Homemakers Club Research Fund, Treatment of Ovarian Cancer | Local news



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Teal ribbons adorn streetlights along downtown London, and housewives' clubs continue to raise funds to fight the disease that is being sensitized to these ribbons.

September is recognized as the "Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month" and the ribbons are posted to remind the public of this devastating disease.

But if awareness is one of the ways to fight ovarian cancer, some local clubs are contributing financially to research and awareness to save lives.

Judy O 'Bryan, from the Laurel County Extension Office, said local housewives clubs were organizing fundraisers each year – money sent to help with treatment and treatment. ovarian cancer education.

"Kentucky is one of only two states in the country to become aware of ovarian cancer," said Mr. O. Bryan. "The fundraising efforts were initiated by the Homemakers Club in the 1970s and helped provide treatments and screenings – we raised more than a million dollars."

This fundraiser culminated at the Ovarian Cancer Treatment Center at the University of Kentucky.

"The UK offers free ovarian cancer screenings for any woman over 50 or anyone over 25 who still has her ovaries," said O. Bryan. "These women can go once a year for free screening."

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common malignancies in the United States. It is estimated that this disease affects more than 22,000 people this year. An estimated 14,240 women will die from ovarian cancer this year.

Ovarian cancer is often difficult to detect because of the low number of specific symptoms. Therefore, it is most often detected only in advanced stages, which leads medical experts to focus on early detection. These screenings are done with ultrasounds that form an image of each ovary that even detects small tumors. Early detection increases the survival rates of women affected by the disease.

Although symptoms vary and are not obvious during the early stages, some signs of a potential problem include bloating, increased abdominal size, and pressure in the pelvic area. Treatment includes removal of the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes, as well as treatment of any other tumors discovered during screening.

Other symptoms may include back pain, difficulty eating or feeling satiated and vaginal bleeding or bleeding that is not normal for each person.

The chances of developing ovarian cancer increase with age, but early detection is the key to treatment. Although the cause of ovarian cancer is unknown, some risk factors include women whose family members may have had ovarian cancer. Other women who have had breast, uterine or colon cancer are also considered to be at high risk. Women who have never given birth or who have had difficulty becoming pregnant are also considered to be more likely to develop ovarian cancer.

Studies have shown that some ways to prevent ovarian cancer include diet and exercise. Experts recommend eating regular fruits and vegetables. A mere cup and a half of fruit a day is considered a deterrent against the disease. Vegetables considered effective against ovarian cancer include dark green leafy vegetables, squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli and cauliflower. Simple measures, such as adding spinach to an omelette or serving two vegetables for the evening meal, also act as a deterrent. It is also thought that whole wheat bread, oatmeal, brown rice or cornmeal are effective in preventing this disease, while limiting red meat and processed foods.

Thirty minutes of physical activity for five days or more are also considered effective in preventing ovarian cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight is also a key factor in fighting this disease.

"Many women do not know that they can get free screenings in the UK," said O & Bryan. "We need to get the message across so that we can prevent more deaths from ovarian cancer." Housewives clubs across the state are dedicated to it.

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