October marks ovarian cancer awareness month. According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women.
In the United States, each year 22,000 women are diagnosed with the disease and 15,000 die from it.
On Wednesday’s St. Louis on the Air, host Don Marsh discussed early warning signs of ovarian cancer, resources for those in treatment and ongoing efforts to increase survivorship with two guests:
- Andrea Hagemann, M.D., Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology at Washington University School of Medicine
- Susan Robben, Executive Director, St. Louis Ovarian Cancer Awareness, and an ovarian cancer survivor
Some of the warning signs of ovarian cancer include:
- bloating
- pelvic or abdominal pain
- urinary urgency or frequency
- difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
Other symptoms may also include fatigue, indigestion, back pain, pain with intercourse, constipation, menstrual irregularities and unexplained weight gain or loss.
Related Event
What: SLOCA 11th Annual Families Run for Ovarian Cancer Walk/Run
When: Sunday, Oct. 8 at 8:45 a.m.
Where: Soldiers Memorial, 1315 Chestnut Street, St. Louis, MO 63103
More information.
St. Louis on the Air brings you the stories of St. Louis and the people who live, work and create in our region. St. Louis on the Air host Don Marsh and producers Mary Edwards, Alex Heuer and Kelly Moffitt give you the information you need to make informed decisions and stay in touch with our diverse and vibrant St. Louis region.
