Hi Guys,
While doing more research on the email you sent earlier, I have found the following reference sites. Is the email a hoax? (not totally). Is there some validity to add to our worry or should we wait for the tests to find out? (yes and no)
I don't know yet about all of this, but I thought I would forward some information to you as I find it.
There is almost no reference to Peritoneal Cancer without directly relating it to ovarian cancer. So I'm stumped a little.
Obviously, we are waiting on the last test results from the biopsy of the samples taken from the mass that they had found. I don't know how big, where or anything else, but intend to find out ASAP. I'll keep you guys informed.
Bob
The Peritoneal Cancer E-Mail
American Cancer Society Site External Site
There are some causes for concern in the Peritoneal Cancer E-Mail.
We are urged to send this e-mail widely. But one must note that women have long used word of mouth (or e-mail) to communicate messages for which there was otherwise no forum.
One factor that supports the validity of the e-mail is the author's statement of our need to take personal responsibility for our own health. No collections, no unconnected person's phone numbers, just a warning to take personal responsibility.
In any case we must check the authenticity of the information. On the American Cancer Society search engine, look for "CA 125." You will find two articles that cite the test and the precautions that we are told by this e-mail to take. "Peritoneal cancer" will yield 4 articles. Now you have some support for the authenticity of the e-mail and the information.
http://www.uwp.edu/academic/criminal.justice/cancer.htm
The following is from the American Cancer Society:
Although the study finds the CA-125 blood test useful for evaluating treatment progress, the study results do not suggest the test can be used to screen for ovarian cancer. A recent email making the rounds urged women to ask their doctors for this test. For the CA-125 test to be a useful screening tool, it would have to detect most ovarian cancers in their early stages and not give positive results in women who do not have the cancer. The CA- 125 test does not meet these standards.
Also the following from the American Cancer Society:
Rumor: An email making the rounds states women should demand a CA-125 test for ovarian cancer each year. One emailer, whose ovarian cancer was misdiagnosed as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, said she insisted on more tests. After having a CT scan that revealed fluid on her abdomen, the doctor ran a CA-125 blood test and her level came back at a highly elevated 754. "This is an inexpensive and simple blood test. Please tell all your female friends and relatives to insist on a CA-125 blood test every year as part of their annual exam. Don't take 'No' for an answer. If I had known then what I know now, we would have caught my cancer much earlier before it was Stage 3!" said the emailer.
Fact: "CA-125 protein levels in the blood can be measured as a marker for ovarian cancer. It is not used for screening because of its poor accuracy; there are some harmless reasons levels can be elevated and not all women with an ovarian tumor will have an increased level," according to Debbie Saslow, PhD, director of breast and cervical cancer for the American Cancer Society.
"Testing is recommended for women at very high risk, such as those with a family history of the disease," she added. The blood test is routinely used for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer to measure their response to treatments, as well as to watch for recurrence.
According to the American Cancer Society, one in 57 women will get ovarian cancer in their lifetime. Approximately 25,200 cases of ovarian cancer will be diagnosed in the US this year. It accounts for four percent of all cancer cases diagnosed among women.
Bob & Posy Snyder
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First created: November 12, 2000
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