Healthy Edge
Women’s Health Update: Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer — it’s an often deadly gynecological malignancy. But, it’s not common. Only one or two women in 100 will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in their lifetime. Although you or your loved ones probably won’t ever hear a doctor utter those harrowing words, someone you know might. For women with ovarian cancer, prolonging life and retaining its richness hinge on understanding the available medical and social resources.
In 2008, it’s estimated that 21,650 women in the United States will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and most will be over age 55. Approximately half of these women will survive five years post-diagnosis.
Early intervention increases the five-year survival rate. Unfortunately, ovarian cancer screening doesn’t decrease the mortality rates, and early ovarian cancer symptoms aren’t usually obvious. Several large, randomized studies such as the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) trial are currently underway to find effective screening tools.
As the cancer grows, women may feel abdominal, pelvic, back or leg pain/tenderness; their abdomens may be bloated; they may have gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, indigestion, gas, constipation or diarrhea; and they may feel fatigued.
Do these conditions sound familiar? I thought so, because all sorts of conditions can cause these symptoms — some serious, some not.
Although it’s probably not cancer, let your doctor check it out. Less common symptoms are shortness of breath, frequent urination and unusual vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause.
The risk factors…
Menopausal hormone therapy: Taking estrogen alone —that is estrogen without progesterone — for 10 or more years may increase risk.
Never pregnant: Older women who were never pregnant have some increased risk.
Strong family history: Have a mother, daughter, or sister with ovarian cancer? Have a family or personal history of cancer of the breast, uterus, colon, or rectum? You may want to learn more about prophylactic oophorectomy (removal of both ovaries) and salpingectomy (removal of the fallopian tubes) from your doctor. But don’t make any decisions without a thorough cancer risk assessment and counseling.
The protective factors…
If you breast-fed or had a tubal ligation or hysterectomy your risk is decreased.
If you or your doctor suspects ovarian cancer…
Then, your doctor can walk you through the following steps:
Physical exam: In addition to a general check-up, your doctor may press on your abdomen to check for tumors or an abnormal fluid build-up. A fluid sample may be used to check for abnormal cells.
Pelvic exam: Your doctor will feel for lumps on your ovaries and nearby organs for lumps and changes in shape.
Blood tests: Your doctor may draw blood and order a CA-125 test. Although CA-125 is an indicator of ovarian cancer, this substance is also a component of normal cells; so, it may provide clues, but it’s not an accurate predictor.
Ultrasound: Your doctor may be able to detect ovarian tumors using a picture created by sound waves.
Biopsy: If the results from the above tests are suspect, your doctor will likely suggest a biopsy called a laparotomy to remove tissue and fluid from the pelvis and abdomen for a definitive diagnosis.
What’s next…?
First, get a second opinion.
If you do have ovarian cancer, staging and treatment are the next medical steps.
However, supportive care is just as important.
Your health care team will be there to manage your pain and any other physical complications you may have, such as swollen abdomen and legs, and shortness of breath. They are also there to help manage sadness and other thoughts/feelings you and your loved ones may experience, such as denial, anger, fear, stress, loneliness and even numbness.
Calling 1-800-4-CANCER or going to www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping can help you and your loved ones to cope with the cancer experience in an effective, loving way.
If you need more information, the National Cancer Institute has developed a very informative booklet on ovarian epithelial cancer — ovarian cancer’s most common form. To order the booklet or to learn about other types of ovarian cancer, call the number above or visit www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/ovarian.
Kendra Siler-Marsiglio, Ph.D. is Program Director of the Rural Health Partnership at WellFlorida Council, helping rural Floridians gain access to the healthcare they need and deserve.