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September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women. The American Cancer Society estimates that in the U.S. this year, approximately 22,440 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and 14,080 women will die of the disease. A woman’s average lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer is 1 in 75, and about half of cases are diagnosed in women aged 63 years or older.[1]
Fortunately, rates of ovarian cancer have fallen in the U.S. and several other countries in recent decades, which many researchers attribute, in part, to increased use of oral contraceptives and decreased use of hormone replacement therapy.[2] It’s worth noting that although birth control pills have been found to provide long-term protection against ovarian cancer, they may contribute to the development of other types of cancer.[3]
Is ovarian cancer screening available?
The bad news is that only about 20% of ovarian cancers are found at an early stage, when patients have the best chance of long-term survival. Regular pelvic exams are important in finding some types of reproductive cancers at an early stage; however, early-stage ovarian cancers are often too small to be detected in this way. To date, there is no generally accepted screening test for women at average risk of ovarian cancer.
However, a study recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology provides hope for women at known risk for the disease. Researchers found that screening of women at high risk can help identify ovarian cancers earlier. In the study, women with a high lifetime risk of ovarian cancer underwent blood tests to measure their levels of the protein CA-125, which is found in high concentrations in ovarian cancer cells. The women also underwent transvaginal ultrasound screening annually, or, when blood tests combined with other risk factors showed abnormalities, within two months. While the screening program was in effect, 19 ovarian cancers were detected, 10 of which were at stage I or II. By contrast, of the 18 ovarian cancers diagnosed at least one year after screening ended, 17 were identified at stage IIIB or IV. The researchers did not conclude that earlier detection would necessarily lead to better survival rates;[4] however, the American Cancer Society reports relative 5-year survival rates of 70–94% for patients diagnosed with stage I or II ovarian cancer and 17–52% for those diagnosed at stage IIIB–IV.[5]
What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
For women at average risk, it’s important to be attentive to symptoms that may indicate ovarian cancer. This isn’t easy, as ovarian cancer symptoms can be similar to those that accompany more common and less serious conditions, but when they are associated with cancer, the symptoms tend to be more persistent. The American Cancer Society recommends consulting a doctor (preferably a gynecologist) if you experience these types of symptoms more than 12 times per month.
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly
- Increased urinary urgency or frequency
Women suffering from ovarian cancer may also experience fatigue, menstrual changes, weight loss with abdominal swelling, pain during intercourse, back pain, and stomach upset.[6]
If your doctor suspects ovarian cancer, she will likely recommend a transvaginal ultrasound to assess the condition of the ovaries, look for evidence of tumors, and, if found, gain insight into their composition. If indicated by the ultrasound, a biopsy will be ordered to make a diagnosis.
At Iowa Radiology, we want you to have all the information you need to be empowered to make the best possible choices about your health. If you ever have any questions about a procedure scheduled at one of our clinics, don’t hesitate to call us and ask.
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[1] "What Are the Key Statistics About Ovarian Cancer?" Cancer.org. American Cancer Society, 6 Jan 2017. Web. 17 Aug 2017.
[2] "Study: Birth control may be driving decline of ovarian cancer deaths." UPI.com. United Press International, Inc. 7 Sept 2016. Web. 17 Aug 2017.
[3] "Oral Contraceptives and Cancer Risk." Cancer.gov. National Cancer Institute, 21 March 2012. Web. 17 Aug 2017.
[4] "Evidence of Stage Shift in Women Diagnosed With Ovarian Cancer During Phase II of the United Kingdom Familial Ovarian Cancer Screening Study." Journal of Clinical Oncology. American Society of Clinical Oncology, May 2017. Web. 17 Aug 2017.
[5] "Survival Rates for Ovarian Cancer, by Stage." Cancer.org. American Cancer Society, 4 Feb 2016. Web. 17 Aug 2017.
[6] "Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer." Cancer.org. American Cancer Society, 6 Feb 2016. Web. 17 Aug 2017.
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