FEATURE

New Research: Ovarian Cancer No Longer a "Silent Killer"

• Dr. Goff Speaks On Symptoms and Early Detection

	Dr. Barbara Goff

A recent study published in the journal Cancer by University of Washington researcher Dr. Barbara Goff, and funded by the Marsha Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer Research, finds that women diagnosed with ovarian cancer report symptoms with greater frequency and severity and of more recent onset that women without cancer. This research shatters the previously held belief that ovarian cancer is a "silent killer" where women have little to no symptoms until the disease is in the late stages and difficult to cure. According to Dr. Goff, "this research is important because we believe that acting upon these first symptoms may detect ovarian cancer earlier, when it is potentially curable."

This research finding coincides with an important bill signed by President George W. Bush on January 12. Called Johanna's Law, it authorizes implementation of a major federal campaign to educate American women and health professionals about the signs and symptoms of ovarian and other gynecologic cancers. The campaign will help women recognize potentially dangerous symptoms and seek earlier medical attention from health professionals who would know how to detect the disease earlier.

Ovarian cancer is the leading killer of gynecologic cancers. Because there is no reliable screening test for ovarian cancer, four in five women will be diagnosed in the late stages of the disease. This research may help in earlier diagnosis, when prognosis is good, thus possibly sparing women and their families from the suffering and heartache that accompanies a late-stage cancer diagnosis.

Dr. Goff plans to pursue this research further by developing a symptom index which physicians could use to determine whether patients were presenting symptoms suggestive of ovarian cancer or a less serious condition such as irritable bowel syndrome. She says "a relatively simple evaluation of symptoms should prompt a thorough evaluation for ovarian cancer."

Dr. Saul Rivkin, Founder of the Marsha Rivkin Center & Chairman of the Board was delighted with this new research finding, saying "it's exciting to see results so quickly, especially a tool as simple as the symptom index could be. We're proud to have funded this important work and I applaud Dr. Goff's efforts."

Know the signs & symptoms of ovarian cancer:

• Abdominal bloating, discomfort or pain
• Increased abdominal size
• Feeling full quickly after eating
• Frequent need to urinate
• Constipation
• Lack of energy
• Vaginal bleeding

These symptoms may be caused by ovarian cancer or by other, less serious conditions. It is important to check with a doctor about these symptoms if they are new and persist for 2-3 weeks, especially if you experience several at one time. Tests for ovarian cancer include pelvic ultrasound, CA 125 blood test and a pelvic exam. If ovarian cancer is suspected, consult a gynecologic oncologist.