Ovarian cancer

 Ovarian cancer: What women need to know

By expert: Dr. Lisa Landrum, gynecologic oncologist at the IU Health Joe & Shelly Schwarz Cancer Center in Carmel

According to the American Cancer Society, in 2022, an estimated 19,880 women will be diagnosed with new cases of ovarian cancer.  Ovarian cancer is one of the five cancer types that attack a woman’s reproductive system.  There are no simple or reliable ways to screen this type of cancer.  Normal testing does not check for ovarian cancer and physical exams often fail to detect early cancers.  While there are no known ways to prevent ovarian cancer, there are some strategies to lower your risk.

Learn about your risk factors.  

The most clearly defined risk factors for developing ovarian cancer are age and family history of breast or ovarian cancer.  Typically, this type of cancer is diagnosed in women after menopause with a median age of diagnosis at 63 years. A personal history or close family members (mother, sister, aunt, or grandmother) with breast or ovarian cancer also increases your risk. In women who have strong family histories for breast, ovarian, uterine and colon cancer, we strongly encourage consideration of genetic counseling and testing. Patients who carry genetic mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 should be encouraged to discuss risk reduction strategies, including surgical removal of fallopian tubes and ovaries as soon as childbearing is completed.   

Know what symptoms look like.

Women should be encouraged to pay attention to their bodies and know what is normal for them. Persistent changes such as pelvic or abdominal pain or pressure, bloating, feeling full too quickly after eating, or a change in bowel or bladder habits that last for two weeks or longer should be evaluated by a physician. Prompt evaluation can lead to detection at the earliest stages of disease.

Diagnosis of ovarian cancer can be difficult.

There are no screening tests to identify ovarian cancer before there are symptoms, so when changes arise, diagnostic tests may be used to find out what is causing the symptoms. In general, a combination of imaging (pelvic ultrasound, CAT scan), physical exam, and blood tests are used to establish a diagnosis.

There are several treatment options.

Gynecologic oncologists are trained to treat cancers of the female reproductive tract and can perform surgery as well as administer chemotherapy, which are the typical treatment options. There are many ongoing clinical trials that are studying new and better ways to treat ovarian cancer. Many of the treatment options that we have today are available because women were willing to participate in clinical trials.

If you are experiencing symptoms of ovarian cancer, call 317.688.4800 with questions or to schedule an appointment.

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