The Vicki Welsh Fund - Ovarian Cancer Facts

Ovarian Cancer Facts

Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumor that begins in the cells that constitute one
or both ovaries.

It occurs when abnormal cells grow in an uncontrolled manner and invade
normal tissue. These abnormal cells can accumulate and form growths or
masses called tumors.

Cancer cells spread through direct contact with other organs, through the blood
stream or the lymph nodes to other parts of the body. The spread of a tumor
from the original location to a new site is called metastasis.

Cancer cells that metastasize from other organ sites to the ovaries are not
considered ovarian cancer. These cancers are most commonly breast or colon.

There is no early testing available for ovarian cancer. PAP smears detect
cervical cancer, not ovarian cancer.

There are many types of ovarian cancer, and the treatment options depend on
the type and how far it has spread when diagnosed.

It is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can be easily confused with
other diseases. Therefore, most cases are diagnosed when the disease has
advanced to later stages (Stage III or IV).

In cases where ovarian cancer detection happens before it has spread beyond
the ovaries, more than 90% of women survive longer than five years.

When diagnosed in advanced stages, the chance of 5 year survival drops to
about 25%.

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all gynecological cancers and will affect 1 in
57 women. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be more
than 22,000 new cases diagnosed and more than 15,000 deaths this year in
the U.S.

Research shows that a referral to a gynecologic oncologist remains one of the
top factors in increasing ovarian cancer survival rates and decreasing rates of
recurrence.

As with all cancers, it is extremely important to have open communication with
your health care team during your treatment.

This information was compiled using the following sources:
American Cancer Society
National Cancer Institute
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
Ovarian Cancer National Alliance
The Wellness Community

The Vicki Welsh Ovarian Cancer Fund is administered by:

5830 NW Barry Road, BMP Suite 270
Kansas City, Missouri 64154
www.spelmanfoundation.org