Guest post featuring Jacques L. Moritz, MD, Director of the Division of Gynecology at Mount Sinai St. Luke’s and Mount Sinai Roosevelt
Ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest gynecological cancers. It is difficult to diagnose because there are currently no self-tests or routine screenings.
“The symptoms of ovarian cancer are very non-specific in that they mimic common conditions that could be mistaken for digestive problems, and by the time most women experience symptoms, the cancer may be at a late stage,” explains Dr. Moritz. “Because there aren’t any established, large-scale screening tests that have been proven to catch ovarian cancer, I recommend that women pay attention to how they’re feeling and report any unusual changes in their bodies,” Dr. Moritz says.
Pay attention to changes
For example, women should pay attention to changes in the size of their abdomen, any pain they may be having, and digestive or urinary issues. As with any cancer, early diagnosis increases the chances for successful treatment and outcomes. Tell-tale signs may include:
- Abdominal bloating
- Problems fitting into clothing without weight gain
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Pressure in the pelvis, abdomen, back or legs
- Urgent or frequent urination
- Trouble eating or feeling full
- Nausea, indigestion, gas, constipation or diarrhea
Know your risk for ovarian cancer
While the causes of ovarian cancer are unknown, women should know their risk factors. One is age — women over 55 are more likely to develop ovarian cancer. Others include family history and never having had a child. “Women who have a family history of other glandular cancers, such as breast, uterine and colon, may be at increased risk,” Dr. Moritz says.
If anyone in your family has been treated for breast or ovarian cancer, you may want to explore genetic testing. Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes could indicate a high risk for those cancers. “Women with BRCA mutations have a 60 to 75 percent chance of developing ovarian cancer, and may decide to have their ovaries removed as a preventive measure,” Dr. Moritz says.
Control what you can
The good news is there are some ways to reduce risk. “Quieting” the ovaries, or ceasing ovulation, naturally or with a birth control pill, is one of the safest and most proven methods to decrease the chance of ovarian cancer. “Being on a birth control pill seems to lessen one’s risk of developing ovarian cancer,” Dr. Moritz says. “Having children, breastfeeding for a period of time, and, believe it or not, having your tubes tied may all decrease the chance of developing ovarian cancer.”
Diagnosis and treatment
Your doctor may feel a lump or enlargement during a pelvic exam, or because of your symptoms, may order a pelvic ultrasound. Most lumps or masses are benign but the only way to truly diagnose ovarian cancer is with minimally invasive surgery, through which a biopsy can be taken. If cancer is confirmed, the affected ovary is removed. If childbearing is complete, a complete hysterectomy may be recommended as well. In many cases, unless the cancer has spread, no further treatment is needed.
The best way women can be proactive about their health is to visit their gynecologists for annual exams and to keep track of any symptoms they may be experiencing. “If ovarian cancer is caught early, the prognosis is very good,” Dr. Moritz says. “While it is still a deadly disease, the survival rate for ovarian cancer is increasing every year.”