Learning the Basics of Ovarian Cancer

What is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the ovaries. The ovaries are responsible for releasing and producing eggs in the female reproductive system.

Ovarian cancer can occur when cancer cells grow uncontrollably and form a tumour. This tumour can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.

Ovarian cancer also accounts for around 3% of all cancer cases in women globally aside from breast cancer and cervical cancer, as stated by the American Cancer Society.

Knowing the Types of Ovarian Cancer

Most ovarian cancers that start in your ovaries can also spread to your fallopian tubes and vice versa, growing abnormally and uncontrollably. There are several types of ovarian cancer, which are classified based on the type of cell that is affected.

According to the National Cancer Institute, there are three main types of ovarian cancer are:

• Epithelial ovarian cancer: This is the most common type of ovarian cancer that starts when abnormal cells are on the surface of the ovary and can affect one or both ovaries.

• Germ cell tumours: This is relatively rare in ovarian cancer patients and starts in the cells that produce the eggs.

• Sex-cord stromal tumours: This type of ovarian cancer starts in the cells that produce hormones and hold the ovarian tissue together.

Ovarian cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs that form in or on the ovaries, are also common but are usually benign and not cancerous.

It's important to remember that each person's cancer diagnosis is unique, and the type of ovarian cancer can only be determined through diagnostic testing. If you have any concerns or are experiencing symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider about your options for testing and diagnosis.

Understanding the Risk of Ovarian Cancer

While ovarian cancers can occur in any woman, certain factors can have the increased risk to develop ovarian tumours. Some of the most common risk factors include:

• Age: Women over 50 are more likely to develop ovarian cancer

• Genetics: Women with a family history of ovarian cancer or certain genetic mutations are at high risk of developing the disease.

• Hormonal factors: Women who have never been pregnant or who started menstruating at an early age may have a higher risk

• Endometriosis: Women with endometriosis where the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, are at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer

• Obesity: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing ovarian cancer

If you have any of these risk factors, it's important to talk to your doctor about your options for monitoring and prevention.

Recognising Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

One of the biggest challenges with early-stage ovarian cancer is that it often doesn't cause noticeable symptoms. As cancer grows to different stages, it can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Abdominal swelling or bloating

• Pain in the abdomen or pelvis

• Feeling full quickly or having difficulty eating

• Changes in bladder or bowel habits

• Fatigue

• Back pain

• Menstrual changes

It's important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other medical conditions, which is why it's vital to speak with a healthcare provider about any of them or if they interfere with your daily life.

Prevention and Detection of Ovarian Cancer

Finding out whether you have ovarian cancer can be a difficult and stressful process. When it comes to detecting it, there is neither an ovarian cancer screening that can definitively determine if you have the disease nor a guaranteed way to prevent ovarian cancer.

However, there are steps that women can take to reduce their risk, including:

• Taking birth control pills

• Having a hysterectomy or tubal ligation

• Breastfeeding

• Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine

Regular medical check-ups and tests like imaging tests or blood tests can also improve the chances of getting ovarian cancer diagnosed. Women with a family history of ovarian cancer or other risk factors may benefit from genetic testing to assess their risk.

Treatment Options for Ovarian Cancer

The right ovarian cancer treatment depends on the stage of the disease and other factors such as your age and overall health. Some of the most common treatments include:

• Surgery: This may involve removing ovaries, as well as other nearby tissue or organs. In some cases, a hysterectomy may also be necessary.

• Chemotherapy: This type of treatment uses drugs to kill cancer cells and is often given after surgery to help destroy any remaining cancer cells.

• Targeted therapy: This type of treatment targets specific proteins in cancer cells, which can help to slow or stop their growth.

• Radiation therapy: This treatment uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells.

Your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Final Thoughts

Ovarian cancer can be a serious and challenging disease and understanding the basics of ovarian cancer, including its symptoms, types, and diagnosis can help increase awareness and improve early detection.

With a high 5-year survival rate, women that received an ovarian cancer diagnosis can also take steps to improve their overall health. If you are experiencing any symptoms or have concerns about your risk, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider.