September is Ovarian Cancer Month. 

According to http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/ovarian/  there are 21,880 projected new cases of ovarian cancer for 2010 and 13,850 projected deaths.  A direct quote from the same site supplies the definition of ovarian cancer as “cancer that forms in tissues of the ovary (one of a pair of female reproductive glands in which the ova, or eggs, are formed). Most ovarian cancers are either ovarian epithelial carcinomas (cancer that begins in the cells on the surface of the ovary) or malignant germ cell tumors (cancer that begins in egg cells).

According to www.ovarian.org, this cancer affects women ages 35-74 and is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Also, it is estimated that one in 58 women will develop ovarian cancer in their lifetime. What has been so frustrating with this disease is there has not been a good screening tool available for this cancer, and early detection of this cancer is usually not the case. Some would advocate the tumor marker CA-125 as an early defining tool; however, conclusive data is not available. Currently an investigational study by M.D. Anderson is underway exploring Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer. Details of this study can be found at www.clinicaltrials.gov. Specific sites are still recruiting for this study. To access this specific study, and in the inclusion/exclusion criteria and available sites go specifically to the link:  http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT00539162.

Several nice informational sites exist for more information on ovarian cancer. One site is www.ovariancancer.org. I found a nice glossary of terms, statistics, risk factors, and links to other resources. The American Cancer Society is always a reliable site for up to date treatment and information on any cancer. You can find information at www.cancer.org/cancer/ovariancancer/index.

From the American Cancer Society, you can find information on risk factors. Areas of risk discussed are age, obesity, reproductive history, gynecologic surgery, fertility drugs, androgens, estrogen therapy, family history, and diet can be found in detail at: http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/OvarianCancer/DetailedGuide/ovarian-cancer-risk-factors.

Treatment for ovarian cancer can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and in certain areas clinical trials may be available. Complementary and alternative therapies are also mentioned, but these have not been studied and proven safe in clinical trials.

Complementary therapies are not advertised as cures, but can be used as supportive therapy. Such therapies help with relaxation, coping and sometimes pain. These therapies are range in modalities with examples of aromatherapy, music therapy, relaxation techniques, healing touch, reflexology, acupuncture, and even something as simple as peppermint tea for nausea.

Hair loss is almost a certainty with most chemotherapy associated with ovarian cancer. Skin changes can also occur. One program I helped establish while a cancer center manager was a local Look Good Feel Better group. Any woman going through cancer treatment can attend this group. If you know of someone currently going through cancer treatment, they can find information on this at www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org. Locations near the patient can be found at this site. I highly recommend this group. A free makeup and skin care kit is given to the woman, along with instruction on using wigs and scarves. An online support group for breast and ovarian cancer patients can be found at www.sharecancersupport.org.

For every pair of Clogs purchased between now and September 20, 2010, www.fancyscrubs.com will donate $10.00 each to girlygirlparts. This is a 5K Run/Walk event for Ovarian Cancer, supported by the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Check out the Ovarian Butterfly Awareness Clogs at this link: http://www.fancyscrubs.com/product/13221133.

Support is not only needed for the cancer patient, but for the caregiver as well. So whether you are a nurse who takes care of ovarian cancer patients, you are a caregiver, or close friend of an ovarian cancer survivor, take time to check out the different links here. You can also visit my site at www.poweruphealthcoaching.com for tips in nutrition and coaching that is available.

Joyce Harrell, RN, OCN has been a registered nurse for over 20 years, and is an Oncology Certified Nurse, with experience as a cancer center manager. She is also a Health and Wellness Coach, with emphasis on nutrition, health modification behaviors and goal setting.