The 8th May 2020 is World Ovarian Cancer Day
Here are 7 facts about ovarian cancer that you should know about.
1. OVARIAN CANCER IS A GLOBAL CONCERN
Worldwide, ovarian cancer is the 7th most common cancer in women and the 18th most common cancer overall. In Australia, ovarian cancer is the 8th most common cancer in women.
Approximately 300,000 women around the world are diagnosed each year and approximately 180,000 women will die from ovarian cancer each year.
In Australia, each year, about 1,400 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
2. NO WOMAN IS PROTECTED FROM OVARIAN CANCER
No woman is protected from ovarian cancer. Factors which may increase your risk include:
Age: Ovarian cancer is more commonly diagnosed in women over the age of 50 and in women who have been through menopause. Younger women, however, can also have ovarian cancer. In Australia, the average age at diagnosis is 63.
Genetic factors: Certain mutations associated with ovarian cancer such as BRCA gene mutations.
Family history: Having one or more close relatives diagnosed with ovarian, breast, bowel or uterine cancer.
Ethnicity: Having Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry.
Reproductive history: Women who have not had children or who had their first child when they were over the age of 35.
Hormonal factors: Early puberty or late menopause or using oestrogen-only Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for 5 years or more
Lifestyle factors: Smoking and being overweight
3. THERE ARE FACTORS THAT MAY REDUCE YOUR RISK BUT THEY WILL NOT PROTECT YOU 100%
Factors that may reduce your risk of ovarian cancer include:
Having children
Breastfeeding
Using the oral contraceptive pill for several years
Having your Fallopian tubes tied or removed
4. A CERVICAL SCREENING TEST (CST) (PREVIOUSLY CALLED A PAP TEST) DOES NOT DETECT OVARIAN CANCER
There is currently no screening test for ovarian cancer. A CST is a screening test for cervical cancer which looks for the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) which causes cervical cancer but does not screen for ovarian cancer.
5. OVARIAN CANCER IS OFTEN DIAGNOSED AT A LATE STAGE
In its early stages, ovarian cancer usually has no symptoms. This means that it is typically diagnosed when the cancer is more advanced. Ovarian cancer has a poor prognosis when it is diagnosed late.
6. OVARIAN CANCER CAN PRESENT WITH VAGUE SYMPTOMS THAT MAY BE SIMILAR TO SYMPTOMS SUGGESTIVE OF OTHER MEDICAL CONDITIONS
As ovarian cancer may cause subtle gut-related symptoms such as bloating or a change in bowel movements, your symptoms may initially be attributed to a medical condition of the gastro-intestinal system. It is therefore important that you continue to consult with your doctor if your symptoms persist.
7. BEING AWARE OF THE SYMPTOMS MAY LEAD TO QUICKER DIAGNOSIS AND THEREFORE A BETTER CHANCE OF SURVIVAL
When the cancer is confined to the ovary, up to 90% of women are likely to survive for more than 5 years.
When the cancer has spread to the rest of the body, approximately 17% of women are likely to survive 5 years or more.
Being aware of the symptoms may lead to quicker diagnosis and hence a better prognosis.
Common symptoms include:
Pressure, pain or discomfort in the abdomen or pelvis
Swollen or bloated abdomen
Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly
Changes in toileting habits (eg. constipation, diarrhoea, passing urine more often, increased flatulence)
Indigestion and nausea
Tiredness
Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
Changes in menstrual pattern or bleeding after menopause
Pain during intercourse
Remember, these symptoms may occur in many other conditions and do not necessarily mean you have cancer.
However, if these symptoms are new for you, are severe, or persist for more than a few weeks, please make an appointment to see your doctor to have your symptoms assessed.
Dr Lufi Dr Leah
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