1 in every 75 Canadian women is impacted by ovarian cancer.
The ovaries are reproductive glands that produce eggs (ova) and hormones (i.e., estrogen and progesterone). They are located above the pelvis of females, with one on each side of the uterus. The ovaries are made up of three types of cells: epithelial cells, germ cells and stromal cells. These cells can become different types of tumours if they mutate. Tumours can be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign). A definitive diagnosis is made using tissues collected during a biopsy or surgery.
There are four stages of ovarian cancer:
Stage 1 – the tumour is only present in the ovaries
Stage 2 – the tumour is present in ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus and/or other pelvic tissues
Stages 3 and 4 – the tumour has expanded beyond the reproductive system
The Canadian Cancer Society predicts that 3,000 Canadian women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2022 while 1,950 will die from it. In Ontario alone, that is an estimated 1350 cases and 730 deaths!
The quiz below - 8 questions and answers - contains tips and facts about ovarian cancer. Test your knowledge and increase your awareness about this important issue below!
Sources:
Canadian Cancer Society
Ovarian Cancer Canada
For more information about educational programs, ovarian cancer detection, and cancer therapies visit Ovarian Cancer Canada.
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