Most women know the drill when it comes to screening for breast cancer and skin cancer, but many are unaware of the protocol and risk for ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in women.  This equates to about 250,000 women newly diagnosed annually, and 140,000 annual deaths from ovarian cancer.  Although ovarian cancer can occur at any age, women above the age of 60 are at higher risk.  Statistically, about half of diagnoses occur in women 63 years old and above. When diagnosis occurs in younger women, the cases are often more aggressive.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer are often very subtle, so much so that they may not be considered a problem until the disease has progressed past the point of being easily treatable.  These symptoms are common things we’ve all experienced without ever viewing them as problematic.  What is unique in the case of ovarian cancer, is that these symptoms like boating, or loss of appetite, will happen persistently every day. Being aware of the symptoms can increase the chance of finding ovarian early, and treating it effectively.  The reiterate the significance of this, when ovarian cancer is found early the survival rate (5 year) is up to 95%.

Who is at risk?

All women are at risk for ovarian cancer. It mainly develops in older women – about half of the women diagnosed are 63 years or older. It is more common in white women than African-American women. Women are most often diagnosed between the ages of 40 and 70, and even more so in women between the ages of 50 and 59. However, it does occur in younger women too. When younger individuals are diagnosed with cancer, it is often more aggressive.

Should I worry about it?

Women should not necessarily worry about ovarian cancer. However, because only about 20 percent of ovarian cancers are found early, women should know what the symptoms are and how to be cautious of it. When this type of cancer is found early, the five-year survival rate is about 90-95 percent. According to UConn Health, when the cancer is detected at an advanced stage, the five-year survival rate becomes 18 percent.

Can it be prevented?

Cancer is not preventable. However, being aware of the symptoms will allow for early diagnosis (when the disease is more easily treatable.) The best way women can keep themselves aware is by having a pelvic exam done each year. It is important that your physician is aware of your medical and family history so that all risk factors are taken into account. Routine pap smears do not detect ovarian cancer.

Are there symptoms, signs, or risk factors to be aware of?

The most common symptoms include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, trouble eating or feeling full quickly, and urinary symptoms like urgency and frequency. These symptoms may also be caused by non-cancerous diseases and other types of cancers. Symptoms that are persistent and more severe are more concerning, especially if a woman has symptoms more than twelve times a month. If so, a women should see her gynecologist. Other symptoms may include fatigue, upset stomach, back pain, pain during sex, constipation, menstrual changes, and abdominal swelling with weight loss.

Is it treatable?

When ovarian cancer is diagnosed at an early stage – when the cancer is still confined to the ovary. On the other hand, ovarian cancer is frequently diagnosed at a late stage. This may be due to symptoms being confused with other, more common issues. This is why it’s important to track the frequency of the symptoms.

Ovarian Cancer Prevention and Screening

1. Get Screened

2. Get Vaccinated

3. Have Safe Sex

4. Stop Smoking

5. Be Aware Of Your Family History