In 2005, 696 Michigan women developed ovarian cancer and, in 2006, 534 women died from the disease. Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer in women, and it ranks fifth as the cause of cancer death in women.
The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be about 22,430 new cases of ovarian cancer in this country in 2007. About 15,280 women will die this year because of the disease. Around two-thirds of women with ovarian cancer are 55 or older. It is slightly more common in white women that African-American women.
Q. What is the ovary? A. Most women have two ovaries, one on either side of the pelvis. The ovary contains eggs (“ovum”) which, once released from the ovary and fertilized, should grow and develop into a baby. Usually, one egg is released from one of the ovaries every month (“ovulation”). The ovary also releases the hormones, estrogen and progesterone, which perform several functions throughout the entire female body.
The ovary should not be confused with the cervix, which is the opening to the womb or uterus. The cervix holds the fetus (unborn child) inside the uterus, and during labor, dilates (opens) to let the baby be born. The cervix is the body area tested when a Pap test is performed. The Pap test is, specifically, a screening test for cancer of the cervix.
Q. What is ovarian cancer? A. Ovarian cancer is more than one type of cancer that develops in the ovary. For more information about ovarian cancer www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/ovarian.
Q. Is there a screening test for ovarian cancer? A. A screening test is a test that looks for a disease, such as cancer, before there are any symptoms. (For example, the mammogram is a screening test for breast cancer.)
There is currently no screening test for ovarian cancer; research is proceeding to develop such a screening test.
Most ovarian cancers are first found during a bimanual exam, when the provider examines the pelvis using both hands. Depending on the results of the bimanual exam, the provider may suggest a blood test (CA-125) and/or a pelvic ultrasound test. Biopsy of the ovary (surgery) will be needed to establish the diagnosis.
Q. Are there any symptoms of ovarian cancer? A. Yes, but they can be both vague and non-specific. (Many women have these symptoms without having ovarian cancer.) The symptoms described by most women are:
bloating;
pelvic or abdominal pain;
difficulty eating or feeling full, quickly; and/or
urinary symptoms (feeling a need to urinate often or urgently).
If these symptoms are experienced almost daily and with increasing severity for more than a few weeks, a thorough examination should be performed by a gynecologist.
Why Your Family History is Important Q. Might my family history affect my development of ovarian cancer?
A. Five percent to 10 percent of women who develop ovarian cancer have one or more genetic mutations that are inherited. Two of these mutations are of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. These mutations are identified through a blood test.
Q. Should I see a genetic counselor?
A. If you have several family members who have had cancer, especially if they were under age 50 at diagnosis and/or had the same type of cancer, you might benefit from talking with a genetic counselor.
Most third-party insurances and HMOs cover the cost of genetic counseling and testing, if indicated. You will need to check with your own insurance on available coverage for counseling and testing.
Q. Is there a genetic test?
A. The test is a blood test for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations. Many insurances and HMOs do pay for the testing under certain circumstances; you will need to talk with your HMO or insurance company to learn their guidelines for testing. An important part of a visit with a genetic counselor will be to determine the appropriate test(s) to order, if indicated.
Understanding Your Risks for Developing Ovarian Cancer What might be your risk of developing ovarian cancer?
Family history: Five to 10 percent of women who develop ovarian cancer have one or more genetic mutations that are inherited. Two of these mutations are of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. These mutations are identified through a blood test.
If several women in your family have had breast or ovarian cancer (or you have family members with other types of cancer), you may wish to talk with a genetic counselor. The counselor will help you determine your risk and if you — or other family members — should have the blood test for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.
Personal history of cancer: Women who have had cancer of the breast, uterus, colon, or rectum also have a higher risk of cancer of the ovary.
Age: Most women who develop cancer of the ovary are over age 55.
Never have been pregnant: Older women who have never been pregnant have an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
Women who think they may be at increased risk of ovarian cancer, or feel they have symptoms of ovarian cancer, should talk with their health care provider to determine their next steps.
Is there a link between breast cancer and cancer of the ovary?
Members of families who have had several occurrences of breast and/or ovarian cancer may also be, personally, at a higher risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer. A genetic counselor would help in the determination of a patient’s possible cancer risk.
Is there anything I can do to reduce my risk of ovarian cancer?
Take combination birth control pills, if not otherwise contraindicated. The longer (over one year) a woman uses the pill, the lower her ovarian cancer risk.
Oophorectomy (surgical removal of the ovaries): Removing the ovaries in order to prevent breast and/or ovarian cancer is a drastic step, but is an option for women who carry either the BRCA1 or 2 mutations. Removing the ovaries in women who are still menstruating may reduce the risk of breast cancer by half. Whether or not the woman is still menstruating, it may reduce her risk of ovarian cancer by 80 percent.
Breastfeeding: The longer a woman breastfeeds, the lower her ovarian cancer risk.
Pregnancy: The number of times, and the longer a woman is pregnant, the lower her ovarian cancer risk.
Healthy lifestyle (exercise and healthy diet) Being a normal weight for your height, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, while probably not able to prevent ovarian cancer, has been shown to promote general good health and aid in recovery from disease.
