Download September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month!

www.pmsiforlife.com Pottstown Medical Specialists Inc. September 2012 September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month!
Ovarian Cancer is often referred to as the silent killer. Early detection is key for a woman to have a successful survival rate with ovarian cancer. However, most women are not diagnosed until ovarian cancer has already progressed into its advanced stages due to lack of early detection. Ovarian cancer is considered to be one of the most severe form of women’s cancer. The estimated deaths in 2012 from ovarian cancer were 15, 500 and 22,280 new cases of ovarian cancer were reported. It is extremely crucial for women to play a part in early detection and become aware of the symptoms of this fatal disease. There are three types of ovarian cancer and cell type determines treatment regimen. A woman’s ovaries are located on either side of the uterus and are about the size and shape of an almond. It is hard for a woman to detect the symptoms listed below because they are often common symptoms of other diseases. (i.e. bladder infections or digestive problems.) Ovarian cancer is diagnosed when malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the ovaries. Ovarian cancer will eventually spread outside the ovaries if left untreated and will become fatal. Most Common Symptoms: o
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Bloating Difficulty eating/feeling full quickly Abdominal or pelvic pain Feeling the need to urinate frequently or urgently Other Symptoms: o
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Back pain Fatigue Heartburn or Indigestion Menstrual changes Constipation Pain during intercourse Nausea Note: Since the presenting signs of this disease are vague, an evaluation by your doctor is necessary to make an appropriate early diagnosis. Don't delay in seeking care and discussing with your PMSI provider! (xxx) yyy-yyyy
www.pmsiforlife.com Pottstown Medical Specialists Inc. September 2012 Risk Factors
Family History: If ovarian cancer runs in your
family or if you were previously diagnosed with
a cancer, you have a higher risk.
Age: Ovarian cancer can occur at any age.
However, as you get older and go through
menopause you develop a higher chance of
being diagnosed.
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Never being pregnant: The chances increase
for women who have never been pregnant.
Inherited gene mutations: These are genes
that are identified in families with multiple
cases of breast cancer. These genes will
increase a person’s risk of ovarian cancer.
Tests & Treatments
Tests: ultrasound, pelvic exam, CA125
blood test, and surgery to collect tissue for
testing.
Treatments: Surgery and chemotherapy.
Four stages of Ovarian Cancer:
Stage 1: Ovarian cancer is localized in one or both
ovaries.
Stage 2:Ovarian cancer begins to spread – i.e. to the
uterus, pelvis or fallopian tubes.
Stage 3: Ovarian cancer spreads to the lymph nodes
within the abdomen. (beyond the pelvis)
Stage 4: The cancer reaches other organs beyond the
abdomen, such as the liver and lungs.
PMSI Recognition
PMSI’s Diabetic Educator, Debbie Zlomek, has been chosen as the recipient of the Medtronic Exceptional CPT Award. This is in recognition of her hard work and dedication in providing the highest level of patient education and training to PMSI patients. If you want guidance on how to self-­‐manage your diabetes and learn more about insulin pumps, please contact Emily to setup a demonstration with Debbie. Emily Dutill Patient Educator Pottstown Medical Specialists, Inc. Ph: 484-­‐318-­‐0446