Ovarian Cancer

By Jaleh B. Farahmand, MD, FACOG

Ovarian cancer, while rare, is thefourth leading cause of cancer death in women. According to the National Cancer Institute, an estimated 22,430 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer thisyear and 15,280 will die.

Despite being labeled a “silent killer”,ovarian cancer does produce symptoms at an early stage and more awareness is the key to early diagnosis and better prognosis.

Symptoms include bloating, pelvic and/or abdominal pressure/discomfort, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, changes in bowel habits, and urinary symptoms such as increased urgency and frequency.

Women with ovarian cancer report these symptoms aspersistent. They appear daily, representachange in what is normal for them, and last for more than a few weeks.Women experiencing this scenario must see their gynecologist and be evaluated promptly.

Additionally, asymptomatic women with risk factors for gynecology cancers needto be evaluated on a regular basis and engaged in a comprehensive screening and risk reduction program.

Risk factors include

High Risk Genetic Personal history of breast or colon cancer and/or family history of breast/ovarian/uterine/colon/prostate cancers, especially in women withNorthern European and/orAshkenazi Jewish ancestry.

Moderate Risk – Environmental Radiation, pollution, certain chemicals and viruses, and more.

Other Aging, heavy smoking, obesity, no pregnancies.

Screening methods include

1) Genetic testing (BRCA1/BRCA2 and further tests as they become commercially available)

2) Imaging studies(pelvic sonogram, thermogram)

3) Blood tests (CA125 and further tests as they become commerciallyavailable)

In addition to early diagnosis and intervention, some evidence has indicated that risk can be reduced with lifestyle and/or psychologicalfactors. Good nutrition, clean air, regular exercise, yoga, meditation, magnetics, acupuncture, and prayer may fortify the body's immune system and promote healing.

Therapies on the horizon include immunotherapy, gene therapy, stem cell treatments and more.

In conclusion, ovarian cancer doesproduce symptoms at an early stage and greater awareness is the key to early diagnosis and better prognosis. At the same time, some symptoms consistent with ovarian cancer may be caused by other conditions. Women presenting with symptomsand asymptomatic women with risk factors for gynecology cancers should be evaluated earlyand engaged in a comprehensive screening and risk reduction program.