Ovarian cancer occurs when cells of the ovary grow in an uncontrolled fashion. It is very serious if not caught early. Unfortunately, at this time, there are no routine tests to identify ovarian cancer. However, certain factors place women at increased risk. And there are symptoms to look out for which may suggest a problem. Regular checkups and discussions with your physician can help detect ovarian problems. When caught early, many types of cancers and other diseases are curable. If you have not been to the doctor in over a year, now is the time to schedule your checkup. If you have a symptom of concern, do not wait – listen to your body, prioritize your health, and schedule to be seen sooner than later.
Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors
While the direct cause of ovarian cancer is unknown, certain factors may increase your risk of developing this type of cancer. These include:
- Age – Women over the age of 63 are at a higher risk
- Being overweight or obese
- Never having children
- Never breastfeeding
- Taking hormone therapy after menopause
- Family history of ovarian cancer
- Certain genes (BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM, BRIP1, RAD51C, RAD51D, and PALB2)
Ovarian Cancer Prevention
While it may not be 100% possible to prevent ovarian cancer, there are lifestyle choices you can make to help decrease your risk. These include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Not using tobacco products
- Consuming alcohol in moderation – no more than one drink per day for women
- Using oral contraceptives for five or more years
- Regular physical exams
- Giving birth
- Breastfeeding
- Eating a diet of whole natural foods
- Avoiding processed foods
When to Seek Medical Advice
First and foremost, it’s never too early to talk to your doctor. It is time to schedule an appointment if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Abdominal bloating
- Feeling full quickly when eating
- Unexplained weight loss
- Discomfort in the lower abdomen
- Fatigue
- Back pain
- Changes in bowel movements
- Frequently need to urinate
If your symptoms are not listed, it’s best to consult your doctor. Remember to be open and honest with your physician. They cannot properly treat you if they don’t know the full extent of what’s going on.
Ovarian Cancer Treatment
If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer or possible ovarian cancer, your doctor may do some additional testing and then arrange for you to be evaluated by a specialized doctor who knows how to treat cancers of the female reproductive organs. Treatment typically includes surgery to remove the tumor and explore the abdomen for any other involvement. There may be additional treatments before and after surgery. The stage in which the cancer was diagnosed will largely determine the treatment.
Treatments may include:
- Local treatments of the tumor
- Surgery
- Radiation
- Systemic treatments
- Chemotherapy
- Hormone therapy
- Targeted drug therapy
If you are coping with ovarian cancer, much of your care will be through specialists. But, your primary care clinic remains your medical home and will do all they can to support your needs during this time.