Near Menopause -- Ladies, Please Pay Attention

I am not a medical doctor, so don't ever replace my words for a doctor's judgement. However, I want to make all women, near, at or post menopausal, that ovarian cancer is a serious, oftentimes, fatal disease that we need to be aware of.

It is particularly true if you have a first line relative (mom or sister) with either breast or ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer, unfortunately has few, if any symptoms until it is too late to be treated. A GYN can do the yearly exam, including Pap smear, without a real way to detect a tumor in the ovaries--particularly if the patient is not an eighty pound female (and few of us are). That's why I encourage patients to ask their doctor about having a sonogram of their ovaries. If the doctor can't justify it for insurance purposes, then a woman should incur the expense anyway. It could be well worth it if it can save your life.

An ovarian tumor, found early before it has spread, can be removed and life can go on happily. As I mentioned, the symptoms of ovarian cancer such as bloating, pain on intercourse, change in bladder or bowel habits, can be signs of many other benign conditions. Ironically, most male doctors, in particular, will minimize the need to check for ovarian cancer because they feel that it is so rare. Nonetheless, it is not that rare. If you have never had children or had them late in life, your chances of getting ovarian cancer increases.

Therefore, when you get your next check up, ask about a sonogram of your ovaries. The test takes about 15 minutes and is painless. They do put a probe into your vaginal, but it is not painful and it is to allow them to get a good view of the uterus and ovaries. There is a blood test called CA 125, it is not conclusive and has false positives.

Whatever you choose, it's better than nothing and if we women aren't our own advocates for fighting ovarian cancer, no one will be. Remember, Gilda Ratner.....she wasn't even menopause age, but she had no children. Let's work together also to encourage researchers to find a cure for ovarian cancer, but in the meantime, let's be smart and safe.