Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

  • Published
  • By Capt. Lenore Cappelluti
  • 82nd Medical Group
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Every year in the United States 22,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer which is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths for women in this country. The cause of ovarian cancer is unknown and it is difficult to diagnose because in its early stages, the symptoms are vague and non-specific.

Symptoms may include pressure or pain in the abdomen, pelvis, back or legs; swollen or bloated abdomen; nausea, indigestion, gas, constipation or diarrhea; and being very tired all the time.

Some of the less common symptoms include shortness of breath, feeling the need to urinate frequently and unusual vaginal bleeding, heavy periods or bleeding after menopause.

You should discuss these symptoms with your medical provider. This does not mean that you have ovarian cancer and they can be attributed to other medical conditions.

There are no reliable tests available at this time, but there are procedures to follow that can help to diagnose ovarian cancer: an annual pelvic exam, a trans-vaginal ultrasound, or a biopsy to determine if a mass is cancerous.

It is important to discuss with your provider any information that might increase your risks. For example, a history of ovarian cancer in your mother, daughter, sister, grandmother or aunt.

Only 10-15 percent of ovarian cancers are hereditary and can be linked to the BRCA 1/2 gene. There are increased risks if there is a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry or for those women who have never had children.

There are also studies being done to see if there are additional risks created by using drugs to treat infertility, use of talcum powder (prior to 1970 this contained asbestos), hormone replacement therapy and obesity. These are controversial in nature and no links have been determined to date.

Ovarian cancer is usually diagnosed in advanced stages and there is no effective early detection method. Subsequently, only about 50 percent of these women survive longer than five years.

Blood testing with CA-125 is not accurate in detecting ovarian cancer initially but it is used to diagnose recurrence in women who have a history of ovarian cancer.

On a positive note, if diagnosed early, the five year survival rate is 90 percent. If the tumor is completely removed or if nodules (mass) are less than one centimeter in size the chances of long term survival are great.

For optimum health, it is important to get a detailed family history so that you are aware of your risks, mention symptoms to your provider and follow-up on any tests that are ordered during your annual visits. Being proactive in your own health care is the best chance to live a long and healthy life.