Ovarian Cancer

What are the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer can be difficult to detect early because its symptoms are often vague and similar to other conditions. Some symptoms often appear late in the disease’s progression. Some signs and symptoms to watch for include:

• Persistent abdominal bloating or swelling
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Feeling full quickly
• Frequent urination or urgency
• Unexplained weight loss
• Changes in bowel habits
• Fatigue
• Lower back pain
• Many of these symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions, so it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis if any symptoms are present and persist. Early detection greatly improves the chances of successful treatment.
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  How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?

  Diagnosing ovarian cancer begins with a physical examination so that your doctor can evaluate the symptoms you are experiencing and discuss your health history in detail. A combination of pelvic exams, imaging tests (like ultrasound or CT scans) and blood tests (such as CA-125, a marker that can be elevated in ovarian cancer) can also be performed to diagnose ovarian cancer.
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  What causes ovarian cancer?

  The exact cause of ovarian cancer is not well understood. Several factors such as age, family history of cancer and certain genetic mutations (like BRCA1 and BRCA2), can increase the risk.
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  Is ovarian cancer genetic?

  Most cases of ovarian cancer are not linked to inherited factors. However, about 10 – 15% of ovarian cancers are linked to inherited gene mutations. Women who inherit mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA 2 genes have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer, as well as breast cancer. If there is a strong family history of ovarian, breast or related cancers, genetic counseling and testing may be recommended to assess risk. It is best to talk with your doctor about any genetic factors that may be present.
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  Is ovarian cancer curable?

  Ovarian cancer can be curable. Early-stage ovarian cancer as a much higher chance of being cured. Late-stage ovarian cancer is more challenging to cure, as the cancer has often spread beyond the ovaries by the time it is detected. However, many women can achieve long-term remission with treatment.
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  Is there a screening test for ovarian cancer?

  Currently, there is no standard, widely accepted screening test for ovarian cancer. This makes early detection difficult, as ovarian cancer often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms until it has advanced. It’s important for women to be aware of symptoms and risk factors and to consult a doctor if they experience unusual changes, such as bloating, pelvic pain or changes in bowel habits.
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  What are the best things women can do to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer?

  While there is no guaranteed way to prevent ovarian cancer, women can consider the following strategies to lower their risk:

  • Maintain a healthy weight with a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
  • Limit alcohol intake.
  • Limit use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), which has been linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Women should discuss risks and benefits with their healthcare provider.

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  How is ovarian cancer treated?

  Treatment options for ovarian cancer depend on a number of factors, including the specific type, size, location and grade of the tumor, the patient’s overall health and whether she wants to preserve her fertility. Surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible is often the first step. Treatment options can also include chemotherapy, targeted therapies or immunotherapy. Ovarian cancer has a tendency to recur, even after initial successful treatment. Recurrent ovarian cancer can often be treated, but it becomes harder to cure with each recurrence.

  FCS is committed to advancing treatment and outcomes for patients with gynecologic cancer. Each year, dozens of clinical trials are conducted within FCS to find newer, better and more targeted treatments for the different types of gynecologic cancer.
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