Affecting one or both ovaries, ovarian cancer often goes undetected for a long time. While it’s a fairly rare cancer, the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists reports that it’s the most common cause of gynecologic cancer death in the United States.
Recognizing the signs of ovarian cancer can help you detect the disease as soon as possible.
“Early-stage ovarian cancer often doesn’t cause symptoms,” says Dr. Tempest Allen, a board-certified physician with Beaufort Memorial Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists. “When symptoms finally start, they may mimic other conditions, which can slow the diagnostic process.”
Read More: Gynecologic Cancer: What Every Woman Should Know
What Are the Signs of Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer can begin in the ovary’s interior lining or the cells that produce eggs for reproduction. Some may even begin in the fallopian tubes. The most common type of ovarian cancer is epithelial ovarian cancer, beginning in the cells that cover the ovaries.
No matter where it begins, recognizing the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer is essential for diagnosis. Common symptoms of ovarian cancer include:
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
- Bloating that lasts for a prolonged period
- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
- Feeling a sudden or frequent need to urinate
These symptoms may indicate cancer if they affect you for more than 12 days a month. You may also experience changes in your bowel habits, extreme fatigue or unexpected weight loss. In some cases, vaginal bleeding can occur, even if menopause has put an end to your menstrual cycle.
Read More: What Size of Ovarian Cyst Is Dangerous?
Understanding Your Risk Factors
A woman’s lifetime risk of ovarian cancer is just over 1%, according to the American Cancer Society. Though the likelihood is fairly low, you should not write off the possibility altogether.
“Every woman has the potential to experience ovarian cancer,” Dr. Allen says. “Therefore, it’s important to know what increases your risk and work with your women’s health provider to recognize the disease as early as possible.”
Developing ovarian cancer is more likely with the following risk factors:
- Age — Nearly one-half of all women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are 63 or older.
- Race — White women are at higher risk than Black women.
- Family history of ovarian cancer — You’re at higher risk if a close blood relative had ovarian cancer, such as your mother, sister, grandmother or aunt.
- Genetics — Genetic conditions, such as Lynch syndrome or changes in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, increase your risk.
- Health issues — Certain conditions, such as obesity or endometriosis, increase the likelihood of cancer.
- Personal history — Ovarian cancer is more likely if you’ve taken hormone replacement therapy or have never been pregnant.
Read More: Take Control of Your Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Acting on Signs of Ovarian Cancer
“Most women with ovarian cancer have multiple symptoms before diagnosis,” Dr. Allen says. “Dismissing those symptoms allows cancer cells to spread and reduces your treatment options.”
Instead of ignoring what your body is telling you, pay attention. If you experience symptoms, discuss them with your healthcare provider and continue to seek answers until you determine the root cause of your problem.
Currently, there is no screening test for ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer diagnosis requires multiple steps, including:
- Examination — You undergo a physical examination, including a pelvic exam. During your exam, you explain your symptoms and your family and personal medical history.
- Imaging — A transvaginal ultrasound helps identify abnormal growths in the uterus. With this screening, an OBGYN or other specialist inserts an ultrasound wand into the vagina. The wand emits sound waves, which a computer translates into images of the uterus. Other imaging technologies can help with diagnosis or treatment planning.
- Laboratory testing — A simple blood draw can help identify problems in your blood. Tests detect low white or red blood cell counts, as well as the presence of markers that may indicate ovarian cancer.
Based on these results, your provider may prescribe a biopsy. For this procedure, a gynecologic surgeon removes a sample of tissue from your uterus. These abnormal cells then undergo laboratory testing to confirm or rule out the presence of cancer.
If cancer is present, your team develops a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy and targeted therapy.
Reducing Ovarian Cancer Risk
While there’s no proven way to prevent ovarian cancer, you can take steps to reduce your risk. These include:
- Birth control — If you’re at average risk for ovarian cancer, taking birth control pills helps reduce your risk. The longer you take the pill, the more protection you receive. “However,” Dr. Allen says, “you should use birth control pills with caution, as they may increase your risk of breast cancer.” Other birth control options, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs), may also lower your ovarian cancer risk.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding — Carrying a child to full term before age 26 reduces your likelihood of ovarian cancer. Having additional children lowers your risk even further, as does breastfeeding for as long as possible.
- Preventive surgery — Surgically removing your ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus makes you less likely to experience ovarian cancer. This approach is typically reserved for those with a strong family history of cancer.
Already have a diagnosis of ovarian cancer? You may want to undergo genetic testing.
“Genetic testing through the Beaufort Memorial Cancer Genetics and High-Risk Program offers significant benefits for the right person,” Dr. Allen says. “The results can help guide our treatment choices. They can also help others in your family know if their genetics may put them at risk for ovarian cancer in the future.”
Read More: Genetic Testing for Cancer: Do You Need It
Cancer Signs and Symptoms at a Glance
You may not experience signs of ovarian cancer until the cancer spreads. Paying attention to them can lead to an early diagnosis, before the cancer spreads to other areas.
- You’re at increased risk for ovarian cancer if you’re older, have a family history of the disease, experience obesity or are white. Common symptoms include bloating, feeling full, abdominal pain and excessive urination.
- Diagnosing ovarian cancer requires multiple tests, including a biopsy. Treatment options include surgery and chemotherapy.
- There’s no guaranteed way to prevent ovarian cancer. However, taking birth control, birthing children and breastfeeding help reduce your risk.
Talk to your women’s health provider about your risk for ovarian cancer. Don’t have a provider? Call 843-770-4588 to find one near you today or request an appointment with a women’s health provider at Beaufort Memorial.
