Of all the cancers, ovarian cancer is the fifth highest cause of death in women. Usually, by the time the cancer is identified, it has spread beyond the ovary. Pap smears do not detect this cancer. The chance of surviving the cancer is much higher when it is found early.
Recently some symptoms of early ovarian cancer have been identified. These include a feeling of pressure, fullness, swelling or bloating in the abdomen; an urgent need to urinate; and pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen. As you can see, these symptoms are common to a lot of problems.
Certain women are more likely to get ovarian cancer: Those who have a family history of breast cancer with inherited breast cancer genes, family history of ovarian cancer, women past menopause (although it does occur in younger women as well), women who did not have children, those who had difficulty getting pregnant, and those who took hormones after menopause. Also, young women who were overweight by the age of 18 seem to have a higher risk of ovarian cancer before menopause.
Women who are at risk of ovarian cancer would be wise to see a gynecologist who is familiar with ovarian cancer regularly. Women who develop the symptoms listed above should see a doctor. If treatment advised by the doctor doesn’t help the symptoms, a visit to the gynecologist and pelvic examination would be advised.
More information on ovarian cancer can be found at http://www.ovarian.org/ or at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/ovarian/
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Saturday, July 28, 2007
August is Cataract Awareness Month
A cataract is a cloudiness of the lens in your eye. The lens, just like one in binoculars, focuses on what you see, giving a clear image. As we age, cataracts develop. Eventually it's difficult to see clearly, to read and to drive. It's especially hard to drive at night because the glare of headlights makes the problem worse. Think of driving through fog with high beam headlights.
The problem starts slowly. Early on, bright lights for reading and an eyeglass prescription change may help. Cataracts effect seeing things at a distance.
Signs and symptoms of cataract include:
Most folks need regular eye exams, especially as we get older. An opthalmologist is a doctor who specializes in the eyes. He or she will be able to test for cataracts and advise on treatment.
The only treatment for cataracts is an operation to remove the lens. Usually an artificial lens is put in its place. If not, glasses or contact lenses are used. This surgery is a common one--risks should be discussed with your opthalmologist.
The problem starts slowly. Early on, bright lights for reading and an eyeglass prescription change may help. Cataracts effect seeing things at a distance.
Signs and symptoms of cataract include:
- Cloudy, blurry, or dim vision
- Problems with night vision
- Light and glare sensitivity
- Halos around lights
- Needing bright lights in order to read
- Needing new glasses more often
- Colors appear yellow or faded
- Double vision in one eye
Most folks need regular eye exams, especially as we get older. An opthalmologist is a doctor who specializes in the eyes. He or she will be able to test for cataracts and advise on treatment.
The only treatment for cataracts is an operation to remove the lens. Usually an artificial lens is put in its place. If not, glasses or contact lenses are used. This surgery is a common one--risks should be discussed with your opthalmologist.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
July is Herbal/Prescription Awareness Month
Herbs are just plants, so they’re safe to take with my medicines, right?
Wrong—sometimes deadly wrong.
Thousands of Americans use herbs for various purposes—memory, energy, sleep, digestion, weight loss. They’re in every drug store, supermarket, and fitness magazine. They’re available without prescription, so most people consider them benign.
The truth is some drug/herb combinations are dangerous. The effect of the drug might be stronger, weaker, or eliminated altogether. Here are some examples:
If you’re taking Coumadin (Warfarin), a blood thinner, use of ginkgo, garlic, dong quai, and several other herbs may cause bleeding.
Taking St. John’s Wort with certain antidepressants may interfere with the action of Digoxin, taken to help the heart contract, or Theophylline, taken for breathing conditions.
Taking ginseng with Digoxin will make it difficult to measure blood levels of the Digoxin, causing problems for the physician in properly prescribing the drug. Digoxin is effective at certain levels and toxic at others.
Licorice, used for indigestion, interferes with Digoxin and with Spirinolactone, a drug for high blood pressure, making them less effective.
It is very important to tell your physician about everything you’re taking. That includes herbs, over-the-counter remedies, and medications ordered by other physicians. Your pharmacist is an excellent source of information about herb and medicine combinations, too. A good place for information on the web is found at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DrugHerbIndex.
Wrong—sometimes deadly wrong.
Thousands of Americans use herbs for various purposes—memory, energy, sleep, digestion, weight loss. They’re in every drug store, supermarket, and fitness magazine. They’re available without prescription, so most people consider them benign.
The truth is some drug/herb combinations are dangerous. The effect of the drug might be stronger, weaker, or eliminated altogether. Here are some examples:
If you’re taking Coumadin (Warfarin), a blood thinner, use of ginkgo, garlic, dong quai, and several other herbs may cause bleeding.
Taking St. John’s Wort with certain antidepressants may interfere with the action of Digoxin, taken to help the heart contract, or Theophylline, taken for breathing conditions.
Taking ginseng with Digoxin will make it difficult to measure blood levels of the Digoxin, causing problems for the physician in properly prescribing the drug. Digoxin is effective at certain levels and toxic at others.
Licorice, used for indigestion, interferes with Digoxin and with Spirinolactone, a drug for high blood pressure, making them less effective.
