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September is ovarian cancer awareness month. The cause of ovarian cancer is yet to be determined. Doctors have identified factors that can increase the risk of the disease. Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries according to the Mayo Clinic. The female reproductive system contains two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus. The ovaries are about the size of an almond and their function is to produce eggs, and the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Ovarian cancer usually goes undetected because it rarely causes any symptoms until it has spread within the pelvis and abdomen which makes it more difficult to treat. In contrast, early-stage ovarian cancer is more likely to be treated successfully because it is confined to the ovary. There are different types of ovarian cancer.
Symptoms
Advanced-stage ovarian cancer may cause few and nonspecific symptoms that are often mistaken for more common benign conditions. Some of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer are abdominal bloating or swelling, feeling full quickly while eating, weight loss, discomfort in the pelvis area, changes in bowel habits, such as constipation, and urinary frequency.
Risk factors
Factors that can increase your risk of ovarian cancer are older age. While ovarian cancer can occur at any age it is most common in women ages 50 to 60 years. Inherited gene mutations from your parents ( these genes also increase the risk of breast cancer). Your family history of ovarian cancer. Women with two or more close relatives with ovarian cancer have an increased risk of the disease. Other factors are long term use and large doses of estrogen hormone replacement, the age when menstruation started and ended.
While prevention isn’t possible you may be able to reduce your chances of developing ovarian cancer by taking birth control pills. Discuss your risk factors with your doctor. Removing your ovaries is also a form of reducing your risk but would be a last resort option.
Diagnosis
Tests and procedures used to diagnose ovarian cancer include a pelvic exam, imaging tests (ultrasound, CT scan, chest x-ray), and blood tests. Once it’s confirmed that you have ovarian cancer, your doctor will use information gathered to assign your cancer a stage from I to IV. With the lowest stage indicating that the cancer is confined to the ovaries. By stage IV, the cancer has spread to distant areas of the body. 1 in 78 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in their lifetime.
Treatment
Surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, and radiation therapy are the treatment options for ovarian cancer. Each woman with ovarian cancer treatment plan is individualized based on your doctor’s expertise and evaluation.
Be mindful to pay close attention to your body and have regular appointments with your OBGYN. If you experience any symptoms related to ovarian cancer be sure to consult your physician immediately. For more information visit the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition’s website at http://ovarian.org
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