The Importance of Early Ovarian Cancer Detection
Lindsay Knake
| 3 min read
Lindsay Knake is a brand journalist for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
Ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in women, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
About 80% of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed at a later stage. This makes early detection important: in early diagnoses, 94% of ovarian cancer patients have a five-year survival rate, according to the ACS.
September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and a good time to look at the symptoms, risks and screenings for ovarian cancer.
Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer originates in the ovaries, fallopian tubes or peritoneum, which is a membrane in the abdomen and pelvic area. This type of cancer can cause aggressive tumors, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Early detection of ovarian cancer is difficult because symptoms are typically not present until the advanced stage, according to the ACS. Pelvic exams may not be able to find small tumors, and there is no screening test that can consistently detect this cancer early.
The most common symptoms of ovarian cancer include:
- Bloating, gas and constipation
- Feeling full quickly
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Urgent or frequent urination
- A lump in the pelvic area
Because these symptoms are related to many other conditions such as a urinary tract infection or gallbladder attack, ovarian cancer can be difficult to diagnose, according to the Cleveland Clinic. If you experience these symptoms for more than three weeks, talk to your primary care provider (PCP).
The causes of ovarian cancer are unknown, but risk factors for ovarian cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic, include:
- Typically age 63 or older
- A family history of ovarian or breast cancer, especially in a mother or sister
- BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes
- Endometriosis
- Never having been pregnant
- Hormone replacement therapy for menopause symptoms
The ACS reports diagnoses of ovarian cancer have been decreasing in the past 30 years, particularly in the past decade. Increased use of oral contraceptives and less use of hormone replacement therapy are likely reasons. Treatments have improved, and ovarian cancer deaths have decreased by 43% since 1976.
Get annual physicals and any recommended pelvic exams to check the health of the ovaries and uterus. You can discuss the frequency of pelvic exams with your PCP. You can also talk about preventive measures if you have any of these risk factors; common prevention steps including taking birth control and breastfeeding if you have children.
About 20% of ovarian cancer cases are related to a family history of the cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. There are genetic tests for ovarian cancer, which you could discuss with your PCP. For those with high risk, surgical removal of the ovaries reduces the risk of developing ovarian cancer.
How is ovarian cancer detected and treated?
If your PCP orders screenings for ovarian cancer, the most common are the transvaginal ultrasound and the CA-125 blood test, according to the ACS. These screenings are not recommended for women at average risk of ovarian cancer.
In the case of suspected ovarian cancer, your PCP will likely refer you to a gynecologic oncologist, a specialist who can treat the cancer. Tests to determine the presence and type of cancer include imaging, blood tests and biopsy.
Treatments for ovarian cancer include surgery, chemotherapy and targeted therapy, according to the CDC.
Image: Getty Images
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