Statistics and “Staging” of Cancer Cases
It is estimated that in 2013, about 22,000 ovarian cancer cases were diagnosed, and 14,000 women succumbed to the disease. This high mortality rate can be chalked up to initial diagnosis at later stages of the disease. For instance, epithelial ovarian cancer has a 70 to 75 percent of being found in Stage 3 or Stage 4, the most severe state of cancer spread. If this cancer is found in Stage 1 of development, there is a 90 to 95 percent of a possible cure. Unfortunately, this early discovery only happens in one-fifth of cases.
“Staging” is used to describe and classify a tumor based on its invasion of the body’s tissues. In stage one, the cancer is limited to one or both ovaries. Cancer is limited to the pelvic area in stage two. In stage three, cancer is found outside the pelvis but is limited to lymph node or abdominal involvement. At stage four, the disease spreads to the liver or outside the abdomen.
Ovaries and 10 (plus) Signs of Cancer
In case anyone skipped the day in sex education class when the female reproductive system was discussed, read on. The reproductive system mainly comprises the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus. We all know the ovaries produce egg cells, but did you know that they also produce the female hormones estrogen and progesterone? Most researchers agree that the location of the ovaries makes it very difficult for an early diagnosis of cancer. They are buried deep within the female body, making a detection exam nearly impossible.
Awareness of the signs of ovarian cancer is quite important in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
Though they may be indicative of other illnesses, if any of these symptoms persist for more than 12 days a month or daily for two or three weeks, or if the symptoms are new or unusual for you, start suddenly, or the pains feel different from menstrual or digestive problems, it is highly recommended you see your doctor right away, preferably a gynecologist.
- Abdominal or belly pain
- Frequent bloating
- Urinary urgency or frequency (feeling as if you have to urinate right away or feeling as if you have to urinate more than usual)
- Discomfort in the pelvic area below your stomach and between your hip bones
- Trouble eating or feeling full more quickly
- Changes in the menstrual cycle or abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea)
- Pain with intercourse
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
Ovarian Cancer Risks
Because there is no recommended screening test for ovarian cancer, symptoms offer the earliest -- and only -- signs of possible cancer. But there are several known risk factors for this disease. One is that the more ovulations a woman has had over her lifetime, i.e., early menstruation, the higher her risk of ovarian cancer, especially if that woman hasn’t had a child.
Family history accounts for about 10 percent of ovarian cancer cases. If a close relative such as a parent, sibling or child was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, there is a higher likelihood of cancer in that immediate family. Geneticists theorize that the same gene that is thought to cause breast and colon cancer also may be responsible for ovarian cancer. So a family history of these two cancers may point to an elevated risk of ovarian cancer. Increased age also increases the risk of cancer, especially those in their 50s and 60s.
Certain medications are also thought to affect cancer risk. Those who had hormone therapy after menopause or who took fertility drugs seem to have a slightly higher risk. And for unknown reasons, use of oral contraceptives likely decreases the risk of ovarian cancer. Obese women have a higher mortality rate of cancer than women of average weight. And some studies suggest that women who use talcum powder regularly on their genitalia may have a slightly higher risk. Other factors may include smoking, IUD use and polycystic ovary syndrome -- high levels of androgens, missed and irregular periods and small cysts (fluid-filled sacs) in the ovaries are signs of this disease.
Because there are so many different signs of this disease, it is easy to chalk them up to indigestion, aches and pains due to aging, or normal changes in the body because of exercise or activity. Many doctors' first instincts may be to prescribe antacids or pain medication without further examination beyond that to confirm the diagnosis. If symptoms persist, ask for a second opinion with a gynecologist or a gynecological oncologist. Some studies suggest that the patient’s persistence to find the cause of these varied symptoms is the most important factor in getting the correct diagnosis.
Get Answers
One study showed that women who actively managed their health care saw an average of three different doctors before finally getting the right combination of detective work and patient persistence to get an accurate diagnosis. Women, this translates into being a meaningful part of your health care. With ovarian cancer taking the lives of two out of three women it strikes, the proactive patient should take control. Don’t be afraid to get a second or third opinion, if that’s what it takes.
Make sure that one of the specialists you consult if you suspect ovarian cancer is a gynecological oncologist, one who is familiar with various reproductive conditions and illnesses. Ovarian cancer can masquerade as many other diseases, so watch for chronic warning signs and be your own best friend by diligently pursuing all symptoms to a medically sound diagnosis.