It is very important to tell your physician about everything you’re taking. That includes herbs, over-the-counter remedies, and medications ordered by other physicians. Your pharmacist is an excellent source of information about herb and medicine combinations, too. A good place for information on the web is found at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DrugHerbIndex.
Monday, June 4, 2007
June is Cancer from the Sun Month
As a teenager living in Southern California (a long time ago), my favorite activity was going to the beach—any beach. I had hopes that all my freckles would blend into a beautiful tan. Never happened—but I had some unforgettable sunburns. Now I have some big regrets.Basically I have a one in three chance of developing skin cancer. All those sunburn episodes increase the risk. A light complexion is another factor. Young people who use tanning beds are more prone to develop skin cancer as well.
Skin cancer is a widespread problem—more than 1 million Americans are diagnosed with it every year and more than 20 die each year, mostly from melanoma.
The best treatment is prevention! A young child’s skin is especially sensitive. Babies need complete protection from direct sunlight; sunscreen should not be used on a baby younger than 6 months old.
Cream-type sunscreens are better for children to prevent drying of the skin. Usually not enough is applied. Although a sunscreen of SPF 15 may be the usual recommendation, a higher SPF may be more effective, even if you’re not using enough. Put it on before exposure to the sun—it takes a few minutes to start working. And check the expiration date on your sunscreen. It’s probably best to buy a new container every year. If you don’t like the cream, try a spray or gel. Your ears and the tops of your feet need a coating. And don’t forget your lips—lip balm with SPF 15 protection might prevent a skin cancer. Most experts advise re-applying sunscreen every couple of hours. Water-resistant sunscreen is necessary on the beach or in the water—sand and water reflect sunlight and intensify the burn.
Dress for protection with wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, loose cotton clothing and shoes or sandals.
Some other pointers:
Exposure to the sun before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. is less likely to burn.
A teen who wants a beautiful tan might try one of the newer self-tanning lotions—they don’t turn your skin orange like they used to!
A cloudy day doesn’t provide protection—those rays get through.
Don’t think you’re safe if you’re dark complected or African-American—the sun can still do damage.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a yearly skin exam by your doctor and a monthly self-exam—to learn how to do this, see http://www.skincancer.org/self_exam/spot_skin_cancer.php. Early diagnosis and treatment greatly reduce the risk of death.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
May is Fibromyalgia Education and Awareness Month
Have you ever felt sore all over? So tired it’s difficult to move around? Full of tender spots that hurt whenever anything comes in contact with your skin? These are some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia, a chronic condition. A person with these symptoms that last longer than several months should see a doctor. It’s not easy to diagnose fibromyalgia; the doctor will do a thorough examination and tests to be sure it’s not another problem.
People with fibromyalgia have a chronic pain problem; pain affects many parts of the body and is worse at some times than others. They may seem to sleep well but don’t wake up rested at all and are often tired. They have many areas that are tender to touch.
Fibromyalgia is more frequent in women and tends to show up in your 30’s and 40’s—but it may affect younger or older people as well. People with rheumatic disease (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, etc) and who have the condition in their families are more susceptible.
The good news is the problem won’t get steadily worse or be life-threatening. There are medications that help symptoms. Regular exercise will cause more pain at first but often reduces the symptoms.
Some great information can be found at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/DS00079
People with fibromyalgia have a chronic pain problem; pain affects many parts of the body and is worse at some times than others. They may seem to sleep well but don’t wake up rested at all and are often tired. They have many areas that are tender to touch.
Fibromyalgia is more frequent in women and tends to show up in your 30’s and 40’s—but it may affect younger or older people as well. People with rheumatic disease (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, etc) and who have the condition in their families are more susceptible.
The good news is the problem won’t get steadily worse or be life-threatening. There are medications that help symptoms. Regular exercise will cause more pain at first but often reduces the symptoms.
Some great information can be found at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/DS00079
Friday, April 6, 2007
April is National Parkinson's Awareness Month
As you may know, Billy Graham has Parkinson’s Disease, as does Michael J. Fox. This disease usually affects people over 60, but occasionally occurs in people under 40. In 2004, it was estimated that more than 500,000 Americans had this condition. It’s a brain disorder—there is a loss of the nerve cells that produce dopamine, a chemical which allows the body to move in a smooth, coordinated way.
The most common symptoms are tremor or shaking, slow movement, stiffness, and balance problems. Other symptoms include small, cramped handwriting, shuffling walk, muffled speech, and depression. The signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease grow worse over time and may eventually be disabling, but this is a slow process.
Doctors may use various tests to make sure the symptoms aren’t from some other condition, but there are no tests to make a diagnosis of this disease. The doctor makes a diagnosis based on the symptoms, examining the patient, and checking reflexes and brain function.
Men are more likely to develop this condition than women. If you have a close relative with Parkinson’s, there is a very small chance you may eventually have it, too. People who work with herbicides and pesticides over a long period are susceptible as well.
There are medications available to ease the symptoms and new ones being studied which may slow the progress of the disease. Some combinations of drugs work with fewer side effects. Usually the medicines are quite effective at first but grow less so over time. Exercise and physical therapy help to keep the person mobile and keep muscles strong. Some operations have been found to improve the tremors and other symptoms.
