The Importance of Early Detection in Ovarian Cancer

  “Ovarian cancer is a serious and potentially deadly disease.”

“MY STORY” 

Part 1:  What Are The Signs of Ovarian Cancer 

I’ve been a medical professional for over 30 years and consider myself to be quite knowledgeable about diseases, symptoms, and risk factors, especially for the population with whom I have worked the most - middle aged and older adults. Before I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, I knew some information about it. Mostly, I was aware that ovarian cancer often impacts people over 50 and it is difficult to treat effectively. Despite knowing the facts, it never occurred to me that I would ever be one of those people. Prior to my diagnosis, I would characterize my health as excellent.  I had been a physically active woman for the last 50 years, eating a healthy diet and weighing in at the same weight I was in high school. Like so many others diagnosed with ovarian cancer, I was completely shocked to receive this news.

 

I quickly found out how much I didn’t know. Recent statistics from The American Cancer Society reveal that ovarian cancer ranks as the 15th most common cancer and the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. Furthermore, a woman's lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer is reported to be 1 in 87.   

I asked myself how I could have a cancer and not know it. I discovered ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage because early symptoms can be subtle or absent, making early detection difficult. Vaginal bleeding was my only symptom. This led me to call my gynecologist, who quickly ordered a vaginal ultrasound which found a large ovarian tumor. Based on my oncologist’s recommendations, I decided to undergo a total hysterectomy.  My pathology report indicated that I had a highly aggressive tumor and chemotherapy was ordered.  

I was fortunate enough to get an early diagnosis and am cancer free at this time. 

Here are some common symptoms that may be associated with ovarian cancer: 

1. Pelvic or abdominal pain: Persistent pain or discomfort in the pelvic or abdominal region.  
2. Bloating: Feeling consistently bloated, especially if it persists for more than a few weeks. 
3. Trouble eating or feeling full quickly: A sudden change in appetite, difficulty eating, or feeling full despite eating very little.  
4. Frequent urination: Increased urgency to urinate and more frequent bathroom trips. 
5. Unexplained Vaginal bleeding: Report this to your gynecologist immediately.  
6. Changes in bowel habits: Any significant changes in bowel habits, including constipation or diarrhea.  
7. Unexplained weight gain or loss: Sudden and unexplained changes in weight can be a symptom of various health issues, including ovarian cancer. 
8. Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or having low energy levels consistently. 
9. Back pain: Pain in the lower back. 

It is also crucial to note that these symptoms can be indicative of various conditions, and experiencing them does not necessarily mean someone has ovarian cancer. However, if these symptoms are persistent and unexplained, for several weeks, it is important for individuals to consult with a healthcare professional, particularly a gynecologist. 

Part 2:  Ovarian Cancer--What Are The Chances? 

Remember that early detection is associated with higher survival rates.  

In Part 1, I shared the statistic that a woman's lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer is reported to be 1 in 87.  However, I learned there are factors which can increase an individual’s risk. 

For example, women of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, like me, are at a higher risk.  For this reason, it is vital to know your familial history. If you have a family history of breast, uterine, ovarian, or colorectal cancer this increases your risk.  

Your family medical history can provide valuable information about potential genetic or hereditary risks for various health conditions, including ovarian cancer. Many health conditions, including certain types of cancer, can have a genetic component.

The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are critical in understanding the genetic risk factors for certain cancers, including breast and ovarian cancers. Mutations in these genes, or in other genes such as PAL2 or RAD51C/D,  can significantly increase the risk of developing these cancers. Individuals with a strong family history of breast and ovarian cancers should consider genetic testing to identify mutations in these genes. Genetic counselors are experts who can help you 

understand your genetic testing results, clarify risks for additional cancers and support you in the process of sharing your results with relatives and children.  

Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 are about 10 times more common in those who are Ashkenazi Jewish than those in the general population.  The lifetime ovarian cancer risk for women with a BRCA1 mutation is estimated to be between 35% and 70%. 

Age is a significant risk factor in developing ovarian cancer, and the risk tends to increase with age, especially after menopause.  However, it is important to note that having one or more risk factors does not guarantee that an individual will develop ovarian cancer, and many women with ovarian cancer have no known risk factors. 

Factors that may increase your risk for ovarian cancer: 

• A family history of ovarian, breast, uterine or colorectal cancer 
• Increased age 
• Genetic mutations in your BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes 
  https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/genetics/brca-fact-sheet 
• Being post-menopausal 
• Ashkenazi Jewish decent  

Factors that can decrease your risk for ovarian cancer: 

• The use of oral contraceptives 
• Pregnancy 
• Breastfeeding 

It’s important to stress that some women diagnosed with ovarian cancer have no known risk factors. If you think you may be at risk, I urge you to speak with your doctor, preferably your gynecologist. 

The most important message I have is to be vigilant and advocate for your health and your health care. Be attuned to any unusual or persistent symptoms mentioned above, and if they persist for more than a few weeks, take proactive steps to seek medical attention. Your awareness and proactive approach can make a significant difference in early detection and overall health outcomes. 

Knowing the symptoms and risk factors associated with ovarian cancer, coupled with undergoing annual gynecological check-ups can lead to a diagnosis at an earlier, more treatable stage. Furthermore, we can all advocate for research to enhance screening methods and develop more effective treatments to minimize the impact of ovarian cancer on women's health. 

If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, below are some resources I have found valuable: 

• Ovarian Cancer Research Association Foundation; https://ocrahope.org/
• National Ovarian Cancer Coalition; https://ovarian.org/ 
• The National Cancer Institute; https://www.cancer.gov/ 
• The Clearity Foundation; https://www.clearityfoundation.org/ 
• Nancy’s list; https://nancyslist.org/ 
  Nancy’s list is one of the most comprehensive and valuable catalogs of resources I have come across. 
• The Society of Gynecologic Oncology; https://www.sgo.org/ 
• Center for Advancement of Cancer Education; https://beatcancer.org/ 

Sources:   

• American Cancer Society. (2021). Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors.
• Centers for Disease Control. (2024). Jewish Women And BRCA Gene Mutations.
• Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance. (ND). Causes And Risk Factors. 
• MD Anderson. (2017). How To Lower Your Ovarian Cancer Risk. 

© Linda Winkler Garvin, MSN 

Health Advocacy & Consulting

President & Founder, Patient Advocate Bay Area, Inc. 

Ambassador & Advocate for The Clearity Foundation 

STS Progran for OCRA 

 

E-mail:    lindawgarvin@gmail.com 

Phone:     (510) 520-0186 

Web:        patientadvocatebayarea.com