Symptoms

Historically ovarian cancer was called the "silent killer" because symptoms were not thought to develop until the chance of cure was poor.  However, recent studies have shown this term is untrue and that the following symptoms are much more likely to occur in women with ovarian cancer than women in the general population.  These symptoms include:

• Bloating
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
• Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)

Several other symptoms may include:  fatigue, indigention, back pain, pain with intercourse, constipation and menstrual irregularities.  Women who have these symptoms almost daily for more than a few weeks should see their doctor, preferably a gynecologist.  If ovarian cancer is suspected, medical experts suggest seeking a second opinion with a gynecologic oncologist before surgery is performed.

Symptoms are often associated with the location of the tumor and its impact on the surrounding organs. They tend to be non-specific and can mimic non-gynecologic conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, etc. Many of us experience these symptoms from time to time - do not be alarmed! But if they persist and are unusual for you, then seek a professional opinion.

Risk Factors

All women are at risk for ovarian cancer, but the Alliance believes it is important for women (and their healthcare providers) to be aware of those factors that may put them at higher risk for the disease. These factors include the following:

• Increasing age (56 percent of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are older than age 65): Although ovarian cancer can strike women at any age, the incidence increases dramatically after the age of 50, peaking between the ages of 55 and 65. Though advanced stage diagnosis is a problem for all women, it is particularly acute for older women. Nearly two thirds of the women diagnosed with ovarian cancer over 50 are detected in late stage when the 5-year survival rate is only about 25 percent.  As a result, it is important that women continue regular gynecologic exams, even after childbearing is complete.
• Having a family or personal history of ovarian, breast, or colon cancer: Personal and/or family history is the most significant risk factor for ovarian cancer. Approximately 5 to10 percent of ovarian cancer cases are associated with hereditary risk. Women can inherit risk from either parent, particularly if a first-degree relative has or has had breast, ovarian, colon, or uterine cancer. Some researchers believe that a family history of prostate cancer may also be linked to increased risk for ovarian cancer. Women with personal or family histories of these types of cancer are more likely to develop ovarian cancer before the age of 50.
• Not bearing children: It is well established that ovarian cancer risk is reduced with each subsequent pregnancy. Consequently, women who do not bear children are believed to be at greater risk for ovarian cancer. Women who have experienced difficulty getting pregnant are at an increased risk of developing the disease as well.

Other possible, though still unproven, risk factors include:

• Use of talc: Some research has shown a possible link between genital exposure to talcum powders with an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Talcum powder is produced from talc, which in its raw form is believed to contain the carcinogen asbestos. Although all talc products sold for domestic use have been federally mandated to be free from asbestos for almost three decades, some researchers advise using cornstarch based rather than talc-based products. More research is needed to definitively affirm or dismiss a connection between ovarian cancer and talc use in its current formulation.
• Use of fertility drugs (some researchers believe that infertility itself may be the problem): Since the 1980s, an increasing number of American women have battled infertility with drugs. The possible correlation between fertility drugs and an increased risk of ovarian cancer has led researchers to conduct numerous studies in an attempt to establish the extended effects of such treatments. The results of these studies have been conflicting. Some studies identify certain fertility drugs as increasing a woman's risk for ovarian cancer, while others contend that it is not fertility treatments that increase the risk of ovarian cancer, but rather infertility itself. Consequently, more research is needed to determine the relationship between fertility drugs and ovarian cancer.
• Hormone Replacement Therapy: Risk surrounding hormone replacement therapy (HRT) remains highly controversial. A recently released study, the largest to date, concluded that women who take unopposed estrogen for 10 or more years significantly increase their risk of developing ovarian cancer. Yet today, combination therapy (taking estrogen plus the hormone progestin) is far more common than estrogen-only therapy. More research is needed to determine if there is a link between the current formulation of hormone replacement therapy and ovarian cancer. In the meantime, a woman considering HRT should discuss the risks and benefits for her particular circumstances with her doctor.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OVARIAN CANCER, PLEASE VISIT OUR PARENT ORGANIZATION'S WEB SITE AT www.ovariancancer.org