Ovarian cancer is cancer that begins in the ovaries. The ovaries are a pair of small organs in the female reproductive system that contain and release an egg once a month.
Ovarian cancer, although somewhat rare, (accounts for about 3% of cancers among women) causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system.
Unlike breast, uterine, and cervical cancers which have screenings and can be detected early, only about 20 percent of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed before they’re advanced. The good news is that if ovarian cancer is diagnosed and treated early, 94 percent of women will live five years or more.
Once upon a time, ovarian cancer was referred to as the silent killer but it’s really not completely silent, at least in some patients. Ovarian cancer is now dubbed the “disease that whispers” because although the symptoms are vague and can mimic symptoms of other conditions or diseases, most women will report that they noticed them. They also tend to occur frequently, every day or every other day and at least 12 times a month, and are more severe.
The most common signs of ovarian cancer include:
• Bloating or a swollen abdomen
• Increased abdominal size
• Urinary frequency, urgency or difficulty
• Problems eating, such as feeling full quickly after a meal
• Constipation, diarrhea
• Nausea
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Pain anywhere in the abdomen
• Vaginal bleeding
• Back pain
• Painful sex
• Weight loss
• Changes in menstruation
Ovarian cancer is most common in women who have been through the menopause (usually over the age of 50), although it can affect women of any age. Another problem with ovarian cancer is that it can develop quickly, even in between visits to the OB-GYN. This underscores the need for all women to have a yearly well woman visit and pelvic exam.
Causes of ovarian cancer
The exact cause of ovarian cancer is unknown, but certain things are thought to increase a woman’s risk of developing the condition, such as age, the number of eggs the ovaries release and whether a family member has had ovarian or breast cancer in the past. The only cause of ovarian cancer that researchers have identified is the BRCA1 and BRCA2 “breast cancer” genes. Studies show that 39 percent of women with the BRCA1 mutation, and 11 to 17 percent of those with the BRCA2 mutation will develop ovarian cancer by 70-years-old.
Other factors that are associated with the risk for ovarian cancer include endometriosis, obesity, early onset of periods or late menopause, and not having children.
Studies show that long-term use of the birth control pill and breastfeeding may reduce a woman’s risk because it reduces the rate of ovulation. Plus, studies show the more children a woman has, the lower her risk.
Unlike other cancers that can be prevented with a healthy diet and exercise, unfortunately ovarian cancer hasn’t been shown to have the same link.
Nevertheless, leading a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular doctor visits is always a good idea.
As women we are blessed with good intuition so If you have any of the signs of ovarian cancer, listen to your body and your intuition and make every effort to see a doctor, preferably an ob-gyn immediately. Also don’t let your doctor say it’s just irritable bowel syndrome or a urinary tract infection, When these things are not going away despite the fact that you’ve been treated, be sure to seek a second opinion elsewhere.
