Aug. 30, 2024 | The American Cancer Society estimates that 19,680 women in this country will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year. Around 12,740 women will die this year as a result of ovarian cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women. This cancer mainly develops in older women. About half of the women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer are 63 years or older. Fortunately, ovarian cancer diagnoses have been slowly falling over the past few decades. The incidence rate declined by 1 to 2 percent per year from 1990 to the mid-2010s and by almost 3 percent per year from 2015 to 2019. This is likely due to more use of oral contraceptives and less use of menopausal hormone therapy. Fewer women are dying of ovarian cancer as well, likely due to better treatments and fewer women being diagnosed. The rate of ovarian cancer deaths has decreased by 40 percent since 1975. Most of this progress has happened since the mid-2000s.

Aug. 30, 2024 | Ovarian cancer is a growth of cells that forms in the ovaries. The cells multiply quickly and can invade and destroy healthy body tissue. When ovarian cancer first develops, it might not cause any noticeable symptoms. When ovarian cancer symptoms happen, they’re usually attributed to other, more common conditions. Women are more likely to have symptoms if the disease has spread, but even early-stage ovarian cancer can cause them. The symptoms can include abdominal bloating, constipation, discomfort in the pelvic area, fatigue, back pain and a frequent need to urinate. Pain during sex and changes in a woman’s period are also possible signs. These symptoms are more likely to be caused by other conditions, and most of them occur just about as often in women who don’t have ovarian cancer. But if you have these symptoms more than 12 times a month, see your doctor so the problem can be found and treated if necessary.

Aug. 30, 2024 | September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, a time to learn more about this very dangerous form of cancer. Dr. Heather Williams, a gynecologic oncologist at UAMS’ Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, says that one of biggest problems with ovarian cancer is late detection. It often goes undetected in its early stages, as the symptoms can be vague and nonspecific, such as bloating, pelvic pain, and feeling full quickly. By the time it is detected, the cancer may have already spread to other parts of the body, making it more difficult to treat. Its aggressive nature is another reason to take ovarian cancer seriously, according to Dr. Williams. It often metastasizes or spreads to other organs, such as the abdominal lining, liver, and lungs, which can make it more challenging to treat effectively. Early detection and prompt treatment are crucial for improving outcomes, but ovarian cancer can be challenging to diagnose in its early stages.

Aug. 30, 2024 | Treatment for ovarian cancer has been shown to work best when it is found in its early stages. A woman who has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer has a number of options when it comes to treatment. It’s important for a patient to think about her choices and to weigh the benefits of each form of treatment against any possible risks or potential side effects. Ovarian cancer often requires surgery and chemotherapy drugs for treatment. Drugs used to treat ovarian cancer are considered systemic therapies because they can reach cancer cells almost anywhere in the body. They can be given by mouth or put directly into the bloodstream. Typically, treatment plans are based on the type of ovarian cancer, its stage, and any special situations. Most women with ovarian cancer will have some type of surgery to remove the tumor, either before or after chemotherapy. She may also take a pill after to help keep her cancer from coming back.

Aug. 30, 2024 | There’s no precise way for a woman to prevent herself from developing ovarian cancer but there are certain ways to reduce her risk. One is to consider taking birth control pills. Taking birth control pills reduces the risk of ovarian cancer even in women at high risk of cancer. But these medications do have risks, so it’s a good idea to discuss with your physician whether the benefits outweigh those risks based on your situation. And discuss your risk factors with your doctor. If you have a family history of breast and ovarian cancers, bring this up with your doctor. Your doctor can determine what this may mean for your own risk of cancer. You may be referred to a genetic counselor who can help you decide whether genetic testing may be right for you. If you’re found to have a gene change that increases your risk of ovarian cancer, you may want to consider surgery to remove one or both of your ovaries and Fallopian tubes to prevent cancer.