Ovarian Cancer

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Ovarian cancer develops in the ovary and falls into one of two categories: epithelial cancer that originates on the ovary’s surface, and malignant germ cell tumors that appear in the cells of the eggs. Epithelial cases account for about 90 percent of all ovarian cancers. Nationally, ovarian cancer is the ninth most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and the fifth-leading cause of cancer death in women. Ovarian cancer is a serious disease, but if caught in its early stages before it spreads, the overall survival rate is 94 percent.

Statistics  

• In 2010, 21,880 women are expected to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and approximately 13,850 women will die from the disease in the United States.
• One in 72 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer during her lifetime.
• An estimated 1,491 Texas women will face an ovarian cancer diagnosis in 2010. The disease is expected to claim the lives of 976 Texas women in 2010.
• Approximately 50 percent of women with ovarian cancer are 60 or older. 

Risk Factors  

• Family History: Women with immediate family members (mother or sister) with ovarian cancer have an increased risk of developing the disease. If you have a family history of cancer, genetic testing can help determine risk.
• Age: Most women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are over 60 years old.
• Parity: Women who have never given birth face a higher risk. 
• Breast Cancer: Women who have had breast cancer or have a family history of breast cancer face a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. Some of the genetic disorders that increase a woman’s risk for breast cancer, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, may also increase her risk for developing ovarian cancer.
• Obesity: Being overweight increases the risk of ovarian cancer.

Symptoms
Currently, there is no screening test for ovarian cancer, as the Pap test screens only for cervical cancer and some infections. Therefore, women should be aware of the symptoms for ovarian cancer, as early detection is critical. Women should consult their physician if they persistently experience any of the following symptoms:

Prevention
Ovarian cancer cannot be prevented in most cases, but women can take steps to decrease the risk of developing the disease.

• Oral contraceptives: Women who have used birth control pills for more than 5 years reduce their risk by 50 percent, compared to women who have never taken oral contraceptives.
• Tubal ligation or a hysterectomy: A preventive removal of the fallopian tubes and uterus may reduce a woman’s risk of developing ovarian cancer, but these procedures should only be performed with a legitimate medical reason.
• Removal of the ovaries: Studies show that the removal of the ovaries in women with the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutation can reduce their risk of ovarian cancer by 80 percent.

Treatment Options
Women with ovarian cancer should consult a gynecologic oncologist or a medical oncologist to determine their specific treatment needs. Treatment for ovarian cancer may include surgery and chemotherapy, or a combination of the two. For younger patients whose cancer has not spread, it may be possible to save the unaffected ovary and fallopian tube to preserve fertility.   

Sources: American Cancer Society, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Cancer Institute, and Ovarian Cancer National Alliance

Updated 08/24/10