FAQ
- I get my yearly check up and Pap smear. Isn’t that enough?
The Pap smear is a diagnostic tool for cervical cancer and NOT ovarian cancer. This is a commonly misunderstood perception. There is currently no screening test for ovarian cancer, which is why it is critical to know the symptoms. It is also important for women to continue to see their physicians for their annual pelvic exams. The risk of ovarian cancer increases with age and even though a woman is post-menopausal, it is still critical to have these exams. - I’m still young. Why do I need to worry about ovarian cancer?
Women of any age can be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. While it is more common in women of a post-menopausal age, there have been diagnoses in women and girls in their teens and twenties. Females are born with ovaries. This puts them at risk at any age. - If I suspect ovarian cancer, which type of doctor is the best one to see?
If you have the symptoms and they are persistent and/or progressively worse, you should see your gynecologist. If ovarian cancer is suspected, it is critical to see a gynecologic oncologist before you have any surgical procedures done. - Does ovarian cancer have symptoms in its early stages?
Many in the medical community and a number of medical texts still hold the incorrect belief that there are no symptoms in the early stages of ovarian cancer. While the symptoms for early stage ovarian cancer tend to be nonspecific and can mimic non-gynecologic conditions, a large national study shows that an overwhelming majority of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer did have symptoms. The most common symptoms reported include abdominal bloating or discomfort; increased abdominal size or clothes that fit tighter around the waist; increased or urgent need to urinate and pelvic pain. Additional signs and symptoms are: persistent gas, indigestion or nausea; unexplained changes in bowel habits; unexplained weight loss or gain; loss of appetite; feeling full quickly during or after a meal and pain during sexual intercourse; a persistent lack of energy and low back pain of shortness of breath. Source: A. Goff, M.D., Lynn Mandel, Ph.D., Howard G. Muntz, M.D., Cindy H. Melancon, R.N., M.N. 2000. Ovarian carcinoma diagnosis. Cancer 89, No. 10: 1097-0142. - Is it true that a woman who has had her ovaries removed cannot get ovarian cancer?
Technically, women who have their ovaries removed cannot get ovarian cancer. There is a rare type of cancer called primary peritoneal carcinoma (a close relative to ovarian cancer) that can develop without the ovaries. - Does the use of talc (talcum powder) increase the risk of ovarian cancer?
A number of past studies found an increased risk of ovarian cancer from talcum powder use, but these studies were considered inconclusive because of limitations in the way data were collected and analyzed. More recent studies, such as one using data from the Harvard University Nurses’ Health Study in 2000, find no overall risk of ovarian cancer from talc use and only a modest increase in one type of the disease - invasive serous ovarian cancer. Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute (Vol. 92, No. 3). - If a family member has ovarian cancer, can genetic screening determine if other family members will get the disease?
Approximately one out of every ten ovarian cancer cases is hereditary.Most hereditary ovarian cancer can be attributed to two genes, BRCA 1 and BRCA2. Women who inherit a mutation in these genes are at greater risk of developing epithelial ovarian cancer.A thorough evaluation of family history (i.e., a history of breast, colon, or ovarian cancer) can identify women most likely to have a hereditary cancer risk, and genetic testing can determine if these mutations exist. Although having these mutations increases risk, it does not mean a woman will definitely get the disease. Furthermore, while genetic testing can indicate where there is increased risk and help determine appropriate monitoring, women should consider the psychological and possible insurance ramifications before proceeding with testing. Experts suggest that all genetic testing be done in conjunction with genetic counseling. Source: Cancer Control, July, 1999; Genet Test, 2000. - Is there any way to prevent ovarian cancer?
Currently there is no way of preventing ovarian cancer.Several things have been found to reduce a woman’s risk of developing the disease. Oral contraceptives can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by fifty percent if taken for at least five years. Research has also shown that pregnancy and breast-feeding significantly reduce ovarian cancer risk.Source: Br. J. Cancer, March 2001.Tubal ligation and hysterectomy reduce risk, though researchers are unclear exactly how. Finally, prophylactic oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries) also reduces the risk. Source: Gynecologic Cancer Foundation Slide Presentation, 2000. Health professionals recommend that all options be discussed thoroughly with a physician. - Is there a link between breast cancer and ovarian cancer?
Both breast and ovarian cancer can be caused by mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Women with a family history of breast and ovarian cancer, or a personal history for either, particularly if diagnosed before age 50, should be aware of increased risk for the other. Women who have had breast cancer before the age of 50 are twice as likely to develop ovarian cancer, as are women who have not. Source: National Cancer Institute - What You Need To Know About Ovarian Cancer, 1998. Additionally, ovarian cancer has also been linked to colon cancer (via different genes). - If there are no accurate screening tools, how is ovarian cancer diagnosed?
If you have symptoms, which are not going away, you can go back to your doctor and ask for three screening tests. (Transvaginal Ultrasound, Pelvic-Rectal Exam, CA 125 Blood Test.) While these tests will not definitely diagnose ovarian cancer, when used in combination, they can identify a high suspicion of ovarian cancer. Many women complain of ovarian cancer symptoms which are often missed - so be sure to advocate for yourself. An exploratory surgical procedure called laparotomy is generally required for the definitive diagnosis of ovarian cancer. During this procedure, cysts or other suspicious areas must be removed and biopsied. After the incision is made, the surgeon assesses the fluid and cells in the abdominal cavity. If the lesion is cancerous, the surgeon continues with a process called surgical staging to ascertain how far the cancer has spread. - I have a lot of ovarian cysts. Does this mean that I am more likely to get ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cysts are normal for menstruating women and having cysts does not mean you are more likely to develop ovarian cancer. A doctor may be able to determine the difference between a normal and abnormal cyst with an ultrasound.
