Tuesday, September 25, 2018

The Cost of Ovarian Cancer Prevention

Seven years ago, I was diagnosed with Lynch syndrome, a hereditary cancer condition which significantly increases my chances of developing early-onset cancer.


PUBLISHED September 24, 2018

Georgia Hurst is a patient advocate for those with Lynch syndrome. She has the MLH1 mutation and fortunately has never had any cancer. She is the co-creator of #GenCSM (Genetic Cancer Social Media) on Twitter, and her advocacy work has afforded her opportunities to write for medical journals, various websites and genetic testing companies, as well as collaborate as a stakeholder for the National Academy of Sciences: Genomics and Population Health Collaborative. Her loves include: her son, her dog, books, photography, long walks in the woods, and seeking out fungi after the rain. Her motto is: "There is enough misery in the world – there’s no need to contribute to it.”
Seven years ago, I was diagnosed with Lynch syndrome, a hereditary cancer condition which significantly increases my chances of developing early-onset cancer. I discussed the implications of my particular mutation with a certified genetic counselor and a bevy of doctors.

My medical professionals were laser-focused on cancer prevention and highly recommend prophylactic surgeries. One of the cancers I was at risk for was ovarian cancer and sadly, it is still difficult to detect and diagnose the disease. Due to my experience with family members dying from Lynch syndrome-related cancers, I underwent the radical prophylactic measures.
Women who have their ovaries removed, especially prior to natural menopause, may be highly susceptible to a number of other health issues. The younger you are when you have your ovaries removed, prior to achieving natural menopause, the more difficult your transition to life sans ovaries may be. What many people fail to recognize is that ovaries for a woman's body are responsible for many functions other than reproduction. They help guide our other body parts and systems into working in concert with one another. Once they are removed, chaos may ensue within the body and adjusting to a new normal can be difficult and may take time.

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