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Ovarian cancer is public health issue

DEAR EDITOR:

In today’s world, millions suffer from many forms of cancer, some treatable and some a terminal illness. Funding for cancer research often is done through fundraisers and events, but somehow, a lot of focus is placed only on things like breast cancer and colon cancer when many others have a detrimental effect on the lives of people everywhere. One cancer that doesn’t get talked about as much as it should is ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer is a cancer in the ovaries or fallopian tubes of a woman’s reproductive tract. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecological cancer in the U.S. and causes more deaths than any other gynecological cancer. Ovarian cancer affects millions of women worldwide with a large impact on hormones, physical health, mental health and social wellbeing. Women die from ovarian cancer every year, and some women lose the ability to have children.

The American Cancer Society estimates about 21,410 women will be newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2021; and of those women, 13,770 will die from it.

Advocating for further research may be the best method to prevent and control ovarian cancer. This should be a priority concern when looking at cancer as a public health issue. There needs to be more research about causative factors and best methods for catching it early or preventing it all together. Women should be taught signs to look for and when to see a doctor to help catch ovarian cancer. Without more cautious steps in preventing and treating ovarian cancer, many women will be diagnosed too late and may even end up terminal at a young age due simply to lack of knowledge. Finding more information on ovarian cancer could be the best chance for many women all over the world to live full and happy lives.

ABIGAIL SCHUSTER

Niles

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