Do you have questions about ovarian cancer? Let's talk about it!

You've probably heard of ovarian cancer. Maybe a friend of yours has it, or maybe you're just curious to know more about it. Even though it's a serious topic, let's talk about it in a simple way that you can understand. Because it's so important to be aware of things like this.

What is ovarian cancer? Simply put...

Simply put, ovarian cancer is when cells in your ovaries or fallopian tubes start to grow abnormally and out of control. Think of it like the cells in our bodies are like little workers. They work in an orderly, regular manner. But in cancer, some of these cells start to "go crazy," dividing and growing as they please.

The ovaries are a very important part of the female reproductive system. They are the organs that produce eggs during your reproductive years. They are usually about the size of a small walnut, located on either side of the pelvis.

Who gets ovarian cancer?

This can happen to any woman, but some people are at a slightly higher risk. For example, in the United States, Native American and white women are slightly more likely to develop this condition than black, Hispanic, or Asian women.

Another notable thing is that people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent are more likely to have a genetic mutation called `BRCA`. This genetic mutation increases the risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

Overall, ovarian cancer accounts for about 1% of newly diagnosed cancers. A woman's lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer is about 1 in 78.

What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer? How do we know?

Here's something to keep in mind. Ovarian cancer can spread to your abdomen without causing any symptoms in the early stages. This is why it can be difficult to detect early. However, if you continue to have one or more of the following symptoms, it's important to see a doctor for advice.

• Pelvic or abdominal pain, discomfort, or a feeling of fullness: It may feel like something is stuck in your stomach, or it may just feel like your stomach is bloated.
• Changes in eating habits, feeling full even after eating a little, and loss of appetite: Even someone who used to eat well may now feel full after a short while. They may also not feel like eating.
• Unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding: You should be very concerned if you experience this type of bleeding, especially outside of your normal monthly menstrual cycle or after menopause.
• Changes in bowel function: For example, new symptoms such as constipation or diarrhea may occur.
• Increased stomach size: Feeling like your stomach is just getting bigger.
• Frequent urination: The need to urinate more than usual.

Just because you have these symptoms doesn't mean you have ovarian cancer. They can also be caused by other health problems. However, if they persist, be sure to seek medical advice. The earlier you find out, the easier it is to treat.

What causes ovarian cancer? Are there risk factors?

Actually, the exact cause of ovarian cancer is still unknown. However, some people are at a slightly higher risk of developing the disease. Let's take a look at what they are:

• Being over 60 years of age: This risk increases with age.
• Obesity: If the body weight is much higher than the recommended amount.
• If someone in your family has had ovarian cancer (family history): That is, if your mother, sister, or daughter has had the disease, you may also be at risk. Also, if you have a gene mutation called `BRCA1` or `BRCA2` or a condition called Lynch syndrome, your risk is higher.
• Not having conceived any children or having children late.
• Having a condition called endometriosis.

Having one or more of these risk factors doesn't mean you will definitely develop ovarian cancer. However, it's important to be aware of this.

How does ovarian cancer spread?

If ovarian cancer spreads, it usually starts in your pelvis and spreads to lymph nodes, the peritoneal cavity, intestines, stomach, chest area, or liver.

How is ovarian cancer diagnosed? What tests are done?

Despite years of research, an effective screening test for early detection of ovarian cancer has not yet been developed. This is why it is difficult to detect it in its early stages.

If a doctor suspects you have ovarian cancer, they will first ask you about your symptoms and then perform a pelvic exam . During this time, they will look for abnormal growths or enlarged organs.

In addition, several other tests may be performed:

Imaging tests

These allow you to see what's inside the body:

• Pelvic ultrasound: This can take a clear picture of the ovaries and surrounding area.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan: This can provide more detailed images.
• CT scan (Computed Tomography): This also provides cross-sectional images of the body.
• PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography): This helps to find the locations of cancer cells.

Blood tests

A blood test called CA-125 is often done in this case. If your CA-125 level is elevated, it could be a sign of cancer. However, this is not 100% certain. CA-125 levels can be normal even if you have cancer, and it can also be elevated in other conditions that are not cancerous. Therefore, doctors combine this test with other tests to reach a conclusion.

Surgical evaluation

Sometimes ovarian cancer is diagnosed during surgery. Usually, if an abnormal growth is seen, it can be removed during the same surgery.

Laparoscopy

In this, a surgeon makes a small cut in your abdomen and inserts a thin tube with a camera (laparoscope) through it. This camera can be used to see if cancer is present and how far it has spread, take tissue samples (biopsies), and sometimes remove ovarian cysts.

What are the stages of ovarian cancer?

The stage of a cancer is how far the cancer has spread. Knowing this is very important for planning treatment. There are four main stages of ovarian cancer. The lower the stage number, the less advanced the cancer is. The higher the number, the more serious the condition.

