Comprehensive Cancer Centers shares insights into ovarian cancer that women might be aware about, and which may help lead to early detection and improved treatment outcomes.
Ovarian cancer has long been known as a silent killer because its symptoms are often subtle and easily dismissed until the disease has reached an advanced stage, leaving oncologists like those at Comprehensive Cancer Centers, little time to provide necessary treatment. While awareness has grown, there are still many critical aspects of this complex disease that remain widely unknown.
Raising ovarian cancer awareness
is not about creating fear, but about fostering empowerment. Knowledge of the nuances of ovarian cancer can lead to better advocacy for one’s own health, more informed conversations with doctors, and a greater understanding of the challenges and hopes that define this diagnosis. From the myths about screening to the groundbreaking advancements in treatment, here are ten things every woman should know about ovarian cancer.
There is No Reliable Screening Test
One of the most dangerous misconceptions about ovarian cancer is that it can be caught early with a routine Pap test. This is false. The Pap test is designed to screen for cervical cancer, not ovarian cancer. Currently, there is no single, reliable screening method for detecting ovarian cancer in the general population of asymptomatic women. While the transvaginal ultrasound and the CA-125 blood test are sometimes used to investigate symptoms, they are not effective as routine screening tools. The CA-125 test, in particular, can be unreliable; levels can be elevated by benign conditions like endometriosis and uterine fibroids, and they may not be elevated in all women with early-stage ovarian cancer. This lack of a screening test underscores the critical importance of recognizing symptoms and understanding personal risk factors.
The Symptoms are Vague, But Persistent
While ovarian cancer is often called “silent,” it is more accurate to say that it whispers. The symptoms are not dramatic or specific, but they are persistent and represent a change from the norm. The four most common early signs of ovarian cancer are:
- Bloating: Persistent bloating that does not resolve with changes in diet or other remedies.
- Pelvic or Abdominal Pain: A constant or frequent discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvis.
- Difficulty Eating or Feeling Full Quickly: A noticeable change in appetite or feeling full after eating only a small amount.
- Urinary Symptoms: An urgent or frequent need to urinate.
- The key is frequency and persistence. While any woman might experience these symptoms occasionally, if they are new, occur more than 12 times a month, and persist for more than a few weeks, it is time to see a doctor, specifically a gynecologist.
It’s Not Just One Disease
Ovarian cancer is not a single entity. It is a term for a group of diseases that begin in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity). There are more than 30 different types of ovarian cancer, which are broadly classified based on the type of cell from which they originate. The three main types are:
- Epithelial Tumors: These are the most common, accounting for about 90% of cases. They develop from the cells on the outer surface of the ovary.
- Germ Cell Tumors: These develop from the cells that produce the eggs. They are rare and tend to occur in younger women.
- Stromal Tumors: These arise from the connective tissue cells that hold the ovary together and produce female hormones.
These different types can behave very differently, affect different age groups, and require different treatment approaches.
A Family History of Other Cancers Matters
When considering risk, many women focus solely on a family history of ovarian cancer. However, the genetic risk for ovarian cancer is much broader. A family history of breast, colorectal (especially Lynch syndrome-associated), or pancreatic cancer can also significantly increase a woman’s risk for ovarian cancer. This is because these cancers can be caused by inherited mutations in genes like BRCA1, BRCA2, and the genes associated with Lynch syndrome. It is crucial to share a complete family health history with your doctor, not just one limited to gynecologic cancers.
Genetic Testing is a Powerful Tool
Given the strong genetic component, genetic counseling for ovarian cancer is available at Comprehensive Cancer Centers, and testing can be an invaluable tool for risk assessment. Women with a significant family history of related cancers or those who are of Ashkenazi Jewish descent (a population with a higher prevalence of BRCA mutations) should discuss this option with their doctor. For women already diagnosed with ovarian cancer, genetic testing is now a standard part of care. Knowing if a mutation like BRCA1 or BRCA2 is present not only informs family members of their potential risk but also opens the door to specific, highly effective treatments known as PARP inhibitors.
Fallopian Tubes are Often the Real Culprit
For decades, it was believed that the most common and aggressive type of ovarian cancer (high-grade serous carcinoma) began on the surface of the ovary. However, groundbreaking research has shifted this understanding. Scientists now believe that many of these cancers actually originate in the distal end of the fallopian tube. Malignant cells then travel from the tube and implant on the ovary, where they grow and thrive. This discovery has profound implications for prevention. For women at high risk who are done with childbearing, removing the fallopian tubes (a salpingectomy) while leaving the ovaries intact may be a powerful preventative strategy.
Talcum Powder Has a Complicated and Contested Link
The potential link between the use of talcum powder in the genital area and ovarian cancer has been the subject of lawsuits and public debate for years. Some studies have suggested a small increased risk, theorizing that talc particles could travel through the reproductive tract to the ovaries and cause inflammation. However, other large, well-designed studies have not found a definitive link. The scientific and medical communities remain divided, and research is ongoing. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies perineal talc use as “possibly carcinogenic to humans,” reflecting the uncertainty.
Treatment Has Moved Beyond Traditional Chemotherapy
While surgery and traditional chemotherapy remain the cornerstones of ovarian cancer treatment, the therapeutic landscape has expanded dramatically in recent years. Two major advancements have changed the game:
Anti-Angiogenesis Drugs: These therapies, like bevacizumab (Avastin), work by cutting off a tumor’s blood supply, essentially starving it of the nutrients it needs to grow.
PARP Inhibitors: This class of targeted drugs has revolutionized treatment, particularly for women with BRCA mutations. PARP inhibitors work by exploiting a weakness in the cancer cells’ ability to repair DNA damage, causing the cancer cells to die. They are now widely used as a maintenance therapy to help keep the cancer in remission after chemotherapy.
You Can Live Well for Years, Even with Recurrence
An ovarian cancer diagnosis is life-altering, and the high rate of recurrence can be daunting. However, it is no longer viewed as an acute illness but rather as a chronic disease that can be managed over the long term. With the advent of new targeted therapies and a better understanding of the disease’s biology, recurrences can often be treated effectively, pushing the cancer back into remission for months or even years at a time. Many women live full, active lives for many years with ovarian cancer, navigating a “new normal” that involves ongoing monitoring and periodic treatment. The focus is on extending both the length and the quality of life, and the progress in this area continues to bring new hope.
Comprehensive Cancer Centers Can Help
The medical team at Comprehensive Cancer Centers provides a variety of treatment options for patients with ovarian cancer, with all treatments being done in Southern Nevada. To schedule an appointment with the team at Comprehensive, please call 702-952-3350.
The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
