A recent topic was ovarian cancer. Annually there are about 24,000 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer, while more than 13,000 die of the disease. Risk factors for ovarian cancer include never having been pregnant, being of North American or North European descent, having a personal history of endometrial, colon or breast cancer or a family history of ovarian cancer.
Early detection is a major area.
Like many other cancers, the earlier ovarian cancer is found the more likely curative therapy will not only be offered but will be successful. Regrettably since signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer are obscure, most women with ovarian cancer are diagnosed at the time of extensive disease. A blood test called the CA-125 has been useful in following the course of the disease. Some have attempted to use it and pelvic ultrasound to find early cancers. The majority of women with ovarian cancer have elevation of CA-125.