Ovarian Cancer Hysterectomy – Early Detection is Vital

Cancer is a part of our lives. If you do not have the disease, you probably know someone who does. A diagnosis of ovarian cancer can be particularly scary because the disease can be quick spreading and often is not discovered until the later stages.

The field of medicine continues to expand and recent advancements have given women a greater chance of survival. When found in the early stages, the disease can be treated and more than 90 percent of these cases now see the patient living at least five years, according to the American Cancer Society. This may not sound like the best news, but it is a significant improvement.

Usually, hysterectomy is not a procedure that needs to be performed urgently. However, in the case of a cancer hysterectomy time is often of the essence. Therefore, while a woman considering the procedure is often encouraged to take time to investigate all her options, including other possible treatments, a cancer hysterectomy may not allow time for consideration.

However, it is important to note that there are now new treatments for conditions that previously would have required a hysterectomy. Women advised to have a hysterectomy for a non-cancerous condition before being offered more conservative treatments may find it beneficial to seek a second opinion.

Deciding whether to have a hysterectomy can be a difficult and emotional process. By becoming informed about the procedure, women can confidently discuss available options, concerns and wishes with their doctor, and make a decision that is right for them.

Every 10 minutes, 12 hysterectomies are performed in the United States. That is over 600,000 per year, of which only 10 percent are due to cancer. Only about 20 percent of ovarian cancers are found before tumor growth has spread beyond the ovaries, decreasing the chances of survival.