In the United States alone, over 25,000 new instances of ovarian cancer are diagnosed annually. Over 15,000 women die in the U.S. from ovarian cancer in a single year. While the average woman’s risk of developing this cancer is 1.6%, those with immediate family who have been diagnosed have a risk of at least 5%. Scientists have found that two specific genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, can increase a woman’s risk of ovarian cancer by up to 60%. Ovarian cancer is considered one of the most dangerous cancers for women, being the fifth most likely cancer to cause death.
Over 90% of cancers develop on the surface of the ovary, although the fallopian tube can also develop ovarian cancer. Some types also develop from egg cells, and scientists believe that because all of these cells are closely related to the ovaries. They can mimic cancer when it is present. One of the early signs of ovarian cancer is stomach bloating, also known as abdominal distension. If the cancer is caught at this stage, there is a little over an 80% chance of survival. However, if ovarian cancer is diagnosed in later stages, the chance of survival can be as little as 10%.
- Statistics The Center for Disease Control (CDC) provides current statistics on the rate of ovarian cancer in the US.
- Ovarian Cancer This site offers a definition of this cancer, as well as information on current trials, research and treatment options.
- Ovarian Cancer Around the World This site provides detailed statistics on ovarian cancer rates by country.
- FAQs This site provides answers to frequently asked questions concerning ovarian cancer.
Symptoms
The symptoms of this disease are hard to pinpoint, as many women do not experience them severely enough to warrant a trip to the doctor. Some of the most common symptoms of this type of cancer are bloating, pain in the pelvis, abdomen, back or legs, an increase in urination and pain during sex. Ovarian cancer can also cause symptoms such as diarrhea, gas, nausea, constipation and indigestion, as well as vaginal bleeding and trouble breathing. Ovarian cancer is known as a “silent killer” because these symptoms do not usually present until the cancer is in its later stages. Some women may experience none of these symptoms, and only suspect they may have ovarian cancer after their yearly pap smear. Some may experience only a few, and in rare cases, all of the symptoms may be present. It is important for women to pay close attention to their bodies, and report any of these changes to their doctor, especially if they last for more than a few weeks. It is also important to tell your doctor if you are experiencing menstrual irregularities or fatigue, these can be early signs of ovarian cancer.
- Symptoms This article describes some of the most common symptoms of ovarian cancer.
- All Symptoms This article attempts to list and describe all of the known symptoms of ovarian cancer, from common to rare.
- Persistence of Symptoms This article describes how long symptoms need to persist in order for ovarian cancer testing to be warranted.
- Early Signs This article describes, from a personal account, the early signs of ovarian cancer.
Causes
While in most cases a doctor is unable to pinpoint the exact reason ovarian cancer develops in individual cases, there are several known contributing factors. Studies have shown that women who use a low dose hormonal birth control pill for 10 years decrease their risk of developing ovarian cancer by 60%. This has lead doctors to believe that some of the causes of ovarian cancer are linked to an imbalance in hormones, which birth control pills correct. Genes can also play a starring role in the development of ovarian cancer. Women with a close female relative who has received an ovarian cancer diagnosis are at an increased risk of developing it themselves. Women with a history of colon cancer in their family may also be at an increased risk. Studies have also found that drinking between 50g and 100g a day could increase one’s risk of developing this type of cancer. However, there is another liquid that seems to do even more damage. A study done in Sweden found that women who drank cow’s milk potentially doubled their risk of ovarian cancer.
- Ovarian Cancer Causes This article details the several theories scientists have about the cause of ovarian cancer.
- Causes and Risk Factors This site provides information on the common causes of ovarian cancer and the risk factors.
- Possible Causes This article briefly lists the possible causes of ovarian cancer, including poor nutrition.
- Incidence and Risk Factors This site provides detailed information on ovarian cancer, including the causes and rate of development.
Diagnosis
In the first and second stages of ovarian cancer, a diagnosis is difficult. Scientists are looking for ways to increase the accuracy of detection by combining tumor markers and laboratory testing. A pelvic examination, CT scan, and vaginal ultrasound are typically used to diagnose ovarian cancer. For a concrete diagnosis, a laparotomy or laparoscopy is down. This surgery allows the doctor to remove samples from any suspicious areas and then test them for cancerous cells. They can also extract some of the fluid from the abdomen to determine whether the cancer is spreading, if it is cancer.
Prevention
There are several possible ways to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. Having children before 25 years of age has been shown to reduce risks, though this is not always possible or advisable for many women. Breastfeeding can also reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, as well as provide numerous health benefits for the infant. For women with a history of ovarian cancer in their family, a tubal ligation or hysterectomy may be the best way to prevent this type of cancer. Taking birth control pills can also reduce the risk, and some studies have found that regularly taking low doses of acetaminophen or aspirin may also help.
Screening and Management
Screening for stage one or two ovarian cancer has a high likelihood of providing false negative or false positive results; because of this, routine screening is not universally recommended. Once ovarian cancer is diagnosed, there are several management options. Surgery can be used to remove malignant tumors, and chemotherapy has been proven effective for aggressive tumors. The type of surgery performed depends on both the age of the patient and the stage of ovarian cancer: for younger patients wishing to protect their fertility, less aggressive surgeries are performed if possible. A combination of these two medical treatments is considered best for women with late stages of ovarian cancer. Radiation treatment is not considered safe for ovarian cancer.
