Thursday Morning Medical Update: Spotting the Signs of Ovarian Cancer

The University of Kansas Health System is treating a total of 53 COVID patients today, down from 58 yesterday. Other significant numbers:
33 with the active virus today, 32 yesterday
3 in ICU, 2 yesterday
2 on ventilators, 2 yesterday
20 hospitalized but out of acute infection phase, 26 yesterday

Key points from today’s guests:

Holly Oldag, ovarian cancer patient
Had been experiencing bloating, lower back pain, fatigue, frequent urination, and menstrual changes for several years. Finally diagnosed with ovarian cancer at age 39, which is unusual. Most patients are in 60’s or 70’s.
Had complete hysterectomy followed by 18 rounds of chemotherapy and a PARP inhibitor
Now feels the best she’s felt in years
She now sees life in terms of family milestones such as graduations and weddings. Those keep her focused during rough times.
Dr. Lori Spoozak, gynecological oncologist, The University of Kansas Health System
Says Holly is an example of bringing years of research from the bench to the patient bedside
In the last five years, we have grown in our knowledge of how genetics impacts cancer care
Explains PARP inhibitors and called them a game changer in treating ovarian cancer
Says ovarian cancer sometimes does not become apparent until its late stages
No screening test for ovarian like there is for breast cancer or cervical cancer
Described why getting care at an NCI designated comprehensive cancer center is so important due to the research and expertise of the providers
Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of Infection Prevention and Control, The University of Kansas Health System
National COVID numbers are declining while holding steady at the health system
The Queen of Denmark tested positive for COVID after attending Queen Elizabeth’s funeral. Shows that we must all consider our personal risk factors when attending an event in a large crowd.
A 26% rise in syphilis infections in the last year is prompting public health officials to call for new prevention and treatment efforts.
Friday, September 23 at 7:00 a.m. is the next Morning Medical Update. How far would you go to save someone's life? Some are biking cross country three thousand miles! Join us live from Arrowhead Stadium at a special earlier time as the KC leg of the Coast to Coast Race rolls through. We’ll show you the epic cycling event raising money for cancer research.