Ovarian Cancer

A Survivor's Message

In a brief excerpt from the book, a survivor tells her story.In women over the age of 45, about 12 in every 1000 will develop ovarian cancer. I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer five years ago. My mother and grandmother both died of the disease. Known simply as the "whispering disease," ovarian cancer is a cancer that is difficult to detect.
I was fortunate to be diagnosed at an early stage, and after six treatments of chemotherapy and quarterly check-ups by an oncologist, I am now back to enjoying the busy life I pursued before the operation and treatment. Not all women are as fortunate as I am. Many find the disease has progressed considerably before they are aware that they have a problem.

But the medical profession isn't solely accountable for the detection of ovarian cancer. I challenge women of all ages to be aware of changes in their bodies and seek help immediately. Those women at risk should have a rectovaginal medical check. Don't overlook the symptoms. These can help a doctor detect ovarian cancer before it begins to declare itself.

Find out about the genetic testing that is being offered today. I have two daughters who, because of my history, may be at high risk. My eldest daughter Susan, who is 38, and Kim, now 28, have both applied to be part of a genetic programme.

Ovarian cancer has resulted in the deaths of many women; however, those who have survived are also large in number. Fortunately for us, most doctors are caring people who are concerned about us. They know that the medical field continues to make great strides and the chances of successfully treating the disease are now better than they've ever been.

Although much is being done in the area of early detection, we have yet to arrive at the point where we can always detect ovarian cancer in its early stage. When we do, thousands of more women will be able to say as I can, "I once had ovarian cancer."

Doreen Wicks 

Over 5,000 patients have received copies to date.

Ovarian Cancer And You
Volume 5, Supplement 2

Table of Contents

  • Introduction
  • Occurrence and Detection of Ovarian Cancer
  • Cause of Ovarian Cancer
  • Hereditary Ovarian Cancer 
    • Genetic Counselling
    • Genetic Testing
    • Reducing the Risk of Hereditary Ovarian Cancer by Screening
    • Prophylactic Oophorectomy
  • Treatment of Ovarian Cancer
    • Surgery
      • Diagnosis
      • Staging
      • Surgical removal of tumour
      • Maintaining fertility
      • Hormone Replacement therapy
    • Chemotherapy
      • Background
      • Rationale for chemotherapy
      • Early-stage ovarian cancer
      • Advanced-stage ovarian cancer
      • Disease recurrence and chemotherapy
      • side effects of chemotherapy
    • Radiotherapy
      • Early-stage treatment
      • Advanced-stage treatment
      • Receiving radiation treatment
      • Side effects of treatment
  • The Community Gynaecologist
  • Follow-Up and Supportive Care
    • Women's Experiences with Ovarian Cancer
    • Communication with Health-Care Professionals
    • Help is Available
  • Clinical Trials
  • Future Directions
  • Resources/Support Groups
  • Appendix 1: Pathology of Ovarian Cancer
  • Appendix 2: Stages of Ovarian Cancer
  • Glossary of Terms
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