Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in Independent Living for Seniors
Ovarian Cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women. In the United States alone, about 19,600 women will receive a diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer in 2024. This type of cancer is more likely to develop in older women from 63 years old and older, and female residents in independent living for seniors are more prone to this condition. Despite the major advancements in research and cancer care the older population does not benefit from this according to real-life data. Having ovarian cancer does not only affect the person diagnosed with it, but the effects extend to the family, friends, and acquaintances. By working hand in hand with independent living for seniors, the community can raise awareness, provide support to people living with ovarian cancer, and make provisions for research funding.
This is what Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is – educating, supporting, volunteering, and funding.
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in Independent Living for Seniors
Every September, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month commemorates a time for raising awareness about cancer. It is also an opportunity to support the community, including those in independent living for seniors.
A month-long series of events and activities aim to highlight the importance of early detection through regular health check-ups, educating people about the risk factors and symptoms. Other than educating the public, different groups and healthcare advocates organize a month-long series of events and programs, including fundraising events to raise funds to support ongoing research and provide resources to patients, diagnostic tools, and treatments. Other than this, collective efforts from healthcare professionals, researchers, families, and people women with cervical cancer aim not only to educate the community but also to fund research.
By promoting early detection and education, the risks of ovarian cancer are reduced.
Signs of Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian Cancer is most common in senior women. Symptoms of ovarian cancer may include the following:
- Abdominal bleeding happens outside of the regular menstrual cycle
- Bloating or abdominal pain
- Changes in abdominal size
- Sudden loss of appetite
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Feeling full quickly
- Frequent urination
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is best to consult a primary care provider. However, despite technological and medical advancements, there is no dedicated ovarian cancer screening test. This makes it difficult to diagnose early stages of ovarian cancer.
Ovarian Cancer Types & Stages | Independent Living for Seniors
Ovarian cancer is diagnosed based on its severity. The higher the number, the more serious the condition.
Stage 1 is divided into subcategories: 1A, 1B, and 1C. 1A refers to the condition where cancer is only detected in one fallopian tube or ovary. Meanwhile, cancer in both ovaries or fallopian tubes is 1B, and 1C is cancer in both ovaries or fallopian tubes but is found in the peritoneal cavity.
Stage 2 ovarian cancer has two subcategories: IIA and IIB. The former refers to the cancer that has spread to the uterus. On the other hand, IIB is a cancer that has spread to other nearby structures in the pelvis.
Stage 3 is subcategorized into three: IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC. The first subcategory, IIIA, is cancer that has spread beyond the pelvis to the abdomen. IIIB is cancer that has spread beyond the pelvis or within the lymph nodes with a tumor up to 2cm in size. Stage IIIC is a tumor that has moved outside the pelvis with a size bigger than 2cm.
Stage 4 is the last stage and the most severe case. In this stage, the cancer spreads to the liver, and the tumor reaches the lymph nodes or the chest.
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