| DALLAS - September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and according to the American Cancer Society (ACS), ovarian cancer ranks fifth as a cause of cancer deaths among women because early detection of the disease is difficult. Early detection begins with an annual pelvic exam; therefore Planned Parenthood of North Texas (PPNT) is offering $10 off an annual exam for all new patients.
Ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women, accounting for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. The ACS estimates there will be more than 22,000 new cases of ovarian cancer and 15,280 deaths in 2007.
Texas has the highest rate of uninsured residents in the nation and the largest proportion is women. Unlike the early stages of breast cancer, women are not able to detect the symptoms of ovarian cancer. A pelvic examination is necessary for discovery of the early symptoms of ovarian cancer. Unfortunately, the majority of women with common ovarian cancer are not diagnosed until Stage III of the disease.
PPNT provides low-cost, accessible medical services to anyone regardless of health insurance status or income in 28 clinics across the 57 county region. A pelvic examination is part of every well woman exam PPNT provides its patients. For more information about the discount and exam, women should call 1-800-230-PLAN for the clinic location nearest them.
For more information on ovarian cancer, please visit the American Cancer Society website at www.cancer.org.
For more than 70 years, PPNT has provided compassionate medical care in North Texas. In 2006, PPNT clinics served more than 90,000 patients in its 28 clinics. PPNT also provides health education outreach to 12,000 individuals a year.
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