Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors and Symptoms

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 1 in 78 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer during their lifetime. The cause of most ovarian cancers is still unknown, but recent findings indicate that many ovarian cancers start in the fallopian tubes instead of the ovary itself.

“Many women with ovarian cancer report that symptoms show up as subtle, persistent changes in their body,” said Dr. Leigh Solomon, a gynecology oncologist at Ascension St. John Hospital. “It’s important for women to be aware of the symptoms, as early diagnoses can improve survival rates.”

Dr. Solomon says the following symptoms are early warning signs of ovarian cancer:

*Bloating

*Pelvic or abdominal pain

*Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly

*Urgency or frequency of urination

While these symptoms are common for other non-cancerous diseases, Dr. Solomon says when they are caused by ovarian cancer they tend to be more persistent and change from normal – they occur more often or are more severe. She recommends if women have these symptoms more than 12 times a month, they should see a doctor for necessary screening.

The American Cancer Society reports that when diagnosed and treated in its early stages, more than 90 percent of patients with ovarian cancer will have a five-year survival rate or longer.

“It’s important that women are aware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer, particularly if they have certain risk factors,” according to Dr. Solomon. “Regular women’s wellness exams can help detect ovarian cancer in its early stages.”

Researchers have discovered several risk factors that might increase a woman’s chance of developing epithelial ovarian cancer, which is the most common type. These risk factors include:

*Getting older: The risk of developing ovarian cancer increases with age. Ovarian cancer is rare in women under 40 years old, and half of all ovarian cancers occur in women 63 years of age or older.

*Having children later or never having a full-term pregnancy: Women who have their first full term pregnancy after 35 or who have never carried a pregnancy to term have a higher risk of ovarian cancer.

*Having a family history of ovarian cancer: A woman’s ovarian cancer risk is increased if her mother, sister or daughter has had ovarian cancer.

Dr. Solomon says the risk also gets higher if multiple relatives have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

For more information about about ovarian cancer, call Ascension St. John Hospital at 866-501-3627.