FORT SMITH, Ark. – Mark Fowler, M.D., will host a free educational seminar focused on women’s health and their ovarian cancer risks from noon to 1 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 10, at Baptist Health-Fort Smith.
The American Cancer Society estimates more than 22,000 new cases will be diagnosed and nearly 14,000 women will die due to ovarian cancer this year, making it the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. While some risk factors such as smoking or obesity can be changed, others such age or genetics cannot. During the seminar, Dr. Fowler will discuss both risk factors and symptoms, which can include:
- Bloating
- Pelvic, abdominal or back pain
- Feeling the need to urinate urgently or often
- Menstrual changes
- Upset stomach or heartburn
- Pain during sex
Dr. Fowler will also discuss steps to be taken for early detection, including gynecological surgery and genetic testing. The seminar will be held in the Baptist Health Classroom on the first floor of Baptist Health-Fort Smith. To reserve a spot in the class, call the Baptist Healthline at 1-888-BAPTIST or visit baptist-health.com and click on “Register for a Class.”
During September, Baptist Health will also partner with the River Valley Ovarian Cancer Alliance to focus on women’s education in honor of Ovarian Cancer Awareness month. Teal ribbons with information about ovarian cancer will be tied in various areas of the hospital’s campus to raise awareness that month.
Baptist Health is an Arkansas-based, locally owned and managed, not-for-profit, and faith-based health care organization. Baptist Health is also Arkansas’ most comprehensive health care organization with more than 200 access points and approximately 11,000 employees operating 11 hospitals. For more information about Baptist Health, visit baptist-health.com or call Baptist Health HealthLine at 1-888-BAPTIST. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.