Ovarian cancer isn’t one we hear about often. That’s because nearly 50% of cancer related deaths are either breast, lung/bronchus, pancreatic, or colorectal in origin. In fact, a relatively low number (20,000 people) were diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2023. That means many people go their entire lives without knowing someone impacted by this cancer. But according to the CDC, ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecologic cancer in the US and causes more deaths than any other cancer that affects the female reproductive system. Approximately 1 in every 71 women will develop ovarian cancer in her lifetime.
So let’s talk about this sneaky but deadly cancer and how we can assess risk factors, reduce your risk, and advocate for yourself when discussing treatment with your doctor.
What Is Ovarian Cancer?
The female reproductive system is located in the pelvis and is made up of a complex system of parts that include the ovaries. Each woman has two ovaries that sit on each side of the uterus and produce eggs (ova). The ovaries also create the hormones estrogen and progesterone which regulate the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
Ovarian cancer is a growth of cancerous cells that forms in the tissues of the ovaries; these cells quickly multiply and destroy surrounding healthy tissue. Ovarian cancer stems from within three common types of cells:
- Germ cells produce the eggs
- Epithelial cells cover the outer lining of the ovaries
- Sex cord stromal cells provide structure to the ovary to hold it together
Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer
Unfortunately, the exact causes of ovarian cancer is unknown but the scenarios listed below increase a person's risk for developing the disease.
But before you read this list, remember that having risk factors for ovarian cancer doesn’t guarantee that you’ll develop the disease! You may have two or more risk factors and never face issues at all, so early and preventative testing is key; we’ll talk more about testing later.
- Family history of cancer - Women who have an immediate family member who’ve had ovarian, breast, uterus, colon, or rectum cancer are at a higher risk for ovarian cancer.
- Hormone replacement therapy - Some studies have suggested that women who still have ovaries and take estrogen by itself (without progesterone) for 10 or more years may have an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
- Endometriosis - This is a condition where tissue from the uterine lining grows elsewhere in the body.
- Age - Ovarian cancer mostly affects women older than 55.
- Pregnancy - Older women who’ve never been pregnant are often at a higher risk for developing ovarian cancer.
- Genetic mutations - Mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2, or one associated with Lynch syndrome increase your cancer risk. Genetic testing can help your doctor assess your likelihood of developing ovarian cancer.
- Personal history of cancer - A personal history of uterus, colon, breast, or rectum cancer increases the risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
The symptoms of ovarian cancer are also symptoms of a plethora of other illnesses. If you have one or more risk factors listed above and experience any of the following symptoms, we recommend setting up an appointment with your doctor:
- Weight loss
- Abdominal bloating or swelling
- Quickly feeling full when eating
- Fatigue
- Back pain
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Bloating or unexplainable gas
- Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
- A frequent need to pee
Tests and Screening for Ovarian Cancer
Unfortunately, there’s no reliable screening test available among women who don’t exhibit any symptoms of the disease; instead, surgery is usually needed to diagnose this type of cancer. If you’re experiencing symptoms, your doctor may perform a combination of tests before resorting to surgery. These tests include:
- Biopsy - This test involves the removal of fluid of tissue to check for cancer cells.
- CA-125 blood test - While non-cancerous conditions can cause an increase in CA-125 in the blood and urine, testing for this substance can be a helpful gauge of the presence of cancer in women experiencing symptoms.
- Recto-vaginal pelvic exam - By doing a physical exam of the vagina and rectum, doctors can feel for any masses or growths in the abdomen.
- Ultrasound - This test uses sound waves to identify growths inside the pelvic area.
Treatment for Ovarian Cancer
If diagnosed, your doctor may recommend a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. During surgery, your doctor will remove cancer tissue then use chemotherapy to shrink or kill any remaining cancer cells. Your doctor may also recommend a targeted treatment that pinpoints and attacks cancer cells to slow the growth or spread of those cells.
Recent studies show that more than 70 out of 100 women survive their cancer for 1 year or more after they are diagnosed. 45% of women survive their cancer for 5 years or more and 35% survive for 10 years or more.
If you have any of the risk factors of ovarian cancer, we encourage you to pay attention to your body—you know it best if you notice things changing and some of the common cancer symptoms developing, schedule an appointment with your doctor. As with all diseases, early detection is the best way to survive and thrive after a diagnosis.
