As women, we are often the caretakers of those around us, but when it comes to our own health, we can tend to put it on the back burner. But it's important to be aware of the risks, causes, and prevention of health issues that affect us. Being proactive about our health can mean many things, such as scheduling regular check-ups with our doctors, paying attention to our bodies, and staying up-to-date on health trends and research. Being informed about your health is one of the most important and empowering things a woman can do.
One issue that affects women's health is ovarian cancer, which is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. It can often go undetected until it has advanced, making it crucial for us to be aware of the signs and symptoms. Prevention and early detection are key when it comes to ovarian cancer. If ovarian cancer is detected early, it can often be treated effectively. Knowing the signs, symptoms, and treatment options for ovarian cancer can be life-saving. In this blog post, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options available for ovarian cancer.
What is Ovarian Cancer?
As women, we owe it to ourselves to prioritize our health. By being proactive about our health, we can empower ourselves, take control of our bodies and be better equipped to recognize and treat gynecologic cancers if they occur. Unfortunately, ovarian cancer can often be hard to detect in its early stages due to its vague symptoms. That's why women who are in or near menopause need to become understand and be aware of the risk factors, signs, and symptoms of ovarian cancer.
Types of Gynecologic Cancers
Reproductive organs can require special attention and care. Unfortunately, sometimes things can go wrong, and gynecological cancers can develop. These types of cancers start in the female reproductive system and can affect different organs, including the cervix, uterus, ovaries, vagina, and vulva. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most common gynecological cancers include cervical, uterine, ovarian, vaginal, and vulvar cancer. Each type of cancer has its own set of symptoms, treatment options, and outcomes.
Cervical cancer: Cervical cancer affects the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. This type of cancer is usually caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can be prevented with regular Pap tests and HPV vaccinations.
Uterine cancer: Uterine cancer affects the lining of the uterus and is the most common type of gynecological cancer. Women who have gone through menopause or have a history of estrogen use are at a higher risk of developing uterine cancer.
Vaginal and vulvar cancer: These types of cancers affect the external female genitalia. Vaginal cancer is rare, but vulvar cancer is more common. Both types of cancer are usually caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Ovarian cancer: Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the ovaries, which are the reproductive organs in women responsible for producing eggs. Ovarian cancer is often undetected until it's advanced, which makes it a challenging cancer to treat.
Types of Ovarian Cancer:
There are three different cell types in the ovaries. The type of ovarian cancer is based on which of the cells they form in.
Epithelial cells: the cells that line the surface of the ovary
Germ cells: produce hormones and eggs for reproduction
- Stromal cells: make up connective tissues that hold the ovaries together
Of these, epithelial cancer is the most common and the most invasive, occurring in around 85–90% of people with ovarian cancer. Germ cell tumors are often benign, and in 90% of cases, treatment is effective.
As you can see, each gynecological cancer is unique, but they all require special attention and care. It's essential to pay attention to your body and talk to your healthcare provider if you experience any abnormal symptoms. Remember, early detection can save lives.
What Causes Ovarian Cancer?
The cause of ovarian cancer is not entirely clear, but certain risk factors may contribute to its development. Some of these factors include a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, the use of hormone therapy after menopause, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and the use of talcum powder on the genitals.
Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer
Family History: If a close family member (such as a mother or sister) has had ovarian cancer, your own risk of developing it goes up. This is because some families have a genetic predisposition to the disease.
Nulliparity: This is just a fancy way of saying "never having had a baby." Women who have never given birth are at a slightly higher risk for ovarian cancer than those who have.
Delayed Childbearing: Similarly, women who wait until they are older to have children are at a higher risk.
Early Menarche/Late Menopause: Women who started menstruating before age 12 or who went through menopause after age 50 are also at a higher risk.
BRCA Gene Mutations: This is probably the most well-known genetic risk factor for ovarian cancer. If you have a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, you are at a significantly higher risk for developing both breast and ovarian cancer. Women with these mutations have a 50 to 85% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer and a 20 to 40% lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Other Genetic Mutations: There are several other genes associated with hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer, including TP53, PTEN, CDH1, CHEK2, ATM, and MSH2. These mutations are less common than BRCA mutations, but they still increase your risk for ovarian cancer.
