Ovarian Cancer
Although ovarian cancer is the ninth most common form of cancer among females, it is the fifth most common cause of cancer-related deaths. This form of cancer is most common among females older than age 55. 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.
Typical symptoms include:
- Pressure or pain in the abdomen
- A swollen or bloated abdomen
- Trouble eating/feeling full quickly
- Urinary changes – frequency or urgency
Some less common symptoms are:
- Fatigue
- Upset stomach or nausea
- Back pain
- Pain during sex
- Constipation
- Menstrual changes
Typical symptoms include:
- 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
Some less common symptoms are:
- Fatigue
- Upset stomach or nausea
- Back pain
- Pain during sex
- Constipation
- Menstrual changes
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.
Ovarian Risk Factors
Most females develop ovarian cancer without being at high risk for the disease. However, the following factors may increase a female’s risk:
- Age. A majority of individuals diagnosed with ovarian cancer are older than age 55.
- Family history. Females with family members who have had ovarian cancer are at increased risk of development. Also, a family history of the following forms of cancer can increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer: breast, uterus, colon and rectum.
- Personal history of cancer. Females with a personal history of cancer, especially of the breast, uterus, colon or rectum.
- Never pregnant. Individuals who have never been pregnant have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
- Estrogen therapy. Estrogen therapy is a typical form of treatment for menopause symptoms but, if estrogen is used without progesterone, ovarian cancer has been known to develop.
- Diet and exercise. A high-fat diet can increase the chance of several cancers, especially because such can lead to weight gain, which is a risk factor in itself.
The primary form of treatment for ovarian cancer is surgery. In most cases, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) is performed. Depending on the individual case and the stage of cancer, chemotherapy may be recommended. 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.
The primary form of treatment for ovarian cancer is surgery. In most cases, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) is performed. 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.