World Ovarian Cancer Day
8th May is World Ovarian Cancer Day, a day of solidarity and support for all those whose lives are affected by this difficult disease. Creating awareness of ovarian cancer and its symptoms is extremely important, because early diagnosis significantly increases the prognosis. Chances of surviving ovarian cancer for five years or more increase from 46% to more than 90% with early diagnosis.
Ovarian cancer is notorious for causing very minimal symptoms in the early stages, such as:
- Abdominal distension and bloating
- New onset of pelvic pain
- Nausea and fullness
- Urinary frequency
- Loss of appetite and weight
- Lower abdominal lump
Because these symptoms are so non-specific being aware and alert to changes in the body is essential. See below for some frequently asked questions about ovarian cancer.
What is ovarian cancer? What is the risk I’ll get ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer starts in the ovaries and often causes very minimal symptoms in the early stages. It is known to progress quickly and hence early detection is important. Lifetime risk of getting ovarian cancer for women is around 1 in 50 (2%). Family history of ovarian cancer in one first degree relative would be associated with doubling of the risk (1 in 25 or 4%). BRCA 1&2 genes are associated with high risk of ovarian cancer (up to 50%).
How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?
An ultrasound scan and a blood test (CA125) can often give a provisional diagnosis, but the diagnosis is only confirmed after biopsy (usually after removal of any ovarian lesion). An MRI scan will often give more specific and detailed information before surgery. It also helps in planning the management.
Cervical smear test will NOT detect or rule out ovarian cancer! It is aimed at detecting cervical pre-cancerous changes and is nothing to do with ovaries.
What about screening?
CA125 and ultrasound scan have also been used for screening especially in women at higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. However, these tests can be both falsely positive and negative. Benign ovarian cysts are very common and CA125 is raised in many common conditions such as fibroids and endometriosis. Also, only 50% of stage 1 and 80% of all ovarian cancer will have raised CA125. Even if we do annual screening, there is a chance of developing disease in the interim.
What type of ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, or peritoneal cancer do I have?
This information can often be obtained after an MRI scan or operation and biopsy (histology).
What are the treatment options for ovarian cancer?
Surgery to remove as much of the tumour and disease as possible is often the first option (though not always). If there is evidence or suspicion of spread outside the ovaries, additional chemotherapy may be recommended.
I’ve been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. What do I need to know?
Your doctor and CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist) would be the first point of call as they would be able to provide information specific to your circumstances. Not all the information that you read online or in leaflets will apply to you and you must not draw any conclusions unless discussed with your team. You can get general information on websites such as www.ovacome.org.uk or www.cancerresearchuk.org or www.macmillan.org.uk.
What are the chances of beating ovarian cancer?
This often depends on your individual circumstances (such as age, medical condition, type and stage of ovarian cancer and response to treatment) and your doctor will be able to provide more specific information. It is important to ask questions (take somebody with you for consultations) and if there are no direct answers, you can always find out about best and worst possible scenarios.
What should I do to protect myself from ovarian cancer?
We recommend a “MOT@50” (well-woman check at 50years of age) which your GP can organise or we will be happy to arrange. Please visit www.london-gynaecology.com for more information.
Please see your GP urgently if you are concerned about ovarian cancer, and he/she will be able to arrange appropriate tests or referral on an urgent basis.
