Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecologic cancer in the United States. In 2023, more than 19,700 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and more than 13,200 deaths will occur due to this health condition.
At this time, there is no way to prevent ovarian cancer. However, knowing its risk factors and symptoms may help you determine whether it’s time to see your doctor for screening or treatment.
What Is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer begins in the cells in your ovaries. There are several types of ovarian cancer determined by the type of cell in which the cancer originates. Types of ovarian cancer include:
- Epithelial cancer, which begins in the cells that cover the ovaries and is the most common type of ovarian cancer
- Fallopian tube cancer, which forms in the tissue that lines the fallopian tubes
- Primary peritoneal cancer, which forms in the tissue that lines the membrane surrounding the abdominal cavity
- Stromal tumors, which may be diagnosed at an earlier stage than other types of ovarian cancers
- Germ cell tumors, which are rare ovarian cancers that occur in younger women
What Causes Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer occurs when the DNA in the cells in your ovaries changes, or mutates. These changes may occur due to environment, lifestyle, and/or genetics. Women who have changes in their BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes may be at higher risk for ovarian cancer.
Other risk factors for ovarian cancer include:
- Age. Ovarian cancer usually develops after menopause, and 50% of all ovarian cancers are diagnosed in women 63 years of age or older.
- Weight. Being overweight or obese increases your risk.
- Pregnancy status. Your risk for ovarian cancer is higher if you’ve never had a full-term pregnancy or had your first full-term pregnancy after the age of 35.
- Hormone therapy. Taking hormone therapy after menopause increases your risk.
- Family history. Having a family history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or colorectal cancer puts you at higher risk.
- Breast cancer history. Having a personal history of breast cancer increases your risk.
- Endometriosis. Having endometriosis increases your risk for ovarian cancer.
- Ethnicity. Being Eastern European or having an Ashkenazi Jewish background may increase your risk.
What Are Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?
Early stage ovarian cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms. If you have this cancer, your symptoms may not be noticeable until the cancer is in more advanced stages.
When they do occur, symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding and/or discharge
- Pain or pressure in your pelvic area
- A lump in the pelvic area
- Pain in your back or abdomen
- Abdominal bloating
- Feeling full after eating small portions
- Difficulty eating
- Frequent urination
- Strong urge to urinate
- Constipation
- Flatulence
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
How Is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed?
No screening method can detect ovarian cancer if you are not experiencing signs or symptoms. Also, ovarian cancer does not show up on a Pap test. If you think you may have ovarian cancer or you meet risk factors for this disease, your doctor may perform one or more tests to obtain a diagnosis.
Tests your doctor may perform to diagnose ovarian cancer include:
- Medical history review. Your doctor may review your personal and family medical histories and talk to you in greater detail about any symptoms you’re currently experiencing.
- Pelvic exam
- Imaging tests. A CT scan or ultrasound allows your doctor to examine the size, shape, and structure of your ovaries, as well as any abnormalities.
- Blood test. This may include genetic testing.
- Biopsy. This method is an effective way to test for ovarian cancer. It involves having surgery to remove tissue that is then screened for signs of cancer.
Your doctor may recommend having other tests to confirm or rule out other medical conditions based on your symptoms.
What Are Treatments for Ovarian Cancer?
The goal of treatment for ovarian cancer is to remove any existing cancerous tumor, along with any other cancerous tissues — even if the cancer has spread to another part of your body. Most cases of ovarian cancer are treated with a combination of surgery and chemotherapy.
Surgery
Surgery usually involves removing the ovary that has cancer. If your doctor thinks the cancer has spread, you may have surgery to remove both ovaries and/or your fallopian tubes and uterus.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves the use of medications that can destroy or shrink the cancer. The type of drugs you receive will depend on the type of ovarian cancer you have and on how you respond to treatment. Ifosfamide, topotecan, vinblastine, and melphalan are some of the chemotherapy drugs approved for the treatment of ovarian cancer.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy for ovarian cancer involves the use of drugs that specifically target cancer cells, or certain components of cancer cells, such as enzymes. If targeted therapy is an option for you, your doctor may perform genetic testing to identify which targeted therapy drug could be most effective at treating your cancer.
Make an appointment with your doctor right away if you think you may have ovarian cancer based on your symptoms and risk factors or if you want to pursue screening. Your doctor can work with you to diagnose your condition and discuss your available treatment options.
Resource Links
- “Ovarian Cancer Statistics” via Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- “Key Statistics for Ovarian Cancer” via American Cancer Society
- “Basic Information About Ovarian Cancer” via Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- “Ovarian Cancer” via MedlinePlus
- “Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors” via American Cancer Society
- “Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer” via American Cancer Society