Ovarian Cancer
The American Cancer Society estimates about 19,710 individuals will receive a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer in the United States in 2023. The rate at which individuals are diagnosed with ovarian cancer has been slowly falling over the past 20 years.
Ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among females, accounting for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system.
This cancer mainly develops in older females. About half who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer are 63 years or older. In terms of ethnicity, ovarian cancer is more common among Caucasian females than African-American or Latina females.
The causes of ovarian cancer are not known, but genetics and environmental risk factors have shown an increased chance of development.
What are the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer?
Many times, the symptoms for ovarian cancer are vague and not even gynecologic in nature. But, if there are symptoms, they will most likely be:
- A swollen or bloated abdomen
- Persistent pressure or pain in the abdomen or pelvis
- Feeling full quickly when eating
- Changes in bathroom habits such as frequent urination, constipation or diarrhea
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Back pain
Females may have these symptoms for reasons not related to ovarian cancer. If the symptoms are new, unusual or occur daily for more than two weeks, call to schedule an appointment with our gynecologic oncology team.
Risk Factors
Most females develop ovarian cancer without being at high risk for the disease. However, the following factors may increase an individual’s risk:
- Older than age 55
- A family history of ovarian cancer, as well as breast, uterus, colon and rectum cancers
- Personal history of cancer, especially of the breast, uterus, colon or rectum
- Never pregnant
- History of estrogen therapy
- A high-fat diet
Treatment Overview
Treatment for ovarian cancer is most effective when it is found and treated early. The main treatment options for ovarian cancer include surgery,
chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy.
Surgery is the main treatment for most ovarian cancers. How much surgery you have depends on how far your cancer has spread and on your general health. Our gynecologic oncologists are specialized in a variety of surgical treatments, including
minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery.
Depending on the individual case and the stage of cancer, chemotherapy may be recommended. Our gynecologic oncologists at Summa Health can manage chemotherapy treatments for patients with ovarian cancer.
Radiation therapy is rarely used for the initial treatment of ovarian cancer. In some cases, it is used to treat pain or side effects caused by the disease.
Find out more about our gynecologic cancer treatment program and gynecologic cancer screening services in the Akron area.
