Ovarian cancer (Cancer of
Ovary) is the ninth most common cancer in women in the U.S. with almost 22,000
women newly diagnosed each year. Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of
cancer deaths in women. In Australia, three women are diagnosed with ovarian
cancer every day.
About 20% of ovarian cancers
are found at an early stage. When ovarian cancer is found early at a localized
stage, about 94% of patients live longer than 5 years after diagnosis. Several
large studies are in progress to learn the best ways to find ovarian cancer in
its earliest stage.
Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
According to the statement, the
following symptoms are much more likely to occur in women with ovarian cancer
than in women in the general population:
- Bloating
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
- Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)
"Women who have these
symptoms almost daily for more than a few weeks should see their doctor,
preferably a gynecologist," the organizations state.
The organizations note that
"women with ovarian cancer report that symptoms are persistent and
represent a change from normal for their bodies" and that several studies
have highlighted these symptoms even in the early stages of ovarian cancer.
However, those symptoms don't
always indicate ovarian cancer. Only doctors can diagnose ovarian cancer.
TIPS ABOUT OVARIAN CANCER
1. Some symptoms are
particularly significant: take note of persistent bloating, pain in the pelvis
or abdomen, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly and needing to wee more
urgently or often than usual; particularly if the symptoms are new for you,
they don’t go away and especially if they happen more than 12 times a month.
2. If you need more time
because you have a number of concerns you can book a double appointment with
your GP. Remember telephone appointments may be available if you have a specific
issue you would like to discuss.
3. Help your GP as much as
possible, in advance of your appointment write down anything you want to
discuss and if there is something specific such as ovarian cancer you are
worried about, then mention it to your GP.
4. If you feel something is
seriously wrong then act early. After all, you know your own body. Talking to
your GP about symptoms might save your life.
5. If your GP asks you to
return if things haven’t improved, they really mean it.
6. If tests and investigations
are negative and your symptoms persist, go back and see your GP - they are
there to help.
7. If you think you need an
appointment be assertive. Don’t put it off.
8. Keep a symptom diary if your
symptoms persist. This can be useful not only for you but also when you see
your GP.
9. If friends or family notice
you are unwell or experiencing symptoms, act on their concerns and make an
appointment with your GP, don’t dismiss their worries.
10. A normal smear test only
rules out cancer of the cervix and no other female cancers such as ovarian and
uterine (womb). If you are worried about ovarian cancer then say so.
Causes
of Ovarian Cancer
Doctors do not know exactly
what causes ovarian cancer. However, some factors and conditions may increase a
woman's risk of developing this condition. The following are risk factors for
the development of ovarian cancer:
1. A
family history of ovarian cancer: Women who have one or more close relatives
with the disease have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. Certain
genes, such as the BRCA 1 and 2 genes, are inherited and result in a high risk
for development of ovarian cancer.
2. A
family history of breast or colon cancer also confers an increased risk for the
development of ovarian cancer.
3. Age:
Women over 50 are more likely than younger women to get ovarian cancer, and the
risk is even greater after age 60. About 50% of ovarian cancers occur in women
over 60 years of age.
4. Childbearing
and menstruation: Women who have never given birth have a greater risk of
developing ovarian cancer than women who have had children. In fact, the number
of childbirths correlates directly with a decrease in risk for developing
ovarian cancer. The likely explanation for this risk factor seems to be related
to the number of menstrual periods a women has had in her lifetime. Those who
began menstruating early (before age 12), had no children, had their first
child after age 30, and/or experienced menopause after age 50 have a greater
chance of developing ovarian cancer than the general population.
5. Medications:
Some studies show that women who have taken fertility drugs, or hormone therapy
after menopause, may have a slightly increased risk of developing ovarian
cancer. The use of oral contraceptive pills, on the other hand, seems to
decrease a women's chance of getting the disease.
6. The
American Cancer society reports that obese women have a higher rate of death
from ovarian cancer than women of normal weight.
7. : Some studies report a slightly elevated risk of ovarian cancer in
women who regularly apply talcum powder to the genital area. A similar risk has
not been reported for cornstarch powders.
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