For the next two weeks, Healthy Woman OB/GYN will be donating $1 to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund for every “Like” our Facebook Page receives.

Not on Facebook? Healthy Woman OB/GYN will also donate $1 for every Twitter retweet about the cause.

Hurry, the deadline is September 30th!

Ovarian cancer is a disease in which malignant or cancerous cells are found in the ovaries, two small almond-shaped organs that store eggs or germ cells and produce female hormones estrogen and progesterone.

In women age 35-74, ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths. An estimated 1 in 71 will develop ovarian cancer during her lifetime. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be over 22,000 new cases of ovarian cancer diagnosed this year and that more than 15,000 women will die from ovarian cancer this year.

According to The American Cancer Society data, the mortality rates for ovarian cancer have not improved in forty years. Unfortunately, due to ovarian cancer’s non-specific symptoms and lack of early detection tests, only 19% of all cases are found at the early stage, making ovarian cancer the deadliest of all gynecologic cancers.

Risks factors can include genetic disposition and a personal or family history of cervical, ovarian or colon cancers. Women who think they might be at high risk for ovarian or breast cancer should undergo genetic counseling, offered through your physician at Healthy Woman OB/GYN in both their Freehold and Colts Neck locations.

For more information about ovarian cancer or genetic counseling, contact Healthy Woman OB/GYN to set up an appointment and speak to your physician.

Why Get Genetic Testing?

If breast cancer or ovarian cancer runs in your family, knowing for sure whether you have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation (which make it more likely you’ll get these types of cancer) can help you reduce your risk of falling victim. Fortunately, most insurance plans reimburse the fees for BRAC Analysis, a simple blood analysis. If you test positive, some of your options are:

Extra checkups: By being screened more often for breast or ovarian cancer, you’ll be able to treat it sooner if it does occur. Women under the age of 40 will want to get mammograms, even though they’re not standard at this age for the general population. Your doctor may also recommend an MRI, which is better at detecting breast cancer than a mammogram.

Medication: Research is ongoing into medicines that can help ward off breast and ovarian cancer. You may benefit from taking one if you have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation. Oral contraceptives (aka the pill) are also proven to reduce risk.

Surgery: Some women opt to have their breasts or ovaries removed to radically reduce their risk of cancer. This is an option only for women at a very high risk. Although the most drastic, it does cut the chances more than any other preventive measure.

Arming Yourself with More Information

Once you know whether you carry one of the genes, you’ll probably feel some relief. If the results are positive, you’ll be able to work with your doctor to create a plan to keep you healthy. Having one of the genes doesn’t mean you’ll definitely get cancer—it just means you should be extra vigilant about prevention.

The information not only helps you but also your family. Samantha, 55, told WebMD: “My grandmother died of breast cancer, my mother had breast cancer, and I just finished treatment for my own breast cancer. I’m going to have a gene test, because I want my children to know whether a BRCA gene defect runs in the family. If I test positive, my children and my brother’s family will have more information to protect their health.” Want more good news? The test will also help Samantha herself with secondary breast cancer (up to 64 percent) and ovarian cancer (up to 44 percent).

Making the Choice

How do you know if BRAC Analysis is a good idea for you? Start with this quiz, and if it indicates that you may want to look into testing, schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss. BRAC Analysis is no different than any other diagnostic test patients get so loop it into your healthy living plan now. Prevention is key and the BRAC Analysis test is highly preventative.

Remember: Knowing puts the power in your hands—so if it applies to you, add looking into BRAC Analysis to your list of resolutions and make 2012 the year of being proactive.

About BRACAnalysis:

It enables you to make important choices and take steps to reduce the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer.

The results of the test can make a significant difference in your life and the lives of your family members, depending on your family history of cancer.

The cost of the test is reimbursed by most insurance plans.

If you’re wondering if BRAC Analysis is right for you, visit www.BRACnow.com for more information.