Look at gynecological cancers "in terms of risk reduction," Health First surgeon says.
Among deadly cancers, ovarian cancer has long been called a “silent killer” because a staggering number – more than 2 in 3 – succumb to the disease.
But according to Dr. John Bomalaski, a Health First Gynecologic Oncologist, ovarian cancer needn’t be “silent.”
UPDATE Dr. John Bomalaski contributed to Elysian Magazine's March 2023 article on cancer and women. “There is no way to make someone a zero risk of female gynecological cancers, but if we look at the scenario in terms of risk reduction, there are several steps which can be taken.” READ the full story here.
There are four key measures that can give women an advantage to potentially avoiding – or beating – the disease: fully understanding risk, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, early detection, and rapid treatment following diagnosis.
Among the top risks is genetics and heredity – and the good news is that this can be identified early. Further risks that raise the likelihood of an ovarian cancer diagnosis include these:
- Age (most ovarian cancers occur in women over 60)
- Bearing children later in life (or never having a full-term pregnancy)
- Hormone therapy after menopause, and
- Lifestyle factors, including above-average weight
“We don't have a really good screening test and there is no known pre-cancer. So a lot of it has to do with suspicion, with early valuation of symptoms that persist and understanding somebody's genetic risk. If somebody has a personal history of cancer or family history of cancer ... it's important for that patient to discuss that with their health care provider,” Bomalaski said.
By identifying those with elevated risk, the opportunity to choose proactive prophylactic surgery becomes available.
READ more, including what physical symptoms may presage ovarian cancer, in Space Coast Daily here.