What Every Woman Should Know About Ovarian Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer is a disease that causes more than 14,000 deaths in women every year, and ALL women are at risk. Symptoms for ovarian cancer can be subtle, and it is so important to be able to recognize them, since early detection is key to successful treatment and better survival.

For Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, the WWHF is discussing what you need to know about ovarian cancer risk factors and early detection to protect yourself.

What puts me at risk for ovarian cancer?

 There is no single cause of ovarian cancer, but multiple factors which increase your risk:

• Increased age – most women who develop ovarian cancer are over the age of 40, with the greatest numbers occurring over the age of 60

• Having a 1^st degree relative (parents, siblings) with a history of ovarian cancer

• Personal history of breast cancer, uterine cancer, or colorectal cancer

• Personal history of endometriosis

• Positive for the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene

• Never having given birth or having a history of fertility problems

• Eastern European or Ashkenazi Jewish background

Unfortunately, because these risk factors are largely uncontrollable, there is no guaranteed way to prevent ovarian cancer. However, research does show some decreased risk with using oral contraceptive, having a tubal ligation or hysterectomy, giving birth, and maintaining a healthy weight.

What do I need to know about screening and early detection?

Screening and early detection can save your life! Because ovarian cancer is not preventable, it is vital to catch tumors early to increase your chance at long-term survival. Your healthcare provider can perform a physical exam or imaging tests, but the best detector is to know your body. Pay attention to what feels normal to you, and talk to your healthcare provider about any abnormal signs or symptoms:

• Bloating

• Pelvic, back, or abdominal pain

• Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly

• Changes in bathroom habits – urinating more frequently, constipation

• Fatigue

• Menstrual changes/abnormal bleeding

Protect yourself & others

Only 15% of ovarian cancers are diagnosed at stage 1. By being informed about your ovarian cancer risk factors and paying attention to any signs and symptoms, you are being proactive! Please share this information with all the women in your life. You may just save a life!

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Interested in learning more about Ovarian Cancer? Our GrapeVine program offers a free health education session on “Gynecological Cancers”. View our events calendar for available sessions, or request a session in your community.

 Thank you to Caitlin Hoff, Health and Safety Investigator at consumersafety.org, for helping with this post and providing the blog graphic.