Ovarian Cancer – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Ovarian cancer develops when cells in the ovaries grow uncontrollably and harm healthy tissue. Women have two ovaries, almond-sized organs located on each side of the uterus.
These important reproductive organs produce eggs and the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
When ovarian cancer occurs, the cells multiply rapidly and can spread to surrounding tissues. Treatment usually involves a combination of surgical interventions and chemotherapy.
Signs and Symptoms
Ovarian cancer often develops without clear early warning signs. Many people mistake its symptoms for more common health issues.
You might experience:
- Swelling or bloating in your belly
- Feeling full quickly during meals
- Unexplained weight loss
- Pain or discomfort in your pelvis
- Unusual tiredness
- Pain in your back
- Bowel changes, like constipation
- Needing to pee more often
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
If you notice any concerning symptoms that don’t go away, schedule an appointment with your doctor.
It’s important to discuss any unusual changes in your body, even if they seem minor. Early detection can make a significant difference in treatment options.
Causes
Doctors don’t fully understand what causes ovarian cancer. Research shows that the disease begins when cells in or around the ovaries undergo DNA mutations. These mutations instruct cells to grow and divide rapidly, forming tumors.
Unlike healthy cells, these cancer cells don’t die naturally. They can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body by breaking away from the original tumor.
Types of Ovarian Tumors
Several distinct types of ovarian cancer exist, each beginning in different cells:
Epithelial ovarian cancer: The most common form, making up most cases. It includes various subtypes such as:
- Serous carcinoma
- Mucinous carcinoma
Stromal tumors: These uncommon tumors are often caught earlier than other types, improving treatment outcomes.
Germ cell tumors: These rare cancers typically affect younger patients and start in the egg-producing cells.
Risk Factors
Several factors may raise your chance of developing ovarian cancer:
Age
- Risk increases with age
- Most diagnoses occur in older adults
Genetic Factors
- Inherited gene mutations play a role in some cases
- BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes increase risk (also linked to breast cancer)
- Other important genetic links include Lynch syndrome and mutations in BRIP1, RAD51C, and RAD51D genes
Family History
- Having blood relatives with ovarian cancer increases your risk
Weight
- Being overweight or obese raises risk levels
Hormone Factors
- Hormone replacement therapy after menopause may increase risk
- Early start of menstruation or late menopause can raise risk
Reproductive History
- Never having been pregnant may increase risk
Medical Conditions
- Endometriosis (a condition where uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus) is linked to a higher risk
Some factors, like weight and hormone therapy, can be modified, while others, like age and genetics, cannot.
Ways to Reduce Ovarian Cancer Risk
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent ovarian cancer, several strategies may help lower your risk. These approaches focus on understanding your personal risk factors and making informed health decisions.
Birth Control Pills as a Preventive Measure
- Taking oral contraceptives can reduce ovarian cancer risk
- Talk with your doctor about whether the benefits outweigh potential risks
- Your doctor can help determine if this option is appropriate for your health situation
Understanding Your Family History
Family history plays an important role in assessing your risk. If breast or ovarian cancer runs in your family, discuss this with your healthcare provider. They may suggest meeting with a genetic counselor to explore your options.
Genetic Testing Considerations
For those with family history concerns, genetic testing might be appropriate. This testing can identify gene changes that increase cancer risk. Your doctor or genetic counselor can explain:
- What testing involves
- How results might affect you
- What preventive options exist based on the results
Preventive Surgery Options
Women with high genetic risk sometimes consider removing their ovaries to prevent cancer. This is a significant decision that requires careful discussion with healthcare providers. The procedure, called prophylactic oophorectomy, is typically considered after:
- Complete genetic counseling
- Thorough risk assessment
- Detailed discussion of benefits and drawbacks
Regular Health Monitoring
While not prevention in the strictest sense, regular check-ups allow for earlier detection if cancer develops. Discuss appropriate screening schedules with your doctor based on your personal risk factors.
Remember that risk reduction strategies should be personalized. What works for one person might not be appropriate for another.
