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The American Cancer society estimates more than 21,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2010. The cause of this type of cancer is unknown and there seem to be several factors which may contribute to developing ovarian cancer. Baylor offers a hereditary cancer risk program which provides information about a woman’s risk for developing ovarian cancer, genetic counseling and other services to help in early detection and risk reduction.
Ovarian cancer begins in the tissues of the ovary, or the female reproductive organ where eggs are formed. Like many cancers, the sooner ovarian cancer is found and treated, the better a woman’s chance for recovery. According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate is 90 percent if caught early.
Ovarian tumors are often difficult to find, but knowing the risks and symptoms—though vague—can be helpful in determining if you should be concerned. This type of cancer typically occurs in females over the age of 55 and Caucasians are more susceptible than African Americans. Additionally, women with a personal history of breast cancer or a family history of breast or ovarian cancer have an increased risk. Women who have had more children earlier in life have a lower risk for developing ovarian cancer. Symptoms are usually ongoing and worsen over time. These may include:
If you experience symptoms that you cannot explain every day for a few weeks, it’s important to speak to a physician immediately. To find a cancer specialist, a support group or event, search online or call 1.800.4BAYLOR.
Cholesterol refers to a fatty lipid in your body and blood tissues. There are two types, high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL). HDL cholesterol rids the body of excess cholesterol build-up—and is considered “good” cholesterol because it offers protection against heart disease. LDL—the bad kind— carries cholesterol back into the body and deposits it on the walls of your arteries. High LDL cholesterol is a major risk factor leading to heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Baylor offers a free guide for tips and comprehensive information on managing your cholesterol.
What is considered healthy? Your total cholesterol should be under 200 milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). Anything above 240 mg/dL is considered high. A person with high cholesterol has more than twice the risk of coronary heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. HDL levels should be highover 60 mg/dL are optimal. LDL levels should be low—less than 100 mg/dL is considered optimal and anything above 160 mg/dL is considered high.
Beginning at age 20, everyone should have a cholesterol screening every five years. If you have a family history of heart disease or high cholesterol, talk to your doctor about being screened earlier. A detailed cholesterol screening involves fasting for eight hours, followed by drawing a blood sample.
If you have high cholesterol, there are some lifestyle changes you can make to lower it including:
Learn more about maintaining good heart and vascular health. To find a physician, search online or call 1.800.4BAYLOR.
Pain is the signal your brain sends to your body to alert it of an injury or complication. Without pain, we might never realize there is a medical problem that needs treatment. Acute pain lasts only a few seconds or a can last for weeks. Chronic pain is persistent, signaling your body for an extended period of time and is one of the most common reasons why people seek medical attention. The Baylor Centers for Pain Management can help patients by developing individualized treatment plans that target the root of the problem.
According to a 2006 National Center for Health Statistics study, an estimated 76.5 million people experienced pain that lasted more than 24 hours. The most common types of pain include back pain, headaches, arthritis and neck pain. Everyone’s needs are different, so treatment options can vary from physical therapy to electrical stimulation to surgery. If your pain isn’t going away you should speak to a physician or call 1.800.4BAYLOR and ask for a Pain Management Navigator.
There are more than 100,000 candidates awaiting organ transplants, according to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). Anyone can be an organ donor, though the greatest chance of finding a match is from people with a similar genetic makeup. Currently, just one-fourth of those in the donor registry are ethnic minorities, making it even more difficult for those in need of a transplant.
Physicians on the medical staff at Baylor were recently featured on CBS 11 and KTXA 21’s Ask the Experts segment, where they answered callers’ questions about organ donation and transplant.
Certain minorities have a greater need for organ transplant because they are more prone to organ failure than the general population. According to the Office of Minority Health, Native Americans are four times more likely than Caucasians to have diabetes. African Americans, Asian and Pacific Islanders, and Hispanics are three times more likely to have kidney disease. Transplantation is often the best or only option for treating these conditions.
Organ donations offer patients with organ failure the chance to live a full, healthy life. See how organ transplants at Baylor changed real patients’ lives. For more information about our transplant program, call 1.800.4BAYLOR.
Whether you have acute or chronic pain, it’s important to know your treatment options. Baylor announces the Pain Navigator program, designed to guide our patients to the right treatment plan for their pain. To get started, call 1.800.4BAYLOR and ask to speak with a Pain Navigator, 24/7.
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