Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is a disease where some of the cells in one or both ovaries grow abnormally and develop into a malignant tumour.
The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system. They are small, almond-shaped organs located on either side of the uterus (womb). Ovaries produce eggs (ova) as well as the hormones oestrogen and progesterone.1
Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer in Australia, with around 1,700 new cases being diagnosed each year. As there are usually no obvious symptoms of ovarian cancer, and no current screening test, ovarian cancer can be difficult to detect and is often diagnosed in its advanced stages. The five-year survival rate of ovarian cancer is 48%.
Funds are needed to continue to provide this support—Here are four more ways to support:
Visit Ovarian Cancer Australia to donate directly
Host a Teal Tea and raise funds for OCA
Another way you can help is by understanding and being more aware of ovarian cancer, the risk factors, symptoms to look out for, and knowing when you should see your doctor.
Types of ovarian cancer
There are three main kinds of cells in the ovaries — epithelial cells, stromal cells and germ cells.4Ovarian cancer can start in any of these cells and develop into different kinds of ovarian cancer.
Epithelial tumours — these account for 90% of ovarian cancers which starts in the surface layer (epithelial) of the ovary
Germ cell tumours — these start in the cells that eventually develop into eggs, and accounts for 5% of ovarian cancer
Stromal cells and other types — these occur in supporting tissues within the ovary
Who is at risk of ovarian cancer?
The exact cause of ovarian cancer is not known. However, some factors increase your risk for developing the disease.
Family history
A higher risk of ovarian cancer, is associated with having a family history of cancer. This included any family history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer or colon cancer.
Hereditary factors
Any risk of inherited gene variants, including BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, or a genetic condition such as Lynch Syndrome.
Other factors
Other risk factors associated with a higher risk:
Increasing age
Medical conditions such as endometriosis
Use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Tobacco smoking
Obesity
I have some risk factors. What should I know?
A risk factor is any factor that is associated with increasing someone’s chances of developing a certain condition, such as cancer.
Some risk factors are modifiable, such as lifestyle or environmental risk factors, and others cannot be modified, such as inherited factors and whether someone in the family has had cancer.
Having 1 or more risk factors does not mean that you will develop cancer. Many people have at least 1 risk factor but will never develop cancer, while others with cancer may have had no known risk factors.
Even if a person with cancer has a risk factor, it is usually hard to know how much that risk factor contributed to the development of the disease.
If you would like to know more or have any questions, please reach out to Ovarian Cancer Australia Helpline to speak with an ovarian cancer nurse on 1300 660 334
Ovarian cancer symptoms
The most commonly reported symptoms for ovarian cancer are:
Increased abdominal size or persistent abdominal bloating
Abdominal or pelvic (lower tummy) pain
Feeling full after eating a small amount
Needing to urinate often or urgently
Additional symptoms:
Changes in bowel habits
Unexplained weight gain or loss
Excessive fatigue
Lower back pain
Indigestion or nausea
Bleeding after menopause or in-between periods
Pain during sex or bleeding after
Ovarian cancer stages
Ovarian cancer is classified in stages based on the extent of the cancer. This helps determine the best treatment plan. There are four main stages of ovarian cancer which are:12
Stage I
Cancer is in one or both ovaries but has not spread anywhere else.
Stage II
Cancer is in one or both ovaries and has spread to other organs in the pelvis such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, bladder or bowel.
Stage III
Cancer is in one or both ovaries and has spread to other parts of the abdomen or lymph nodes
Stage IV
Cancer has spread to other parts of the body beyond the pelvis and abdomen, such as lungs or liver
Ovarian cancer treatment
Treatment for ovarian cancer will depend upon the extent of the cancer. Treatment options may include any or a combination of the following:13
Surgery
Chemotherapy (also called ‘chemo’)
Special therapies (drugs or chemicals used to target specific cancer cells)
Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) which is used to treat symptoms, rather than the cancer itself
How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?
Several tests may need to be done to confirm a diagnosis of ovarian cancer.
Diagnosis will start with your doctor asking questions about your symptoms, past health history and family history. They will then conduct a physical examination of the abdomen and pelvis, including a rectal examination.
Other tests that may be used to diagnose ovarian cancer may include:11
Blood tests
Imaging tests- Pelvic ultrasound- Chest X-rays- CT (computerised tomography) scan of the abdomen- PET (positron emission tomography) scan- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan
Colonoscopy (to determine that symptoms are not caused by a bowel problem)
Can you prevent ovarian cancer?
There is no way to prevent ovarian cancer, although some factors may reduce your risk. These include:15
Using the oral contraceptive pill for several years
Having your fallopian tubes tied or removed
Having children before 35 years of age
Breastfeeding
In some cases, women with a strong history of ovarian cancer may elect to have their ovaries removed. While this may prevent ovarian cancer, it doesn’t always prevent the development of other cancer.16
When should you see a doctor?
Early detection of cancer leads to the best outcomes. You should visit your doctor if you notice any of the following if they are unusual for you, persist for more than two weeks, and cannot be attributed to any other condition:14
Persistent bloating
Increased abdominal size
Feeling full after eating a small amount of food
Needing to wee often or urgently
3 ways you can take action
Be aware of the risk factors of ovarian cancer
Host a Teal Tea and raise funds for OCA!
Your local MediADVICE Pharmacist is available to help you manage your health. Speak to your MediADVICE Pharmacist about your symptoms so we refer you to a doctor if necessary and we support you with with your medication and other health advice.
Visit your nearest store today
Additional resources
About Ovarian Cancer Australia
Ovarian Cancer Australia is an independent national not-for-profit organisation, supporting women diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Our focus is to provide care and support for those affected by ovarian cancer; and represent them by leading change.
Our vision is to save lives and ensure no woman with ovarian cancer walks alone. We were founded in 2001 by a group of people who had been affected by ovarian cancer, either themselves or through a loved one.
Ovarian Cancer Australia is a member of the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition, which works to raise awareness of ovarian cancer on a global scale.
Want to find out more?
Download Ovarian Cancer Australia’s support resources and services brochure — Download here
Visit the website www.ovariancancer.net.au
Speak with an ovarian cancer nurse by calling 1300 660 334, or email [email protected]
Ovarian Cancer Australia's Helpline is open 9am - 5pm AEST/AEDT, Monday to Friday
Disclaimer
General advice only – this information should not replace the information provided to you by your health care professional. If symptoms are severe or persist, please speak to your health care professional. Information current as of date of publishing.
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