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Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month; Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer
September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month! The Smith Law Firm supports those who have fought or are currently fighting this terrible disease. Approximately 23,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year in the United States and Canada. Unfortunately, there is no reliable screening test for ovarian cancer. Therefore, it is critical women pay attention to their symptoms and talk to their doctor if symptoms persist. Signs of ovarian cancer may include bloating, abdominal pain, urinary symptoms, difficulty eating, unexplained weight gain or loss, and/or menstrual irregularities. Because symptoms are common and the only definitive way to determine if a patient has ovarian cancer is through a biopsy, women should be aware of the risk factors for ovarian cancer. These risk factors include:
- Use of talcum powder: Perineal use of talcum powder increases the risk of ovarian cancer, as definitively determined by Health Canada.
- Age: Risk of ovarian cancer increases with age.
- Genetic mutations: Inheriting genetic mutations, such as BRCA gene mutations, increases a woman’s risk of ovarian cancer.
- Ethnicity; Some mutations of ovarian cancer are more common among those of Ashkenazi Jewish or French-Canadian descent.
- Family history of certain cancers: Risk of ovarian cancer is increased if a woman’s family has a history of ovarian, colorectal, and/or breast cancer.
- Endometriosis: A history of endometriosis may increase risk of ovarian cancer.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer following the use of talcum based body powders, contact The Smith Law Firm today.
Sources:
https://ovariancanada.org/About-Ovarian-Cancer/Disease-Basics;