|
Most fatal gynecological cancer there is!
Cancer of the ovary is a disease in which cancer cells are found in the ovary. Women die more from this cancer than an other reproductive cancer. Ovarian cancer in Pennsylvania was among the top five causes of cancer deaths among women in 2005. The death rate is partly caused by late stage diagnosis. Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced state - Stage IV - when the cancer has spread to other organs.
Find out if you are at risk for ovarian cancer.
Some risk factors for ovarian cancer are:
- Genetic mutations: An inherited mutation in one of two genes called breast cancer gene 1 (BFCA 1) or breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA 2).
- Family history: Ovarian cancer may occur in more than one family member and is often associated with the gene defects mentioned above.
- Age: Ovarian cancer generally develops after menopause and the risk increases through a person's 70s.
- Childbearing status: Women with at least one pregnancy have a lower risk of ovarian cancer.
- Infertility: Individuals with a history of difficulty getting pregnant may be at increased risk.
- Ovarian cysts: Individuals who have had cysts form after menopause are at higher risk.
- Hormone replacement therapy: Some studies have shown a slightly increased risk of ovarian cancer for women taking estrogen after menopause.
- Obesity in early adulthood: Women who were obese at age 18 may be at increased risk for the disease.
*To view an Ovarian Cancer Risk Assessment click here .
Symptoms
Ovarian cancer is not easy to diagnose. Symptoms are easily confused with other diseases. Symptoms include:
- Unexplained change in bowel and/or bladder habits, such as constipation, urinary frequency, and/or loss of bladder control
- Gas, indigestion, and/or nausea
- Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
- Pelvic and/or abdominal pain or discomfort
- Pelvic and/or abdominal bloating or swelling
- A constant feeling of fullness
- Fatigue
- Abnormal or postmenopausal bleeding
- Pain during intercourse
When symptoms are persistent and are not resolved with diet change, exercise, laxatives, or rest, it is critical that a woman see her doctor.
Prevention and Detection
Serious gaps exist for screening and early detection methods for ovarian cancer. Nearly 60 percent of all cases for this disease were diagnosed at Stage 3 or greater. With this information, it becomes clear that methods of early detection for ovarian cancer are limited. This information also stresses the need for better screening for ovarian cancer.
Treatment
The main treatments for ovarian cancer are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. In some cases two or even all of these treatments will be recommended.
For Guidelines and Additional Information:
|
