Ovarian Cancer

Healthy Living
Womens Health

Ovarian cancer is a form of gynecological cancer that affects the ovaries. It is the most severe of the gynecological cancers, made worse by the fact that there is no screening test for this type of cancer available in hospitals. Most doctors usually ignore the possibility of such a diagnosis even when the symptoms are there as the symptoms of ovarian cancer can be very confusing and subtle.

They are diverse, non-specific and can be easily mistaken for other ailments. As a result, many women and their doctors often dismiss these symptoms until it is too late and the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body. Each year, approximately 2500 Canadian women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and out of these, around 1700 succumb. An early diagnosis can greatly increase one’s chances of survival (90% survival rate). Ovarian cancer is referred to as “the disease that whispers” because it usually creeps upon the woman without being detected until it is too late.

There is no explicit cause of this cancer but those with a family history of cancer are at a higher risk. Since there is no screening test available and the symptoms can often be vague, women have to learn to decipher these “whispers” and act in good time. Ovarian cancer usually manifests itself in a similar manner to bladder disorders or digestive system disorders. Women should however smell danger if these symptoms are persistent and/or worsen. While symptoms of digestive system and bladder disorders typically come and go, those of cancer persist and worsen with time. Some of the common warning symptoms of cancer of the ovaries include pelvic discomfort, urinary urgency, abdominal swelling, pressure or bloating, back pain, persistent indigestion, menstrual irregularities, fatigue, loss of appetite, changes in bowel movement habits such as cases of constipation, enlarged abdominal girth, pain during intercourse and vaginal bleeding.

If a woman suspects ovarian cancer she should suggest it to a doctor. The doctor will perform a series of tests to detect the disease. If the diagnosis is positive, the woman will immediately be put on a treatment plan, depending on the grade and stage of the cancer. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are the three common treatment plans. Surgery is usually the first treatment plan stage and is performed to reduce the disease to the lowest level possible. Afterwords, the woman may be placed on chemotherapy, radiation or a combination of both to completely destroy the cancer cells. Chemotherapy combines a cocktail of drugs whereas radiation uses high-energy rays. Both treatment plans can produce serious side effects and patients should familiarize themselves with them before commencing treatment.

Some women opt for alternative treatment therapies to avoid the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. This may prove dangerous however if the therapy is unorthodox or untested. Women considering alternative therapy should consult with their doctors before they embark on this treatment. Complementary therapies are sometimes used alongside conventional treatments and while science has not proven them to be effective, many patients have reported marked psychological as well as physical benefits. Those considering complementary therapies should contact Canadian Cancer Society for more information.

The journey through cancer is a trying one and one does not have to go through it alone. There are different support programs across Canada, either within the community or online, that offer emotional support to those diagnosed with this cancer. Contacts for these support groups can be obtained from the Ovarian Cancer Canada organization. September is the month of ovarian cancer awareness in Canada and Canadians should take this opportunity to learn more about the disease and how it can be contained.

There are several key things that women need to know about ovarian cancer. Every woman has a 1 in 70 lifetime risk of developing cancer of the ovaries. Pap smears do not detect this cancer neither does the HPV vaccine prevent it. Cancer of the ovaries tends to come about earlier in those who have a family history of breast cancer or cancer of the ovary and the chances of occurrence are increased in every woman who has undergone menopause, peaking at around 60-75 years. All women should undergo routine pelvic exams to increase the chances of this cancer being detected early.