Unfortunately, there is no screening test for ovarian cancer that has proven effective in screening low risk, asymptomatic women.  Often patients will inquire about a blood test for ovarian cancer.  Currently, there is no reliable test that can be used to screen for ovarian cancer.  The current recommendation of the Society of Gynecologist Oncologists is that each woman should have a yearly pelvic exam in order to screen for ovarian cancer.  Blood tests and ultrasounds are not routinely indicated.

Hereditary ovarian cancer represents only 5-10% of all ovarian cancers.  Because ovarian cancer is relatively uncommon overall, having a relative with ovarian cancer increases ones' chances of developing ovarian cancer minimally, unless there is a documented mutation or cancer syndrome in the family.  The lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer is approximately 1 in 70.  Therefore, one is more likely to die of heart disease or other cancers (i.e. breast) than ovarian cancer.

Persistent symptoms such as increased abdominal girth, bloating, fatigue, abdominal pain, indigestion, inability to eat normally, urinary frequency, constipation, back pain, and weight loss.  These symptoms are quite vague and are often associated with other medical problems, so the key is 'persistent' symptoms.

 

For more details, please click here.

When you first meet Marcia Donziger, a vibrant, busy wife and mother of 5-year old twin boys, you would never guess she has done battle with ovarian cancer.  At 27 years old, Marcia had an advanced case of ovarian cancer that was finally diagnosed during extensive abdominal surgery.  Surely she was too young for ovarian cancer.  Surely it was going to be a simple laparascopy and she would be back to work after a week.  Not so.  Marcia shares her story this month to help raise awareness of ovarian cancer.  Today, Marcia is a healthy wife and mom but also the Executive Director of MyLifeLine.org, a non-profit organziation that provides free websites to cancer patients and their caregivers.  To read Marcia's story of hope, please click here.

On Tuesday, September 7, our own Dr. Volin will be awarded a very special honor-'DOCTORS MAKING A DIFFERENCE'.  North Suburban Medical Center bestows this award to a physician 'making a difference' in their quality patient care, courtesy, and positive attitude, along with their contributions to North Suburban Medical Center.  Dr. Volin started The Women's Health Group with a vision for high quality health care for women of all ages in the north Metro area.  Today, the practice has eleven skilled physicians between Thornton and Lafayette.  Dr. Volin's areas of expertise (along with delivering babies and routine gynecologic care) include minimally invasive surgical techniques, pelvic support problems, and incontinence treatments.  It's not every day you find a doctor with this much experience AND an eye for the newest proven techniques and procedures.

 

For more information about Dr. Volin, please click here.   To make an appointment with him, please call 303-280-2229 or visit our website and request an appointment online.

 

 

 

 

Flu season is fast approaching.  The spread of H1N1 created a need for two shots last year.  This year, one flu vaccine will take care of both types of influenza. 

 

It's important for all of us to be on guard, but pregnant women are considered in a high-risk category.  Plan now to get your shot before anyone shares their flu bugs with you.

 

In addition to your flu vaccine, good handwashing, healthy diet and rest will decrease your chance of getting sick.