September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 78 women will develop ovarian cancer in their lifetime.
Because ovarian cancer is often difficult to detect in early stages, many cases go undiagnosed until it has reached advanced stages- leading it to be the deadliest gynecologic cancer in the US.
In 2019, it’s estimated that:
- Around 22,530 women will receive a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer, and
- Around 13,980 women will die from ovarian cancer.
Ovarian Tumors
The ovaries are made up of 3 different kinds of cells, each having the potential to develop into a different type of tumor.
- Epithelial tumors are the most common tumor and start from the cells that cover the outer surface of the ovary.
- Germ cell tumors start from the cells that produce eggs.
- Stromal tumors start from cells that produce estrogen and progesterone and is responsible for holding the ovary together.
Tumors in any of these cells are not always cancerous, some are benign and stay contained in the ovary. Malignant, or cancerous, tumors have the potential to spread throughout the body and cause fatal consequences.
What Causes Ovarian Cancer?
Statistics from the American Cancer Society say that around 50% of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are age 63+.
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, only 23% of ovarian cancers are related to hereditary conditions.
According to the American Cancer Society, some potential signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer may include
- Bloating
- Pelvic/abdominal pain
- Feeling full quickly while eating
- Feeling the need to urinate urgently or often
- Fatigue
- Abdominal swelling and weight loss
Many of these symptoms can also be common in other cancers or diseases, so it’s important to talk to a medical professional if you’re experiencing some or all of these symptoms.
American Cancer Society says, “When they [symptoms listed above] are caused by ovarian cancer, they tend to be persistent and a change from normal … If you have these symptoms more than 12 times a month, see your doctor”.
Cleveland Talcum Powder Lawyers
If you have questions about the link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer or if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using talcum powder products, it’s important to contact a dangerous drug and product lawyer. Product liability lawsuits can be complex, but an experienced talcum powder lawyer will be able to navigate your potential case.