Southern Colorado women share own stories of ovarian cancer prevention and survival
Two southern Colorado women are applauding Angelina Jolie for speaking out about her decision to have her ovaries and fallopian tubes surgically removed to cut her risk of cancer.
Marjorie Noleen of Colorado Springs, made the same choice in 2012.
“I went ahead and had my ovaries removed. In fact I had a full hysterectomy,” she said. “It was a life-changing decision, because it threw me, particularly the ovarian part, it threw me into instant surgical menopause, so that’s not something to take lightly.”
Noleen made the decision after learning she had a BRCA gene mutation. BRCA is a gene everyone has. The problem is when there is a mutation in the gene.
“The person that has the mutation is at higher risk for getting breast cancer or ovarian cancer.” said Dr. Dirk Pikaart, director of gynecologic oncology at Penrose St. Francis Hospital. “If we know about that ahead of time, there are things that we can do to either look for it or catch it early, so that we can either cure these cancers, or to prevent them altogether. So knowing about the mutation, knowing if you’re a carrier, could be lifesaving for you or your family members.”
Women and men can carry the mutation. An inexpensive blood test can determine that, Dr. Pikaart said. Surgical removal isn’t the only option for those with the mutation.
“We think that if we know about the BRCA mutation, go on birth control pills for over five years, we think that protects against ovarian cancer, so it lowers the risk,” he said. “Tubal ligations have sometimes been known to lower the risks, based on some studies.”
But there is no screening for ovarian cancer. Dr. Pikaart said when it is detected, it is often more advanced, and while it can be treated, it is difficult to cure. Symptoms include persistent bloating, eating less but feeling fuller, abdominal pain and an overactive bladder. Ovarian cancer is the 17th most common cancer in the U.S., according to the Sue DiNapoli Ovarian Cancer Society.
Delene Hall, from Pueblo, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2008. She received treatment and has been cancer-free for five years.
“It’s a great feeling,” she said. “I’m really pleased, and I’m blessed”
But upon her diagnosis, Hall was tested and discovered she has the BRCA gene mutation. That puts her at higher risk for breast cancer.
“I have to go every six months and have a mammogram or an MRI,” she said.
As she weighs her options, she encourages others to do what’s best for them.
“Just listen to your body, and be aware,” she said. “And question your doctor when he says, ‘It’s just this,’ and it lasts a little bit longer. Just Question it, and just say, ‘You know, I think it might be something else. Can we do a little bit more in depth testing?'”
Here are some local resources to learn more about ovarian cancer.
