What is
Ovarian Cancer

  • Ovarian cancer is a group of diseases that originates in the ovaries, or in the related areas of the fallopian tubes and the peritoneum.

    When ovarian cancer is found in its early stages, treatment works best. Ovarian cancer may or may not exhibit signs and symptoms, so it is important to pay attention to your body and know what is normal for you. Symptoms may be caused by something other than cancer, but the only way to know is to consult with your doctor, nurse, or other health care professional.

    Some genetic factors can raise your risk for ovarian cancer. Mutations in the breast cancer susceptibility genes 1 and 2 (BRCA1 and BRCA2), and those associated with Lynch Syndrome, raise ovarian cancer risk.

  • There is no way to know for sure if you will get ovarian cancer. Some women get it without being at high risk. However, several factors may increase a woman’s risk for ovarian cancer. If you—

    • Are middle-aged or older.

    • Have close family members (such as your mother, sister, aunt, or grandmother) on either your mother’s or your father’s side, who have had ovarian cancer.

    • Have a genetic mutation (change) called BRCA1 or BRCA2, or one associated with Lynch syndrome.

    • Have had breast, uterine, or colorectal (colon) cancer.

    • Have an Eastern European or Ashkenazi Jewish background.

    • Have endometriosis (a condition where tissue from the lining of the uterus grows elsewhere in the body).

    • Have never given birth or have had trouble getting pregnant.

    In addition, some studies suggest that women who take estrogen by itself (without progesterone) for 10 or more years may have an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

    If one or more of these factors is true for you, it does not mean you will get ovarian cancer. But you should speak with your doctor about your risk. If you or your family have a history of ovarian cancer, also speak to your doctor about genetic counseling.

  • There is no known way to prevent ovarian cancer. Studies have shown that historically, the following may reduce your chances of contracting the disease —

    • Using birth control pills for five years or more.

    • Tying your tubes (tubal ligation), removing both ovaries, or having a hysterectomy.

    • Given birth.

    • Breastfeeding. Some studies suggest that women who breastfeed for a year or more may have a modestly reduced risk of ovarian cancer.

    Talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk. While these things may help reduce the chance of getting ovarian cancer, they are not recommended for everybody, and risks and benefits are associated with each.

  • Ovarian cancer may cause the following signs and symptoms—

    • Vaginal bleeding (particularly if you are past menopause), or discharge from your vagina that is not normal for you.

    • Pain or pressure in the pelvic area.

    • Abdominal or back pain.

    • Bloating.

    • Feeling full too quickly, or difficulty eating.

    • A change in your bathroom habits, such as more frequent or urgent need to urinate and/or constipation.

    Pay attention to your body, and know what is normal for you. If you have unusual vaginal bleeding, see a doctor right away. If you have any of the other signs for two weeks or longer and they are not normal for you, see a doctor. They may be caused by something other than cancer, but the only way to know is to see a doctor.

  • There is no simple or reliable way to screen for ovarian cancer; especially if you have no symptoms.

    Treatments work best when screening and diagnostic test’s detect cancer early.

    The Pap test does not check for ovarian cancer. It only screens for cervical cancer. This is why it’s so important to recognize the warning signs of ovarian cancer and do what you can to reduce your risks.

    Here is what you can do—

    • Pay attention to your body, and know what is normal for you.

    • If you notice any changes in your body that are not normal for you, and could be a sign of ovarian cancer, talk to your doctor about them.

  • Treatment for ovarian cancer usually involves a combination of surgery and chemotherapy.

    • Surgery: Doctors remove cancer tissue in an operation.

    • Chemotherapy: Using special medicines to shrink or kill the cancer. The drugs can be pills you take or medicines given in your veins, or sometimes both.

    Different treatments may be provided by different doctors on your medical team.

    • Gynecologic oncologists are doctors who have been trained to treat cancers of a woman’s reproductive system. They perform surgery and give chemotherapy (medicine).

    • Surgeons are doctors who perform operations.

    • Medical oncologists are doctors who treat cancer with medicine (chemotherapy).

    Visit the National Cancer Institute for more information about ovarian cancer treatment.

  • Clinical trials use new treatment options to see if they are safe and effective. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, you may want to participate in a clinical trial. Visit the sites listed below for more information.

  • Choosing the treatment that is right for you may be hard. Talk to your Oncologist about the treatment options available for your type and stage of cancer. Your Oncologist can explain the risks and benefits of each treatment and their side effects.