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WOMEN’S HEALTH
OvarianShining a Light on
Cancer
The symptoms of ovarian cancer can be subtle
and easy to mistake. Knowing what to watch for
saves lives.
THE PATH FORWARD THE AMERICAN CANCER Center, Navicent Health.
Society estimates more than “It’s often diagnosed in an
Being diagnosed with cancer can feel like information 22,000 women in the United advanced stage because people
overload. There are unfamiliar medical terms, names, States will be diagnosed with don’t think symptoms could
office locations, phone numbers, timelines, tests and ovarian cancer this year. About be caused by cancer. A key clue
treatments to learn about. At Peyton Anderson Cancer 90 percent of them will be is that unlike signs of more
Center, Navicent Health, a team of five patient advocate older than 40, according to the common conditions, which
nurse navigators help make sense of it all. Centers for Disease Control tend to improve, the symptoms
and Prevention. of ovarian cancer get worse
Patients who are newly diagnosed meet with nurse over time.”
navigators, either in person or over the phone. In addition to age, risk
factors for ovarian cancer If symptoms last for more
“Most people want to know three things: how include having a family than two weeks, speak with
advanced their cancer is, the treatment options and what history of the disease and your physician. Abnormal
to expect,” says Cyndi Pyle, RN, BSN, patient advocate having a personal history of vaginal bleeding—another sign
nurse navigator. “I answer their questions and let them breast, uterine or colorectal of ovarian cancer—requires
know I’m going to be part of their support system every cancer. There is no screening immediate attention. Treatment
step of the way.” to find the disease early, which typically involves surgery to
makes recognizing warning remove the ovaries and tumor
The nurse navigators also coordinate appointments signs even more important. followed by chemotherapy. For
and help address patients’ financial, emotional and many individuals, the outlook
spiritual needs. At the end of treatment, they work TAKE SYMPTOMS SERIOUSLY is hopeful.
hands-on with patients to figure out what comes next.
Their steady, soothing presence is an important part of “Many women think signs of “Women with this disease
the fight against cancer. ovarian cancer—which include are living longer all the time,”
abdominal pain, bloating, Dr. McIntosh says. “Above all,
6 navicenthealth.org | FALL 2017 trouble eating, and frequent patients should remember that
or urgent urination—are a cure is possible.”
due to common, less serious
disorders, like indigestion,” FOR MORE INFORMATION
says David McIntosh, MD, ABOUT CANCER CARE AT
gynecologic oncologist at NAVICENT HEALTH, VISIT
Peyton Anderson Cancer WWW.NAVICENTHEALTH.ORG.
