Ovarian Cancer
Amgad Wahba, RN, PhD
Facts about Ovarian Cancer Ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. About 75% of cases are detected at a late stage. The ovary is a common site of primary as well as metastatic lesions from other cancer. Most cases affect women ages 50-59. The incidence of ovarian cancer is highest in industrialized countries except Japan.
A woman with ovarian cancer has a threefold to fourfold increased risk for breast cancer. Women with breast cancer have an increased risk for ovarian cancer. No definitive causative factors have been determined. Heredity plays a part. Ovarian tumors are often difficult to detect because they are deep in the pelvis. No early screening mechanisms exist at present. An ultrasound is helpful in those at risk for this condition.
Risk factors for ovarian cancer include:
Family history of closely related members
History of breast cancer
History of infertility
Older age – incidence peaks in eighth decade of life
High dietary fat intake
Symptoms are non-specific and often vague. They include the following:
- Increased abdominal girth or waistline
- Pelvic pressure
- Indigestion
- Flatulence or fullness after light meal
- Leg and pelvic pain
Stages of ovarian cancer
Stage One – growth limited to ovaries
Stages Two - growth involves one or both ovaries with pelvic extension
Stage Three – growth involves one or both ovaries with metastases outside the pelvis
Stage Four – growth involves one or both ovaries with distant metastases
Prevention
Since heredity plays a part in diagnosis, pelvic examination every 6 months for women who have one or two relatives with ovarian cancer is recommended. Early detection is essential if any of the above symptoms appear or persist. See your gynecologist if you have any of the risk factors or persistent symptoms mentioned above.
Treatment
Surgical removal is the treatment of choice. Chemotherapy often follows surgery. Radiation therapy may be helpful and is more useful in some types of ovarian cancer than others.
Amgad Wahba, RN, PhD
Amgad Wahba, RN, PhD is a nurse educator and a member of the HealthCare Advocacy Ministry.For questions about this or any other article, please email and write the title of the article in the subject line.
