According to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC), September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Just as pink is associated with breast cancer causes, the color teal is recognized as the hue used by ovarian cancer awareness and fundraiser organizations.
The aim of Ovarian Cancer Awareness month is to spread helpful information, raise awareness, and garner support for the women who are currently fighting the disease, those who will be diagnosed, or, in remembrance of women who have already lost their battle with ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women in the U.S. and the number one cause of death among all gynecologic cancers. According to statistics from the American Cancer Society, approximately 22,280 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and 15,500 will die of the disease, in the U.S. in 2012.
Healthcare providers must be aware of symptoms of the disease. Common symptoms of ovarian cancer include but are not limited to:
- persistent abdominal or pelvic pain or pressure;
- sudden weight gain, bloating, or swelling of the stomach;
- feeling the need to urinate often or urgently; and
- feeling full quickly or trouble eating.
Additional symptoms may include back pain, continuous fatigue, heartburn or upset stomach, constipation, and vaginal bleeding.
While it is important for every woman to be aware of what such symptoms may mean, it is a healthcare professional’s job to treat patients within the standard of care, and to secure a proper history, adequate and timely clinical evaluations and diagnostic studies. If healthcare providers fail to treat a patient within those standards, ovarian cancer may go undiagnosed for an unnecessarily prolonged period of time, allowing the disease process to advance; detrimentally affecting a patient’s prognosis and/or treatment alternatives.
At Blume Forte, our knowledgeable New Jersey failure to diagnose ovarian cancer attorneys are committed to helping victims of medical negligence. Call us for a no-cost consultation at 973-845-4421 to find out whether you may have a valid claim.