It’s important for the person with this disease to learn as much as he/she can about it and take an active part in decisions about treatment. Support from family and friends is most helpful. Being open about what’s going on is important for everyone in the family.
Some excellent information on Parkinson’s Disease can be found at:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/parkinsons-disease/DS00295/DSECTION=1
http://www.parkinson.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?&pid=201&srcid=226
http://cms.clevelandclinic.org/neuroscience/body.cfm?id=142
The most common symptoms are tremor or shaking, slow movement, stiffness, and balance problems. Other symptoms include small, cramped handwriting, shuffling walk, muffled speech, and depression. The signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease grow worse over time and may eventually be disabling, but this is a slow process.
Doctors may use various tests to make sure the symptoms aren’t from some other condition, but there are no tests to make a diagnosis of this disease. The doctor makes a diagnosis based on the symptoms, examining the patient, and checking reflexes and brain function.
Men are more likely to develop this condition than women. If you have a close relative with Parkinson’s, there is a very small chance you may eventually have it, too. People who work with herbicides and pesticides over a long period are susceptible as well.
There are medications available to ease the symptoms and new ones being studied which may slow the progress of the disease. Some combinations of drugs work with fewer side effects. Usually the medicines are quite effective at first but grow less so over time. Exercise and physical therapy help to keep the person mobile and keep muscles strong. Some operations have been found to improve the tremors and other symptoms.
It’s important for the person with this disease to learn as much as he/she can about it and take an active part in decisions about treatment. Support from family and friends is most helpful. Being open about what’s going on is important for everyone in the family.
Some excellent information on Parkinson’s Disease can be found at:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/parkinsons-disease/DS00295/DSECTION=1
http://www.parkinson.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?&pid=201&srcid=226
http://cms.clevelandclinic.org/neuroscience/body.cfm?id=142
Saturday, March 24, 2007
In Case of Illness—Communicate!
Communication is a sharing of ideas, thoughts, concerns, feelings. It’s an important tool in your “medicine chest.” Illness, especially chronic illness, can be discouraging and frustrating for all involved. So it’s essential to:
· Communicate with your doctor. Learn all you can about your condition and what to expect. Discuss your symptoms, how medicines are affecting you, the effects on your life. Be active in the process—don’t let others make important decisions for you, but be sure you have all the information you need. And listen! Be sure you understand the doctor’s instructions and explanations. If you don’t, tell him or her. Don’t be embarrassed because you don’t speak “medicalese.” Misunderstanding a doctor’s words can be quite dangerous.
· Communicate with others. Develop a “support group” of folks who will encourage and understand. This might include friends, people at your church, your family certainly, and perhaps an actual support group of people experiencing the same problem as you.
· Communicate with your spouse. Don’t be a lone ranger. Your illness and changes in your life have profound effects on those closest to you. You may not be able to work or to physically care for yourself. Talk honestly about feelings and concerns. And listen—communication involves more than letting your own feelings be heard. This is a high stress issue for you both and not the time to be super-sensitive about what is said. Put yourself in your spouse’s place and make an effort to understand his/her concerns. It’s my belief that all couples ought to share their preferences about end-of-life treatments with each other as well.*
· Communicate with your children. Don’t try to hide the truth from them. Not knowing is often more frightening than whatever the truth might be.
Keep the channels open to those around you. Isolating yourself increases the depression and anxiety that may come with illness.
*For information on these decisions, I recommend http://wings.buffalo.edu/faculty/research/bioethics/lwill.html. While some of the information may be out-of-date, the article presents a clear discussion of the issues involved.
· Communicate with your doctor. Learn all you can about your condition and what to expect. Discuss your symptoms, how medicines are affecting you, the effects on your life. Be active in the process—don’t let others make important decisions for you, but be sure you have all the information you need. And listen! Be sure you understand the doctor’s instructions and explanations. If you don’t, tell him or her. Don’t be embarrassed because you don’t speak “medicalese.” Misunderstanding a doctor’s words can be quite dangerous.
· Communicate with others. Develop a “support group” of folks who will encourage and understand. This might include friends, people at your church, your family certainly, and perhaps an actual support group of people experiencing the same problem as you.
· Communicate with your spouse. Don’t be a lone ranger. Your illness and changes in your life have profound effects on those closest to you. You may not be able to work or to physically care for yourself. Talk honestly about feelings and concerns. And listen—communication involves more than letting your own feelings be heard. This is a high stress issue for you both and not the time to be super-sensitive about what is said. Put yourself in your spouse’s place and make an effort to understand his/her concerns. It’s my belief that all couples ought to share their preferences about end-of-life treatments with each other as well.*
· Communicate with your children. Don’t try to hide the truth from them. Not knowing is often more frightening than whatever the truth might be.
Keep the channels open to those around you. Isolating yourself increases the depression and anxiety that may come with illness.
*For information on these decisions, I recommend http://wings.buffalo.edu/faculty/research/bioethics/lwill.html. While some of the information may be out-of-date, the article presents a clear discussion of the issues involved.
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