Ovarian Cancer: Awareness Is Key to Earlier Detection
Ovarian cancer occurs when cancer cells form within the ovaries, which are almond-sized glands on either side of the uterus. When these cancerous cells multiply, they form a tumor. During advanced stages of the disease, these cells may spread to other areas of the body starting with the neighboring lymph nodes and the peritoneal cavity.
Each year, about 320,000 new cases will be diagnosed around the world, with the most diagnoses seen in China, India, and the United States, according to the World Cancer Research Fund International. This makes ovarian cancer the 18th most common cancer, or the eighth most common for women.
There are three main types:
1. Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: This type of cancer begins in the epithelial tissue, which surrounds the ovaries, and it also includes fallopian tube cancers and peritoneal cancers. More than 90% of this disease’s diagnoses will be for epithelial ovarian cancer.
2. Stromal Tumors: These tumors begin in the connective tissue within the ovaries that produces estrogen and progesterone. Most women who develop stromal tumors will be over 50 years old, although these may develop in young girls, too. This type of cancer is rare, and it is more often diagnosed at earlier stages than other forms.
3. Germ Cell Tumors: This type of cancer develops in the ovary’s egg cells. This is another rare form of the disease, and it’s more likely to affect women under the age of 30.
Who’s at Risk?
Some of the factors that increase one’s risk of developing ovarian cancer include:
• Age: It is more likely to be diagnosed in older adults, and it most frequently develops after menopause.
• Family history: Having a close relative (such as a mother, sister, or daughter) who has had the disease makes it more likely a woman will develop it as well.
• Weight: Women who are overweight or obese—who have a body mass index greater than 30—are more likely to develop this type of cancer.
• Endometriosis: Women who have endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, have a greater chance of developing ovarian cancer. However, most women who have endometriosis will never develop ovarian cancer.
• Breast Cancer: A history of breast cancer may make someone more likely to develop it, as the two cancers share many of the same risk factors.
• Never Being Pregnant: Someone who has never been pregnant has a higher risk for developing this disease.
What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?
Unfortunately, ovarian cancer often does not cause symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms develop, they may include:
• Abdominal pain or bloating
• Unintended weight loss
• Pain in the pelvic area or back
• Fatigue
• Frequent urination or urgency to urinate
• Feeling full more quickly while eating
How is it Treated?
One of the most common treatments for this type of cancer is a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Recently, new types of chemotherapies have been approved, creating more treatment options for oncologists and patients to consider. In addition, targeted therapies have recently emerged as an option for advanced ovarian cancer.
Among the most exciting research advancements in advanced ovarian cancer is CAR T-cell therapy. In this type of cancer treatment, a patient’s own cells are reprogrammed to attack cancer-causing agents. This therapy has already revolutionized the treatment of blood cancers, such as leukemia. Now, CAR T-cell therapies are being tested in clinical trials for solid tumors, including ovarian. Researchers hope that CAR T-cell therapy may become an effective treatment for advanced ovarian cancer.
Can Ovarian Cancer Be Prevented?
While this cancer cannot be prevented, there are ways to lower one’s risk or to detect it earlier. Ovarian cancer isn’t usually diagnosed until it has advanced to stages 3 or 4, when it requires more aggressive treatments. By gathering patients’ family histories and educating them about symptoms, doctors hope to detect it earlier.
There are several ways to lower the risk of ovarian cancer. Stopping ovulation lowers the risk, which can be done by birth control, tubal ligation or hysterectomy, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Women may also choose to do genetic testing, which can signal the presence of certain genetic mutations that elevate the risk.
With better understanding of symptoms and risks, and the development of new and improved treatment options, women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer have hope for a brighter tomorrow.