North Country Health Nuggets
Understanding Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms, Risks, and Early Detection Challenges
Ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop and grow in the ovaries, multiplying quickly and potentially invading and destroying healthy tissue. The female reproductive system includes two ovaries—one on each side of the uterus—each about the size of an almond. These organs produce eggs (ova) as well as the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer can be subtle and are often mistaken for other common conditions. They may include abdominal bloating or swelling, feeling full quickly when eating, unexplained weight loss, pelvic discomfort, fatigue, back pain, changes in bowel habits such as constipation, and frequent urination. If these symptoms persist, it is important to consult a healthcare provider. During an evaluation, providers will review personal and family medical history and assess potential risk factors. These may include being of an older age, Long-term use of estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy (HRT), especially for 10 years or more, inherited gene mutations, beginning menstruation before age 12, entering menopause after age 52, or never having given birth. If symptoms are present or a concern arises during an exam, healthcare providers may recommend additional testing to determine the cause. Increased awareness of symptoms and risk factors can play an important role in seeking timely care and improving outcomes.
One of the greatest challenges with ovarian cancer is that it is difficult to detect in its early stages. Symptoms often do not appear until the disease has progressed, and routine pelvic exams may not identify small tumors. Unlike some other cancers, there is currently no reliable screening test for early detection in most individuals. There are factors that can lower your risk of ovarian cancer. Some of those are: surgery to remove certain reproductive organ(s), oral contraceptives (birth control pills), placement of an intrauterine device (IUD), breast feeding and pregnancy. Researchers continue to work toward improving early diagnosis methods. Early detection can significantly improve outcomes. However, only about 20% of ovarian cancers are diagnosed at an early stage. When identified early, approximately 94% of patients live longer than five years after diagnosis.
Treatment of ovarian cancer can include surgery to remove the tissue involved, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormonal therapy. The treatment will be tailored to your specific type of cancer cells, your age and your doctor’s recommendations. There are also clinical trials for treatment of ovarian cancer and immunotherapy advances in treatment. Ask questions when you meet with your treatment team, this is how you will learn what your options are. Be your own best advocate. (American cancer society, Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic)
For more information visit: The American Cancer Society webpage and search Ovarian Cancer.
Submitted by: North Country Community Health Services and Beltrami County Community Health Services- www.ncchb.org or www.co.beltrami.mn.us/services/public-health/ or find us on Facebook-North Country Community Health Services
(Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard and Lake of the Woods Public Health)