Ovarian Cancer is cancer that begins in the ovaries, the reproductive organ found in females. According to Medical News Today (2016), the majority of ovarian cancer will begin in the outer lining, or epithelium, of the ovary. The germ cells can also form tumors as can the stromal tumors. The germ and stroma are the two other main cell types found in the ovaries (“Ovarian Cancer,” n.d.). Other forms of ovarian cancer include ovarian low malignant potential tumor (OPMPT) and low malignant potential (LMP) (Green, 2016; Nordqvist, 2016). After a discussion of the symptoms, diagnosis, staging, and prognosis of ovarian cancer, the treatments, risk factors and some statistics associated with ovarian cancer will follow.
Some forms of ovarian cancer have no symptoms in the early stages. However, early symptoms may include bloating, the sensation of pressure, abdominal pain, feeling full quickly, and frequent urination (Green, 2016; “Symptoms and Detection,” 2016; “Ovarian Cancer,” n.d.). These symptoms are often present for other reasons. A gynecologist should be seen if the symptoms persist for more than a couple of weeks (“Ovarian Cancer,” n.d.). Other symptoms may include back pain, constipation, irregular menstrual cycle, fatigue, and indigestion (“Symptoms and Detection,” 2016). Screening for ovarian cancer includes the CA-125 blood test and transvaginal ultrasound (“Ovarian Cancer”, n.d.). Neither test is definitive and are usually done together (Nordqvist, 2016). However more adequate screenings are being sought. While an MRI and a CT scan can detect a tumor within the ovaries, a diagnosis is made after a biopsy of the tissue is performed (“Ovarian Cancer,” n.d).
There are four stages to ovarian cancer. In stage I, the cancer has not spread beyond the ovaries. When the cancer has spread to the uterus or nearby pelvic organs, it is considered to be in stage II. Stage III is when the cancer has invaded the lining of the abdomen or the lymph nodes. Stage IV is when the cancer has metastasized to distant locations in the body (Nordqvist, 2016). The prognosis for patients with ovarian cancer varies widely. The five-year survival rate is from 18%-89% and is dependent on what stage the cancer was in when it was detected (Nordqvist, 2016). Women with LMP tumors have survival rates that range from 77% to 99% (Nordqvist, 2016).
Traditional treatment for ovarian cancer is chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery with chemotherapy (Nordqvist, 2016). Hormone therapy and targeted therapy can also be used as a way to treat ovarian cancers, it is not unusual to combine two or more types of treatment (“Ovarian Cancer,” n.d.). Targeted therapy for ovarian cancer includes medications like Bevacizumab or Olaparib, these medications will target only the cancerous cells, and will not damage healthy cells (“Ovarian Cancer,” n.d.). Hormone therapy is used to treat stromal tumors, not epithelial tumors, the treatments include the use of luteinizing-hormone-releasing hormone, tamoxifen, and aromatase inhibitors (“Ovarian Cancer,” n.d.). There are no alternative methods that can cure of treat cancer, however, acupuncture, special diets, herbs, vitamins, and massage may help eliminate some of the symptoms from traditional treatments. Not all complementary methods work and some can be dangerous if not used with doctor’s knowledge or permission (“Ovarian Cancer,” n.d.).
Some of the risk factors for developing ovarian cancer are age, obesity, family history (Green, 2016). Women who have used fertility drugs for more than one year are also at greater risk for ovarian cancer (“Ovarian Cancer,” 2016). Ovarian Cancer is the 5th leading cause of cancer deaths for females (Nordqvist, 2016). According to Medical News Today (2016), 22,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year and approximately 14,000 women will die from it. The average age of diagnosis is 63, only 25% of cases are diagnosed between 35 and 54 years of age (Green, 2016). Caucasian women are more likely to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer than women of other ethnicities (Green, 2016).
Studies have show that it is possible to lower the risk of developing ovarian cancer. A low-fat diet that is high in vegetables can reduce a woman’s risk (“Ovarian Cancer, 2016). But, there is no one way that ovarian cancer can be prevented (Green, 2016). To help those people who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, the National Cancer Institute has educational materials available. Also, the American Cancer Society has some tips for coping with the diagnosis and the disease. There is even an online class called “I can cope” on the website (www.cancer.org).
Not all cancers can be prevented; there is a strong genetic link for developing most forms of cancer. To help in the fight against cancer, I would make sure that I lower my risk by eating a healthy, low-fat diet with fresh vegetables and fruit. It is important to have a regular exercise routine, avoid too much exposure to the sun, and stay away from tobacco products. Going to the doctor and getting regular checkups can help detect cancer in the early stages. Most cancers are easily treated if they are caught early (“Ovarian Cancer,” n.d.).
In summary, ovarian cancer affects the ovaries. Early detection is essential for fighting and surviving ovarian cancer. Treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy are often used to treat ovarian cancer. Special diets and exercise may help eliminate some of the side effects from those traditional treatment methods. While it may not be possible to prevent cancer, there are steps people can take to lower their risk of developing cancer. Eating well and exercising are two ways you can reduce your risk. Resources from the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute can support patients and families after getting the diagnosis of cancer.
References
Nordqvist, C. (2016, August 11). Ovarian Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments. Retrieved
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/159675.php
Ovarian Cancer. (n.d.). Retrieved January 8, 2017, from
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovariancancer/
Symptoms and Detection. (2016, April 11). Retrieved January 8, 2017, from
https://ocrfa.org/patients/about-ovarian-cancer/symptoms-and-detection/
Green, A. (2016, January 28). Ovarian Cancer (Cancer of the Ovaries). Retrieved January
8, 2017, from
http://www.medicinenet.com/ovarian_cancer/article.htm
