Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms, Risk Factors and How to Detect It

Today I will talk about a killer to many women. This is one of the cancers that threaten women's life because in many cases it is asymptomatic



Let's talk in brief about the "ovaries". The ovaries are glands present on the sides of the uterus. The ovary has 2 functions:



1. To produce hormones (oestrogen and progesterone)



2. During child-bearing period, it releases an egg monthly



After menopause, the ovary ceases to release eggs but continues to produce hormones but at a lower rate. This cancer occurs when cells in the ovary start to multiply and grow rapidly.



In many women who have ovarian cancer, there are no symptoms. And if there are symptoms, they are non-specific.



Symptoms include:



- Abdominal discomfort or fullness
- Dyspepsia
- Pelvic pain
- Constipation
- Back pain



Because the symptoms are non-specific, usually patients present when spread has occurred. That's why it is a "silent killer."



There are risk factors for ovarian cancer, such as:



- Low parity
- Delayed childbearing
- High fat diet



Genetics can play an important role. A gene known as BRCA 1 gene is associated with breast - ovarian cancer syndrome.



Our goal is to detect it as early as possible and that will be by doing a routine yearly pelvic examination in the pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women. Besides a periodic ultrasonography coupled with CA-125 can be used to screen ovarian cancer



Once diagnosed, the treatment options will depend on its type. There are many types of ovarian cancer and each one has it's treatment.

Risk Factors of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is formed in one or both ovaries which are located on either side of the uterus. The ovaries are only about the size of an almond, and are responsible for producing the eggs and releasing them into the fallopian tubes.



The ovaries also produce estrogen and progesterone, which are two female hormones. If these levels are too high before and during ovulation, they may cause ovarian tumors to form.



There are basically two types of ovarian tumors, one is type is non-cancerous, and the other is cancerous. If the tumors are cancerous they will spread to the outside of the ovaries, and eventually spread to other parts of the body.



Only about 20 percent of the tumors are discovered before they have begun to spread past the ovaries. This is mainly because the early symptoms of ovarian cancer are often misdiagnosed because they are similar to the symptoms of many common ailments such as indigestion, gas, nausea, bloating, constipation and bladder disorders. The only difference between the symptoms is that the symptoms of ovarian cancer will not disappear after a few days, but rather they will gradually become worse and the cancer continues to spread.



So who is at risk?



Those who are overweight, and obese. Obesity is linked to more severe ovarian cancers, and increases the risk by 80%. The fat cells help to produce higher levels of estrogen which is linked to causing ovarian cancer.



It usually only develops after menopause, but can also occur before menopause. As one ages, the risk increases.



Women who have had no children, or had their first child after the age of 30 are at a greater risk.



Women who began menstruating at an early age (before 12), and had a late menopause (after 50), are also at an increased risk.



Those who have trouble conceiving, but researchers do not know whether this is because of infertility, or because of infertility drugs which are administered to the patients.



Hormone replacement therapy also plays a major role.



A drug called danazol, has also been linked to ovarian cancer. It is a male hormone (androgen) which is used to treat endometriosis.



A high fat diet also largely increases the risk.



Those who have had breast cancer are also at a higher risk.



Family history, if someone in the family has had it, the risk increases by 10-15 percent.



Gene mutations (or so they say).



To eliminate some of the risks of getting ovarian cancer, one can stick to a healthy plant-based diet to help maintain a healthy weight, and to keep the inside of the body clean, and free of toxins.

Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms, Risk Factors and How to Detect It

Today I will talk about a killer to many women. This is one of the cancers that threaten women's life because in many cases it is asymptomatic



Let's talk in brief about the "ovaries". The ovaries are glands present on the sides of the uterus. The ovary has 2 functions:



1. To produce hormones (oestrogen and progesterone)



2. During child-bearing period, it releases an egg monthly



After menopause, the ovary ceases to release eggs but continues to produce hormones but at a lower rate. This cancer occurs when cells in the ovary start to multiply and grow rapidly.



In many women who have ovarian cancer, there are no symptoms. And if there are symptoms, they are non-specific.



Symptoms include:



- Abdominal discomfort or fullness
- Dyspepsia
- Pelvic pain
- Constipation
- Back pain



Because the symptoms are non-specific, usually patients present when spread has occurred. That's why it is a "silent killer."



There are risk factors for ovarian cancer, such as:



- Low parity
- Delayed childbearing
- High fat diet



Genetics can play an important role. A gene known as BRCA 1 gene is associated with breast - ovarian cancer syndrome.



Our goal is to detect it as early as possible and that will be by doing a routine yearly pelvic examination in the pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women. Besides a periodic ultrasonography coupled with CA-125 can be used to screen ovarian cancer



Once diagnosed, the treatment options will depend on its type. There are many types of ovarian cancer and each one has it's treatment.