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Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer among women, excluding non-melanoma skin cancers. Ovarian cancer accounts for about 3% of all cancers in women. Ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women, accounting for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system.
According to the What Are the Key Statistics About Ovarian Cancer?
and the American Cancer Society Cancer Facts & Figures 2007,
Ovarian cancer is the 2nd most common type of
gynecologic cancer preceded by Uterine Cancer.
In the United States, approximately 22,430(2006 estimated cases 20,180) cases
will be diagnosed this year and nearly 15,280(2006 estimated cases 15,310) women die from the disease this year.
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Causes and Risk Factors
The biologic events that lead to ovarian cancer remain unknown. Several factors (e.g., hormonal, environmental, and genetic variables) may play a role, although all women are at risk for developing this disease.
Risk factors include the following(some stronger than others):
* Age (more common after age 50)
* Acquired genetic mutations
* Beginning menstruation before age 12
* Family history of ovarian cancer
* Fertility Drugs
* High Fat Western Diet
* Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with estrogen only (without progesterone)
* Late menopause (after age 52)
* Never given birth or delivering first child after age 30
* Personal history of breast, uterus, colon, or rectum
* Talcum Powder
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Symptoms
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* Bloating
* Pelvic or abdominal pain
* Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
* Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)
* Increased abdominal size
Many women with ovarian cancer report that their symptoms are persistent. The frequency and/or number of such symptoms are key in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Several studies show that even early stage ovarian cancer can produce these symptoms. Women who are experiencing these symptoms nearly every day for more than a few weeks should see their gynecologist. Prompt medical evaluation may lead to detection at the earliest possible stage of the disease. Improved prognosis is often related to early diagnosis.
Several other symptoms have been commonly reported by women with ovarian cancer. These symptoms include fatigue, indigestion, back pain, pain with intercourse, constipation and menstrual irregularities. However, these other symptoms also found in equal frequency in women not having ovarian cancer.
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