Ovarian Cancer

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  What Is Ovarian Cancer?

  Women have two ovaries, one at the end of each fallopian tube. These almond-sized organs make eggs and sex hormones.

  Ovarian cancer happens if abnormal cells in one or both of the ovaries grow uncontrollably. When this happens, the cancer cells can break through the surface of the ovary. It can then spread to other parts of the body.

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  How Common Is Ovarian Cancer?

  Ovarian cancer is the eighth most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in the U.S.  (The top seven cancers diagnosed in women are breast, lung, colorectal, uterine, lymph, skin, and thyroid.) About 1 out of 71 women will get ovarian cancer in her lifetime.

  About 21,550 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year in the U.S. About 14,600 women die from it each year. So many women die from ovarian cancer because it is so difficult to detect at the earliest, most treatable stages.

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  Who Is Most at Risk for Ovarian Cancer?

  Older women are most at risk for ovarian cancer — about 2 out of 3 women who get ovarian cancer are 55 or older.

  Other risk factors include

  • a family history of ovarian or breast cancer 
  • having had cancer
  • never having been pregnant
  • obesity
  • infertility

  Women who have never used birth control pills also have a higher risk for ovarian cancer.

  Women in their 20s and 30s have a very low risk of ovarian cancer — even if they have a family history.

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  Can I Protect Myself from Ovarian Cancer?

  Although ovarian cancer is difficult to detect during routine GYN exams, it is recommended that women see their health care providers regularly. Women should also be aware of the possible symptoms of ovarian cancer. The earlier ovarian cancer is detected and treated, the better.

  Ovarian Cancer and the Pill Birth control pills that contain the hormones estrogen and progestin reduce the risk of ovarian cancer greatly. Studies show that the longer a woman takes the pill, the less likely she is to develop ovarian cancer. Using the pill for 5 to 10 years can protect a woman from ovarian cancer for up to 20 years after she has stopped using it. Other combined methods that work like the pill — the patch and the ring — are also believed to protect against cancer of the ovaries.

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  What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?

  Ovarian cancer can cause symptoms, but they can be hard to recognize.

  Those symptoms include

  • bloating
  • pelvic or abdominal pain or pressure
  • difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
  • having to urinate (pee) often or urgently

  These symptoms are also common among women who do not have cancer. You should seek medical attention when these symptoms are a change from what is normal for you and if you start having them every day for several weeks.

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  How Is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed?

  A health care provider can diagnose ovarian cancer. Your provider may check for ovarian cancer with a pelvic exam and vaginal ultrasound.

  Regular physical and pelvic exams increase the chance of early detection, because health care providers can check for tenderness and swelling. But ovarian cancer is rarely detected during routine GYN exams. Blood tests, abdominal ultrasounds, MRIs, biopsies, and other tests can be used to diagnose or rule out ovarian cancer.

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  What Are the Treatments for Ovarian Cancer?

  The main treatments for ovarian cancer are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. In some cases two or even all of these treatments will be recommended.

  A surgeon can remove the ovary. If the cancer has spread beyond the ovary, more extensive surgery may be needed, including the removal of other reproductive organs — the other ovary, fallopian tubes, uterus, nearby lymph nodes, or abdominal tissue.

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  Will Ovarian Cancer Affect my Fertility?

  Recent studies have shown that if the cancer has not spread beyond one ovary, women may still be able to get pregnant. But certain cancer treatments may decrease your ability to get pregnant. Talk with your health care provider about how any treatments you may have will affect your fertility.

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  Where Can I Get More Information About Ovarian Cancer?

  Ovarian Cancer National Alliance
  1-866-399-6262 

  American Cancer Society
  1-800-ACS-2345