Female Cancers: 4 Facts About Ovarian Cancer Every Woman Should Know by Joyce Knestrick, CRNP, FAANP

This year, more than 20,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. While statistically far less common than breast cancer, ovarian cancer can be deadly. Here are four facts every woman should know about ovarian cancer:

• Older people have an increased risk. Ninety percent of women diagnosed are over 40, and most are over 60.

• Early detection is key. Stage 1 and 2 cure rates approach 95 percent, while the Stage 4 cure rate is only 5 percent.

• Early detection is also very difficult. Ovarian cancer hides deep in the pelvic region, making it difficult to find until it’s progressed. As a result, 80 percent of diagnoses are in the late stage.

• Knowing the risk factors helps. Family history, age, never being pregnant and smoking are some of the possible causes.

Every year, 14,000 women die from ovarian cancer. If you’re concerned about your risk, visit your nurse practitioner to learn more. Early detection is key to survival!

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