Lakewood, N.J. – According to the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, nearly 800 New Jersey women, per year, are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and more than 500 of them die of this disease.
"Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecologic cancer deaths among women in America," explains Dr. Eric Lehnes, obstetrician and gynecologist expert at Kimball Medical Center. "Approximately 25 percent of ovarian cancers are diagnosed at a stage early enough to treat successfully. When cases are diagnosed after the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, it's difficult to treat with a high success rate."
Ovarian cancer occurs when a cancerous tumor is in a woman’s ovary. In most cases, there are no known causes. Early stages of ovarian cancer often do not show any signs or symptoms, but there are several symptoms found in the later stages of the cancer including ongoing pain or cramps in the belly or back, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and nausea and bloating, abnormal pain or bleeding during sexual intercourse,weight loss, or a change in your bowel habits.
The choice of treatment and the long-term outcome for women who have ovarian cancer depends on the type and stage of cancer. Age, general health, quality of life, and desire to have children or preserve fertility are all factors that play a part in deciding proper treatment. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation are the three forms of treatment offered for ovarian cancer patients.
"Women with a pattern of symptoms should see a doctor or gynecologist for an evaluation that could include a pelvic exam, an ultrasound, and a blood test that looks for the presence of a protein called CA 125 that is elevated in most ovarian cancer cells. The physician and the patient can then decide whether the patient should undergo treatment," explains Dr. Lehnes.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Eric Lehnes or another physician on staff at Kimball Medical Center, please call the Barnabas Health Care Link at 1-888-724-7123.
Date: August 28, 2009
CONTACT: Carrie Cristello
Director, Public Relations
732-923-6552
ccristello@barnabashealth.org
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