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Health & Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer was once considered the "silent killer," but with increased awareness and technology, ovarian cancer is being diagnosed much earlier than in prior years. It is still a deadly disease, though--the fifth-leading cause of death in women. Every year, more women are being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. More than 21,000 women each year will be diagnosed with this life-threatening disease, and approximately 14,000 will die. Living a healthy lifestyle, getting routine check-ups and knowing more about this deadly disease can greatly reduce the effects of ovarian cancer.

  1. What is Ovarian Cancer?

    • Ovaries are the female reproductive organs that produce eggs for fertilization and conception. These organs, two on each side of the uterus, are about the size of an almond. Normal cells are constantly dividing and creating new cells while old cells die off. However, cancer is abnormal cell growth that causes cells to mutate and grow rapidly. It does not die off easily, allowing cancer cells to get into the bloodstream and spread to other organs and tissues.

    Causes and Types of Ovarian Cancer

    • Unfortunately, there is no known cause for ovarian cancer. However, there are three types of cancer that generate in the ovaries. The first is called epithelial tumors, and accounts for about 85 to 90 percent of the ovarian cancer cases. Epithelial tumors form in the tissue layers that surround the ovaries. The second type is called germ cell tumors, which usually affects younger women. Germ cell tumors form in the cells that produce reproductive eggs or ovum. The third type of ovarian cancer is called stromal tumors. These tumors begin in the cells that produce estrogen and progesterone, cells that hold the ovary together.

    Signs and Symptoms

    • As with most cancers, the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer generally will not be present until the later stages of the disease. In addition, the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer can be mistaken for another illness, unless properly tested. The most common symptoms are frequent urination, pelvic pain or discomfort, and abdominal pain, bloating or discomfort. Additional signs and symptoms include a change in menstrual cycle, lower back pain, fatigue, expanded abdomen, pain during intercourse (dyspareunia), loss of appetite or feeling full, changes in bowel movements, and persistent gas, nausea or indigestion. Schedule an appointment with the physician if experiencing any of these symptoms.

    Risk Factors

    • There are certain factors that increase a woman's chance of getting ovarian cancer. The most important risk factor is called inherited gene mutation. There are two genes that were found with mutations in patients of breast cancer, breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2). These genes, if found in an individual, are believed to increase the risk of ovarian cancer.

      There are several other risk factors that give rise to ovarian cancer. A family history of ovarian or breast cancer can increase the risk of contracting the disease. Age is another factor, and, most generally, the risk increases with age. Women who have not had children are at an increased risk, as well as women who are infertile.

    Preventative Measures

    • There are several ways to help reduce the risks of contracting ovarian cancer. A healthy diet rich in antioxidants has been known to reduce the risks of this deadly disease. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables like avocados, raspberries, figs, oranges, raw carrots and broccoli can be beneficial. Also, red wine, green and black tea, garlic and nuts assist in reducing the risk of getting ovarian cancer. In addition to eating healthily, exercise helps reduce stress, anxiety, depression and fatigue, helping to keep your body and mind both fit and calm.

      It is also believed that, in addition to having a child, breastfeeding lowers the risk of ovarian cancer. Taking birth control pills for five or more years is also believed to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer because of the estrogen in the medication. Other methods of prevention require undergoing either a tubal ligation, hysterectomy (removal of uterus) or oophorectomy (removal of ovaries).

    Early Diagnosis

    • Researchers are continually searching for a way to screen for ovarian cancer. However, this has been difficult to accomplish, and there are only two methods currently used for screening high-risk patients for this disease. This first test is a transvaginal sonogram or vaginal ultrasound that can detect a mass in the ovary. However, this test can not determine if the mass is cancerous. The other test is called CA-125 for a protein found in the blood. CA-125 is generally higher in women with ovarian cancer. However, women with ovarian cancer can have normal levels of CA-125, or a higher level can also indicate another condition.

      Regardless of whether you may be at high risk of ovarian cancer, annual check-ups, including pelvic examinations, are important factors in preventing cancer. Keeping a health diary can help keep track of any symptoms that may appear. If you experience symptoms, schedule an appointment with your gynecologist immediately.

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