When Mary started gaining weight she just chalked it off to getting older. The bloating and discomfort she felt forced her to wear loser fitting clothes, work out more often and eat less. It never occurred to her that she was walking around with a tumor the size of a small fruit attached to her right ovary.

Mary is one of thousands of women who have Ovarian Cancer, and didn't know it until she was in Stage 4. According to Dr. Stephen Buckley of Southeast Gynecologic Oncology Associates, Ovarian Cancer is the 'Silent Killer' of women's cancers.

Ovarian Cancer is the eighth most common cancer, and can go undetected for too long. Many women don't seek treatment until it's too late. Unlike Breast Cancer which can be detected by self-exams, an ovarian tumor can't be felt by touch.

Young women can decrease their chances of getting Ovarian Cancer by using oral contrceptives. Older women need to make sure they continue annual check-ups, as well as being aware of changes to their bodies. Also, if Breast Cancer runs in your family, be sure to get checked out for Ovarian Cancer. The two diseases share the BRCA-1 & 2 genes.

The chances of recurance is high. Women who have had Ovarian Cancer face higher risks of abdominal cancers after treatment. Treatments include Hysterectomy and chemotherapy. 28 Sep. 09