- Past Exposure: hormone therapy after menopause, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and the use of talcum powder on the genitals have all been linked to a higher risk of ovarian cancer
Having one or more of these risk factors does not mean you will definitely develop ovarian cancer. It simply means you have a higher chance of developing it than someone who doesn't have those risk factors. Additionally, not having any of these risk factors doesn't mean you won't develop ovarian cancer. It's always a good idea to talk to your doctor about your individual risk factors and what you can do to stay healthy.
What Are The Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?
One of the challenges of ovarian cancer is that in the early stages, there may be few or no symptoms. However, some women may experience early symptoms, which include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, feeling the need to urinate urgently or often, fatigue, indigestion, gas, nausea, and back pain. In addition to these early symptoms, changes in bowel habits and unexplained weight loss may also be signs of ovarian cancer. Some other symptoms might seem like menopause, like pain during sex, and irregular menstrual cycles.
Take note of any major changes in your body or persistent symptoms. If any of these symptoms continue for more than two weeks or interfere with your day-to-day functioning- it may be time to seek medical attention.
It's important to remember that these symptoms could be caused by many things, not just ovarian cancer. However, it's always best to err on the side of caution and speak with a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis usually means that treatment can be more effective, which is why it's so crucial to get checked out if you have concerns. Take charge of your health and seek medical attention if you notice any changes or symptoms that concern you.
How Is Ovarian Cancer Detected?
Regular screenings, such as pelvic exams and ultrasounds, can help detect the disease early. Blood tests can also check for high levels of a marker called CA-125, which can be an indicator of ovarian cancer, however, not all ovarian cancers produce this marker.
In addition to blood tests, imaging tests may be recommended, such as transvaginal ultrasound, an MRI scan, or a CT scan. A laparoscopy is another option, which involves inserting a thin tube with a camera attached through a small hole in the abdomen to see the ovaries and take a tissue sample for a biopsy.
Not all ovarian cancers present with symptoms, so regular check-ups are so important. When detected early, approximately 94% of people live longer than 5 years after diagnosis. Be proactive about your health and don't hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
What Are The Treatment Options for Ovarian Cancer?
Fortunately, there are several treatment options available that have been shown to be effective against this disease. One of the most common treatments for ovarian cancer is surgery. This can include a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), removal of the fallopian tubes, of one or both ovaries, or scraping the cancerous cells off of the affected tissue. The extent of surgery will depend on the stage and location of the cancer.
Radiation and chemotherapy are two terms that are often used interchangeably- but they are completely different. Chemotherapy is a treatment option that can be used alone or after surgery. These drugs can be taken by mouth, injection, or infusion. This treatment destroys cancer cells and is especially effective because it can target cancer cells that have spread beyond the ovary. Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. While this is another treatment option, it's not as commonly used in ovarian cancer as chemotherapy is usually more effective. When radiation is used for ovarian cancer, it is often for those with advanced cancer, sometimes for pain management or to control symptoms in hospice settings. Immunotherapy, also known as biotherapy, is a newer treatment option for ovarian cancer that aims to boost the immune system's ability to defend the body against cancer. It can include the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors or cancer vaccines.
Ultimately, a treatment plan for ovarian cancer will depend on the stage and type of cancer, as well as other factors such as age and overall health. Speak openly with your healthcare provider about any symptoms or concerns you may have, and take an active role in your own healthcare.
Take Action Against Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is a severe disease that requires prompt attention and treatment. But by understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options, women can take proactive steps to reduce their risk of developing the disease or detect and treat it early.
If you're concerned that you might be at high-risk, ask your doctor about recommended screenings and diagnostic tests and whether genetic testing is appropriate for you. If you're experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, talk to your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.
Remember, knowledge is power. The more you know about ovarian cancer, the better equipped you are to make informed decisions about your health.