How to know if you have ovarian cancer?

Table of Contents

What Is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the ovaries of women. The ovaries are two small organs that produce eggs and hormones. The cells in the ovaries can sometimes start to grow out of control and form a tumour. If the tumour is malignant (cancerous), it can spread to other parts of the body.

What Are The Symptoms Of Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer can be difficult to detect early on because the symptoms can be vague and non-specific. Some common symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

Bloating
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
Urinary symptoms, such as urgency or frequency
Back pain
Menstrual changes

If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist for more than a few weeks, it’s important to talk to your doctor.

Who Is At Risk Of Ovarian Cancer?

There are several factors that can increase a woman’s risk of developing ovarian cancer, including:

Age – ovarian cancer is more common in women over 50
Family history of ovarian or breast cancer
Personal history of breast cancer
Never having been pregnant
Having endometriosis
Using hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

If you have any of these risk factors, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your individual risk and whether you need any additional screening tests.

How Is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed?

If your doctor suspects that you may have ovarian cancer, they will likely recommend some diagnostic tests, such as:

Pelvic exam – this involves your doctor feeling your ovaries and other pelvic organs for lumps or other abnormalities
Blood tests – these can detect certain tumour markers that may suggest ovarian cancer
Ultrasound – this uses sound waves to create images of your ovaries and other organs in your pelvis
CT scan or MRI – these imaging tests can provide more detailed images of your pelvic area and can help determine the extent of the cancer

If these tests suggest that you may have ovarian cancer, your doctor will likely recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

What Are The Treatment Options For Ovarian Cancer?

The treatment options for ovarian cancer depend on several factors, including the stage and extent of the cancer, your overall health, and your personal preferences. Some common treatment options include:

Surgery – this is the most common treatment for ovarian cancer and involves removing as much of the cancer as possible
Chemotherapy – this involves using drugs to kill cancer cells
Radiation therapy – this uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells

Your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is most appropriate for your individual situation.

What Can You Do To Reduce Your Risk Of Ovarian Cancer?

While there is no sure way to prevent ovarian cancer, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk:

Use oral contraceptives – studies have shown that taking birth control pills can reduce your risk of ovarian cancer
Breastfeeding – women who breastfeed for at least a year have a lower risk of ovarian cancer
Have a hysterectomy – removing your ovaries and fallopian tubes can significantly reduce your risk of ovarian cancer
Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly
Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

When Should You See A Doctor?

If you experience any symptoms of ovarian cancer, such as bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating, or urinary symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor. While these symptoms can be caused by many other conditions, it’s always better to be safe and get checked out.

What Is The Prognosis For Ovarian Cancer?

The prognosis for ovarian cancer depends on several factors, including the stage and extent of the cancer, the type of cancer cells involved, and your overall health. In general, the earlier the cancer is detected and treated, the better the prognosis. However, even in advanced cases, there are treatment options available that can help to manage the cancer and improve quality of life.

Conclusion

Ovarian cancer can be a difficult condition to detect and diagnose, but there are certain symptoms and risk factors that may indicate a need for further testing. If you experience any of the symptoms of ovarian cancer, or if you have any of the risk factors for the condition, it’s important to talk to your doctor. With early detection and appropriate treatment, the prognosis for ovarian cancer can be positive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can ovarian cancer be cured?

While there is no cure for ovarian cancer, there are treatment options available that can help to manage the cancer and improve quality of life.

What are some of the risk factors for ovarian cancer?

Some common risk factors for ovarian cancer include age, family history of ovarian or breast cancer, personal history of breast cancer, never having been pregnant, having endometriosis, and using hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

What are some of the symptoms of ovarian cancer?

Some common symptoms of ovarian cancer include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating, urinary symptoms, back pain, and menstrual changes.

How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?

If your doctor suspects that you may have ovarian cancer, they will likely recommend some diagnostic tests, such as a pelvic exam, blood tests, ultrasound, or imaging tests.

What are the treatment options for ovarian cancer?

References:

American Cancer Society. (2021). Ovarian Cancer. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer.html
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition. (2021). Ovarian Cancer Symptoms. Available at: https://www.ovarian.org/about-ovarian-cancer/what-is-ovarian-cancer/symptoms-of-ovarian-cancer/
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2018). Ovarian Cancer. Available at: https://www.womenshealth.gov/cancer/ovarian-cancer