Ovarian Cancer 101

Before we begin: Ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, and peritoneal cancer are closely related and are treated the same way. The term “ovarian cancer” is often used to describe cancers that begin in the cells in the ovary, fallopian tube, or peritoneum. Cancer that forms in any of these organs is referred to as ovarian cancer and is treated nearly identically. When we talk about "ovarian cancer" we are including Fallopian tube and peritoneal cancers.

On this page you will learn about symptoms of ovarian cancer, diagnosis, and treatment options. We hope this information will help you prepare for a discussion with your gynecologist or a Gynecologic Oncologist.

What is Ovarian Cancer: Ovarian cancer is a growth of abnormal malignant cells that begins in the ovaries (women’s reproductive glands that produce eggs or ova). Cancer that spreads to the ovaries but originates at another site is not considered ovarian cancer. Ovarian tumors can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Although abnormal, cells of benign tumors do not metastasize (spread to other parts of the body). Malignant cancer cells in the ovaries can metastasize in two ways: directly to other organs in the pelvis and abdomen (the more common way), through the bloodstream or lymph nodes to other parts of the body.

Anyone with ovaries (including those assigned female at birth) is at risk for ovarian cancer, and the risk increases with age. Most ovarian cancers are found in those who are going through or who have gone through menopause—the time of life when your menstrual periods stop.

What causes Ovarian Cancer: While the causes of ovarian cancer are unknown, some theories exist: Genetic errors may occur because of damage from the normal monthly release of an egg. Increased hormone levels before and during ovulation may also stimulate the growth of abnormal cells.

How do I know if I have Ovarian Cancer: Since there is no screening test for ovarian cancer, knowledge is power! Knowing the symptoms of ovarian cancer and reporting them to your doctor if those symptoms are persistent (for more than two weeks in any month) is the first step. Think of the acronym B.E.A.T.:

Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Screening

Symptoms

Ovarian cancer has the reputation of being a "silent killer". But many people know, and science has confirmed, that ovarian cancer DOES have symptoms.

Individuals with ovarian cancer report that symptoms are persistent and represent a change from "normal" for their bodies. The frequency and or number of such symptoms are key factors in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

95% of those diagnosed with ovarian cancer report having had one or more of these four common symptoms:

Bloating
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Urinary urgency or frequency
Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly

See your doctor, preferably a gynecologist, if you have these symptoms more than 12 times during one month and the symptoms are new or unusual for you.

Symptoms are significant, but they are not a definitive diagnostic tool. Since there is no diagnostic tool for ovarian cancer, symptom awareness remains of crucial importance. Being aware of the symptoms can help people get diagnosed sooner. Early-stage diagnosis is associated with an improved prognosis.

Risk Factors

ALL individual assigned female at birth are at risk, and the risk of developing ovarian cancer increases with age. But, there is also an increased risk for these populations:

Those with a family history of breast, ovarian, or colon cancer
Jewish individuals
Those of Hispanic heritage, including those in Colorado's San Luis Valley
Individuals who have never been pregnant
Individuals who have never used birth control pills
Those who use infertility treatments
Obese individuals

Screening

There are no screening tests for ovarian, Fallopian Tube, nor peritoneal cancer. (The Pap test is a screening test for cervical cancer.)

Screening is when a test is used to look for a disease before there are any symptoms. Diagnostic tests are used when a person starts having symptoms. The purpose of diagnostic tests is to find out, or diagnose, what is causing the symptoms. Diagnostic tests also may be used to check a person who is considered at high risk for cancer.

Since there is no simple and reliable way to screen for any gynecologic cancers except cervical cancer, it is especially important to recognize warning signs and learn what you can do to reduce your risk.

If you have symptoms, your doctor may perform a transvaginal ultrasound, pelvic/rectal exam, and CA125 blood test.

These tests can be used to help diagnose or rule out ovarian, Fallopian or peritoneal cancer.

More about Risk Factors

If one or more of these symptoms or risk factors is true for you,

it does not mean you have or will necessarily get ovarian cancer.

Please report all your symptoms and risk factors to a doctor, preferably a gynecologist.