When detected early, ovarian cancer is beatable. Know the signs. Know your body. And of course, know the facts.

Overview

Just hearing the words “ovarian cancer” can be scary. We understand that. In fact, it’s the reason we assembled this comprehensive look at risk factors, symptoms, treatments and more. After all, if you or someone you love is going fight ovarian cancer, the best thing you can arm yourself with is information.

Definition

Unfortunately, due to the fact that ovarian cancer is often diagnosed in its later stages, it causes more deaths than any other gynecologic cancer.  The good news is, when discovered early, it is highly curable.

Ovaries are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus, or womb.  Ovaries make female hormones and produce eggs.

There are three types of ovarian cells from which cancers can form– epithelial, germ cell and stromal cell.  About 85 to 90 percent of ovarian cancers are epithelial ovarian cancers, which start on the surface of the ovaries. This is the type that we will discuss here.

Know the risk factors. Be aware of the signs and symptoms, which may lead to early diagnosis and a healthier life.

Risk Factors

Remember that even if you possess some of the risk factors, this does not mean that you have ovarian cancer. But these factors are important for you to know and to discuss with your doctor for proper screening and prevention.

Every woman is at some risk for developing ovarian cancer, but certain factors can increase that risk. The risk of ovarian cancer increases in women after the time of menopause.

Knowing your family history is vital to your health. An important risk factor for developing ovarian cancer is a family history of ovarian cancer.

Other risk factors include:

-Family history of breast cancer

-A mutation in the BRCA1 or 2 gene

-Previous diagnosis of breast, uterine or colon cancer

-Eastern European Jewish (Ashkenazi) descent

-Infertility

Lower Your Risk

You have the ability to lower your risk of ovarian cancer. We recommend that you contact your physician to tell them you want to:

-Consider taking birth control pills

-Discuss potential surgery options (if you have a family history or genetic mutation that increases your risk)

Last Updated on Thursday, 04 August 2011 10:24