Ovarian Cancer: Educate Yourself & Spread Awareness
What is Ovarian Cancer?
The female reproductive system contains two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus. The ovaries — each about the size of an almond — produce eggs (ova) as well as the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Ovarian cancer is a growth of abnormal cells that forms in the ovaries. The cells multiply quickly and can invade and destroy healthy body tissue.
The type of cell where the cancer begins determines the type of ovarian cancer you may have. Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most common. Stromal tumors are rare tumors usually diagnosed at an earlier stage than other ovarian cancers. Germ cell tumors are rare ovarian cancers that tend to occur at a younger age.
What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
When ovarian cancer first develops, it might not cause any noticeable symptoms. This is why it’s hard to diagnose early. When ovarian cancer symptoms happen, they're usually attributed to other, more common conditions. Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:
Abdominal bloating or swelling
Quickly feeling full when eating
Weight loss
Discomfort in the pelvic area
Fatigue
Back pain
Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
A frequent need to urinate
Who is at risk for ovarian cancer?
It's not clear what causes ovarian cancer, though research has shown that certain things can increase the risk of the disease, while other factors may actually decrease a woman’s probability of getting the disease. Not all people with risk factors will get ovarian cancer. Factors that can increase your risk of ovarian cancer include:
Older age: ovarian cancer is most often diagnosed in older adults.
Genetics: the genes that increase the risk of ovarian cancer include BRCA1 and BRCA2, as well as gene changes associated with Lynch syndrome and the genes BRIP1, RAD51C and RAD51D.
Family history: If you have blood relatives who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, you may have an increased risk of the disease.
Being overweight or obese: A 2009 study found that obesity was associated with an almost 80% higher risk of ovarian cancer in women 50 to 71 who had not taken hormones after menopause.
Postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy: recent studies indicate that using a combination of estrogen and progestin for five or more years, to control the symptoms of menopause, significantly increases the risk of ovarian cancer in women who have not had a hysterectomy.
Personal history of cancer or endometriosis: women who have had endometriosis or breast, uterine, or colorectal cancers have a higher risk of ovarian cancer.
Reproductive history: beginning menstruation at an early age or starting menopause at a later age, or both, may increase the risk of ovarian cancer. Also, a woman who has not given birth to any children or has experienced infertility can be at a higher risk.
How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?
If a doctor suspects ovarian cancer, they may perform tests such as a pelvic exam, ultrasound, CT scan, or CA-125 (Cancer Antigen 125) blood test to learn more. A doctor may also recommend genetic testing to look for gene changes that increase the risk, but surgery (removing an ovary to have it tested for signs of cancer) is the only way to make a definitive diagnosis of ovarian cancer. It’s important to note that ovarian cancer cannot be diagnosed through a Pap smear, which only screens for cervical cancer.
What are treatment options for ovarian cancer?
Once it's confirmed that you have ovarian cancer, your doctor will use information from your tests and procedures to assign your cancer a stage. The stages of ovarian cancer range from 1 to 4. Stage 1 indicates that the cancer is confined to the ovaries. By stage 4, the cancer has spread to distant areas of the body.
Treatments also differ depending on what type of ovarian cancer you have (above). Treatment of ovarian cancer usually involves a combination of surgery (removal of one or both ovaries, and sometimes the uterus) and chemotherapy. Other treatments may be used in certain situations, like targeted therapy, hormone therapy, or immunotherapy.
How can you help?
September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and we encourage you to check out Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance — the leading organization in the world fighting ovarian cancer on all fronts while supporting patients and their families. There are many ways to get involved — like donating, volunteering, sponsoring an event, or simply sharing information. See all the ways you can contribute to the cause at the link below.