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Complementary Ovarian Cancer Treatment
To better understand ovarian cancer treatment, it's best to have a clear understanding on what the ovaries are and how they function. The ovaries play a major role in a woman's reproductive system. Located in the pelvis, each ovary produces estrogen and progesterone hormones. The ovaries also discharge eggs that migrate through a woman's fallopian tubes on the way to her uterus or womb. At menopause, the ovaries slow down on their production of hormones and they cease to release eggs. Ovarian cancer occurs when cancerous tissue cells form in the ovaries.
In the beginning stages of ovarian cancer, symptoms may not be felt or recognized. However, as the cancer progresses a woman may experience symptoms such as:
- Pain or pressure in the pelvis, back, abdomen, or legs
- A swollen abdomen
- Fatigue
- Gas, indigestion, nausea, diarrhea or constipation
- Frequent urination
- Abnormal menstrual bleeding (or post-menopause bleeding)
- Difficulties breathing
None of these symptoms, alone, necessarily indicates cancer, but a doctor should evaluate a woman experiencing one or more of these symptoms. Also, routine cancer screening can help prevent ovarian cancer as early detection is helpful.
There is no single test that can identify ovarian cancer, but there are a number of helpful procedures that can assist in a diagnosis, including:
- Pelvic examination - including a pap smear
- Physical examination - including the testing of any fluids present in a swollen abdomen
- Blood tests
- Ultrasound
- Biopsy
- Laparoscopy
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scans
- Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology
A doctor will also take into consideration whether others in a woman's immediate family have a history of cancer, particularly ovarian cancer, her age, and any risk factors that may make her a candidate for ovarian cancer. Such risk factors may include:
- A history of cancer in other areas of the body
- A familial history of cancer
- Being older than 55 years old
- Estrogen therapy for 10 years or more
- Never being pregnant
- A history of taking fertility drugs
- High fat diets
- Using talcum powder on vaginal areas
Research has indicated that the following factors may decrease a woman's chances of ever receiving an ovarian cancer diagnosis:
- Oral contraceptives (Although oral contraceptives, such as birth control pills, may decrease the risk of ovarian cancer, research indicates that they can also increase the risk of breast cancer.)
- Giving birth
- Breastfeeding
The options for ovarian cancer treatment are quite complex and may vary according to when the cancer is detected. The primary ovarian cancer treatment is surgery followed by chemotherapy and even radiation therapy in recurring cases. The degree of the surgical procedure largely depends on what stage the cancer is in, where it has spread to, and whether or not it is a recurring case of ovarian cancer.
While alternative ovarian cancer treatment is not recommended as a sole treatment for ovarian cancer, it is highly recommended as complementary treatment to what is prescribed by an oncologist. Holistic ovarian cancer treatment can assist a woman in her mental and emotional battle against ovarian cancer. Such complementary ovarian cancer treatment may include:
- Nutritional support - Digesting food may be a challenge following chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Therefore, consulting with a nutritionist or a dietician to discover how to get needed nutrients will keep the body strong as it recovers.
- Supplementation - Vitamin C, vitamin E, Selenium, Beta-carotene and other supplements may be recommended to help replenish the body of lost nutrients.
- Emotional, spiritual, and mental counseling - Cancer not only takes a toll on the physical body, but also causes a great deal of stress and anxiety. By engaging in counseling and activities aimed at balancing the whole person, a woman is further empowered in her treatment strategy.
- Acupuncture - Effective in stimulating the immune system.
- Herbal remedies - While herbs may help with things like stimulating the appetite and calming anxious moods and they are not harmful to healthy individuals, all herbs do not interact well with prescribed medications. Before taking any herbal remedies while receiving treatment for cancer, it is imperative to discuss them with a treating physician first.
Focusing on healthy living includes regular cancer screening for any woman with a family history of cancer or who is at risk of cancer for other reasons. Being educated on the ways to prevent cancer is important, as is understanding the traditional ovarian cancer treatment and holistic health options available in treating ovarian cancer if needed.
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Return to Top Ovarian Cancer Treatment
Resources:
http://www.ovariancancer.jhmi.edu/treatment.cfm
http://www.mayoclinic.org/ovarian-cancer/
http://www.medicinenet.com/ovarian_cancer/article.htm
http://cancer.about.com/od/ovariancancer/a/ovariantreatmen.htm
http://www.webmd.com/ovarian-cancer/guide/ovarian-cancer-treatment-overview
http://www.oncologychannel.com/ovariancancer/prevention.shtml
http://www.oncologychannel.com/ovariancancer/riskfactors.shtml
http://www.cancercenter.com/ovarian-cancer/complementary-alternative-ovarian-treatment.cfm
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