• Stage I: This stage also has sub-stages (IA, IB, IC). Simply put, at this stage, the cancer is either in one ovary or fallopian tube (IA), or in both ovaries or both fallopian tubes (IB). In stage IC, the cancer is in both ovaries or both tubes, and has spread outside the ovary (there may be cells in the fluid in the abdominal cavity).
• Stage II: This also has sub-stages. In IIA, the cancer has spread from the ovaries to the uterus. In IIB, it has spread to other organs in the pelvic area.
• Stage III: This stage also has three sub-stages (IIIA, IIIB, IIIC). In IIIA, the cancer has spread beyond the pelvis, into the abdomen (subtly), or to lymph nodes. In IIIB, the tumor is up to 2 centimeters in size, beyond the pelvis, or to lymph nodes. In IIIC, the cancer has spread beyond the pelvis, and the tumor is larger than 2 centimeters, or to lymph nodes. At this point, organs such as the liver and spleen may also be affected.
• Stage IV: This is the most severe stage. At this stage, the cancer has spread to organs such as the liver and spleen. In IVA, it is in the lungs, and in IVB, it has spread to the lymph nodes in the groin or chest area.

Don't be afraid to hear about these stages. Your doctor will explain all of this to you. The most important thing is to develop a treatment plan that works best for you.

How is ovarian cancer treated?

The main goal of cancer treatment is to remove as many cancer cells as possible, or to completely remove them. The main treatments for ovarian cancer are:

• Surgery: This is often the main treatment. This usually involves removing your reproductive organs (ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus) and any organs where the cancer has spread. The surgeon may perform a laparoscopy (a minimally invasive surgery done through a few small incisions in the abdomen) or a laparotomy (an open surgery done through a large incision in the abdomen).
• Chemotherapy: This can be done before or after surgery. Chemotherapy is a type of medication that targets and destroys cancer cells. It can be given intravenously or as pills taken orally.
• Targeted therapy: This is also a type of medication that identifies and attacks cancer cells. This changes the way cancer cells grow and divide.
• Hormone therapy: Some ovarian cancers use hormones to grow. This treatment blocks those hormones, slowing or stopping the growth of the cancer.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy is rarely used for ovarian cancer.

After you have been treated for ovarian cancer, your doctor will want to see you regularly and monitor you. They will continue to do tests to check if the cancer has come back. You should tell your doctor about any symptoms or discomfort you have during this time. Sometimes, imaging tests, such as a CT scan, may be done.

What should someone with ovarian cancer expect?

Even after treatment is over, your doctor will see you regularly. During these visits, they will talk about your symptoms, concerns, and fears. It is important to pay close attention to your body. If you feel anything unusual, tell your doctor. Follow-up after treatment is very important.

What is the survival rate for ovarian cancer?

This is a bit of a sensitive issue. The overall five-year survival rate for ovarian cancer is approximately 49%. That means that about 49% of people diagnosed with ovarian cancer are still alive five years after diagnosis.

However, it is important to remember this: These figures are just averages. They do not tell you exactly how long you will live or how successful your treatment will be. Everyone is different. Many factors affect this, including the type of cancer, its stage, your overall health, and your response to treatment. New treatments are being developed all the time. So, if you have any questions about these figures, talk to your doctor.

Can ovarian cancer be prevented?

There is no way to completely prevent ovarian cancer. However, knowing your biological family history can help you understand whether you are at increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.

If you have a genetic condition, such as a BRCA gene mutation, your doctor may recommend risk-reducing surgery to remove your ovaries and fallopian tubes before they develop into cancer. If you are not sure whether you have a BRCA or other gene mutation, talk to your doctor about genetic testing .

When should I see a doctor?

If you continue to have the symptoms of ovarian cancer that we discussed earlier (for example, unusual lumps, abdominal pain, bloating), be sure to see a doctor. Don't panic, but it's wise to get checked out.

What questions should I ask the doctor?

If you're diagnosed with ovarian cancer, it's normal to have a lot of questions on your mind. You may want to ask your doctor questions like:

• Where is the cancerous tumor located?
• Has the cancer spread? If so, how far?
• What treatments do you recommend?
• How long will my treatment take?
• Will I be able to go to work during treatment?
• Are there resources to get help with ovarian cancer?

It's normal to feel scared, sad, and disappointed when you find out you have cancer. If you or a loved one has ovarian cancer, you may feel alone. But you're not alone. Your doctor can help you through this difficult time. Ask about support groups and join them. Talking to people who are going through the same things as you can can help you deal with these difficult feelings.

Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)

Ovarian cancer is something we should be concerned about. However, it is very important to be aware of it, pay attention to the symptoms, and seek medical advice quickly if necessary.

You know your body best. If you notice anything unusual or unusual, don't ignore it. Talk to a doctor. The earlier you detect it, the more likely it is that treatment will be successful. Don't worry, you're not alone. Get the help you need.

Ovarian Cancer, Women's Health, Cancer Symptoms, Cancer Treatment, BRCA Gene, CA-125, Gynecology