could put you at above-average risk
for ovarian cancer:

    * Family history of ovarian, breast, or colon cancer.
    * Personal breast, endometrial, or colon cancer.
    * Breast/Ovarian cancer syndrome(s) BRCA or HHNPCC.
    * Uninterrupted ovulation (no pregnancies, no use of birth
      control pills, early menses, or late menopause).
    * Fertility drugs taken for more than three cycles.
    * Use of talc-based powders in the genital area or use of
      condoms dusted with talc.
    * Increasing age. 

If you would like to receive free information about ovarian
cancer (via snail mail) please contact me:

		  Carolyn Benivegna, President
	  Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Florida-Gulf Coast
		       5835 Cloudstone Ct.
		      Naples FL 34119-4606
		       Phone: 239.455.0554
	      Email: Info@OvarianCancerFlorida.org

Source: http://www.breakthechain.org/exclusives/ca125.html,
6/27/2002