Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer in women in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that over 22,000 new cases will be diagnosed in the United States this year. If caught in the early stages, survival rate can soar to 90%. Early detection and treatment are critical.

Symptoms

Historically ovarian cancer was called the “silent killer” because symptoms were not thought to develop until the chance of cure was poor. However, recent studies have shown this term is untrue and that the following symptoms are much more likely to occur in women with ovarian cancer than women in the general population:

• Bloating
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
• Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)

Women with ovarian cancer report that symptoms are persistent and represent a change from normal for their bodies. The frequency and/or number of such symptoms are key factors in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer.  

Women who have these symptoms almost daily for more than a few weeks should see their doctor, preferably a gynecologist. Prompt medical evaluation may lead to detection at the earliest possible stage of the disease.

Other symptoms that have been commonly reported by women with ovarian cancer include:

• Fatigue
• Indigestion
• Back pain
• Pain with intercourse
• Constipation
• Menstrual irregularities

However, these other symptoms are not as useful in identifying ovarian cancer because they are also found in equal frequency in women in the general population who do not have ovarian cancer.

What to do

While everyone has these symptoms from time to time, it is important to know your own body and what is normal for you.  If you experience these symptoms for more than two weeks and they have NO clear cause, Ovar’coming Together further recommends the following exams:

• Rectal/vaginal exam
• Vaginal ultrasound
• CA 125 blood test

Should these tests reveal an abnormality or mass in the ovaries, Ovar’coming Together recommends referral to a gynecologic oncologist, a specialist in female reproductive cancers

Did you know? A Pap smear does not screen for ovarian cancer. Many women assume that their annual Pap test screens for ovarian cancer. The Pap smear is designed to reveal signs of cervical cancer. Ask your doctor for a complete pelvic exam during your next annual exam to be sure the ovaries are monitored.

Risks

Every woman is at a small risk for developing ovarian cancer. Theses factors increase your risks:

1. Two or more close relatives with ovarian cancer
2. Family history of ovarian, breast or colon cancer
3. Personal history of breast, endometrial or colon cancer

Other factors that may increase your risk:

• Multiple exposures to fertility drugs
• Ashkenazi Jewish heritage
• Genital contact with talc or asbestos that may be in douches or condoms

Stages of Ovarian Cancer

Stage I - Cancer is confined to one or both ovaries

• IA- tumor is limited to being only on the inside of one ovary
• IB- tumor is limited to being on insides of both ovaries
• IC- tumor is limited to one or both ovaries and may appear on the surface of the ovary, a fluid- filled capsule may have burst, or cancer cells may be found in the fluid of the abdomen

Stage II - Ovarian cancer has spread to another area within the pelvis without spreading elsewhere in the abdomen.

• IIA- tumor has spread to the uterus or fallopian tubes or both
• IIB- tumor has spread to the bladder, rectum, or colon
• IIC- tumor has spread to any of the above and may appear on the surface of the ovary, a fluid-filled capsule may have burst, or cancer cells may be found in fluid in the abdomen

Stage III - Ovarian cancer has spread from one or both ovaries to the lining of the abdomen or lymph nodes

• IIIA- tumor has spread to the lining of the abdomen, but not the lymph nodes
• IIIB- tumor(s) ¾ inch or smaller have spread into the abdomen, but not the lymph nodes
• IIIC- tumor(s) larger than ¾ inch have spread into the abdomen, or caner has spread to the lymph nodes, or both

Stage IV - Ovarian cancer has spread to the lung, liver, or other distant organs