What is ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in or near your ovaries. The cancer cells may spread to other areas in the body. The ovaries are the organs that hold and release your eggs. They also make female sex hormones.

Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the ovaries. Other treatment may include:

• Chemotherapy.
• Targeted therapy.
• Hormone therapy.
• Immunotherapy.

Radiation therapy is rarely used. But it may be used in some cases. You also may get medicines to help with side effects.

Ovarian cancer often spreads early. Because it grows in the tissues covering the ovaries, it can spread easily within the abdominal cavity to the bowels and bladder or the abdominal lining. From there it may travel to other organs in the body, such as the liver or lungs.

In some cases, ovarian cancer may cause early symptoms. The most common symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

• Frequent bloating.
• Pain in your belly or pelvis.
• Trouble eating, or feeling full quickly.
• Urinary problems, such as an urgent need to urinate or urinating more often than usual.

If you have one or more of these symptoms, and it occurs almost daily for more than 2 or 3 weeks, talk with your doctor.

These symptoms are common for some people. They may not mean that you have ovarian cancer. But the early symptoms of ovarian cancer follow a pattern:

• They start suddenly.
• They feel different than your normal digestive or menstrual problems.
• They happen almost every day and don't go away.

Other symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

• Fatigue.
• Indigestion.
• Back pain.
• Pain with intercourse.
• Constipation.
• Menstrual cycle changes.

But these symptoms are also common in some people who don't have ovarian cancer.

Treatment for ovarian cancer is based on the stage of the cancer and other things, such as your overall health. The main treatment is surgery to remove the cancer. Other treatment options may include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and endocrine therapy.

Experts know that people who are BRCA-positive are more likely to get breast cancer and ovarian cancer. If you are BRCA-positive, you can take steps to reduce your risk of these cancers.

To help those with BRCA changes, experts did a study of women with BRCA changes to predict how much breast and ovarian cancer risk could be reduced by certain methods. These methods include:

• Having the breasts removed (mastectomy).
• Having the ovaries removed (oophorectomy).
• Having a mammogram and breast MRI every year starting at age 25. These screening tests don't prevent breast cancer. But they can find cancer early, when a cure is most likely.

The results of the study are shown in the tables below.

The study also looked at having the surgeries at different ages. For example, you can see what difference it might make if you keep your breasts and ovaries until you're past your childbearing years. These results are one piece of information you can use as you explore how to lower your cancer risk.

Surgery and screening tests are not your only options. You can also talk to your doctor about medicines, such as tamoxifen. Or you may choose to have no treatment or extra screening.

Women with BRCA1 changes

According to the study, here's how the different prevention methods affect the life spans of those with BRCA1 changes.

Women with BRCA2 changes

According to the study, here's how the different prevention methods affect the life spans of those with BRCA2 changes.

Deciding about your options

Take some time to think about your options. A genetic counselor can help you understand how the prevention options affect your cancer risk. Discuss them with your family and close friends. Then you can reach a decision that feels right for you.

If your doctor suspects ovarian cancer, you will get a physical exam. You may also get tests. One blood test is called CA-125. You may also get an ultrasound or CT scan. Based on the test result, you may need a biopsy. An ovary is removed so it can be checked for cancer cells.

• Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You may get medicine for nausea and vomiting if you have these side effects.
• Eat healthy food. If you do not feel like eating, try to eat food that has protein and extra calories to keep up your strength and prevent weight loss. Drink liquid meal replacements for extra calories and protein. Try to eat your main meal early. Eating smaller portions more often may help as well.
• Get some physical activity every day, but do not get too tired. Keep doing the hobbies you enjoy as your energy allows.
• Take steps to control your stress and workload. Learn relaxation techniques.
  • Share your feelings. Stress and tension affect our emotions. By expressing your feelings to others, you may be able to understand and cope with them.
  • Consider joining a support group. Talking about a problem with your spouse, a good friend, or other people with similar problems is a good way to reduce tension and stress.
  • Express yourself through art. Try writing, dance, art, or crafts to relieve tension. Some dance, writing, or art groups may be available just for people who have cancer.
  • Be kind to your body and mind. Getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and taking time to do things you enjoy can contribute to an overall feeling of balance in your life and help reduce stress.
  • Get help if you need it. Discuss your concerns with your doctor or counselor.
• If you are vomiting or have diarrhea:
  • Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Choose water and other clear liquids. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
  • When you are able to eat, try clear soups, mild foods, and liquids until all symptoms are gone for 12 to 48 hours. Other good choices include dry toast, crackers, cooked cereal, and gelatin dessert, such as Jell-O.
• Take care of your urinary tract to prevent problems such as infection, which can be caused by ovarian cancer and its treatment. Limit drinks with caffeine, drink plenty of fluids, and urinate every 3 or 4 hours.
• If you have not already done so, prepare a list of advance directives. Advance directives are instructions to your doctor and family members about what kind of care you want if you become unable to speak or express yourself.

Your feelings about your body may change after treatment for ovarian cancer. Surgery and other treatments may cause physical or emotional changes that affect your body image. Or they may affect your desire to be intimate with a partner. Everyone has their own reaction to the challenges of cancer treatment.

If you have concerns, try to talk openly with your partner, if you have one. Or discuss your feelings with your doctor or nurse. Your care team may be able to help. Or they may refer you to counseling or a support group. Talking with others who've had similar feelings can be very helpful.

If someone in your family has had breast or ovarian cancer, your chances of getting those cancers may be higher. By knowing your family history, you can decide whether to do something to lower your risk, like taking medicine or having surgery. Talk to your doctor to learn more about your risk.

Ovarian cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in or near your ovaries. The ovaries are two small glands, located on either side of your uterus. They produce female sex hormones and store and release eggs. Ovarian cancer can occur in anyone who has female pelvic organs.

Experts don't know exactly what causes ovarian cancer. Genetics, such as DNA changes, are a risk factor for a small number of those who get ovarian cancer. For example, the risk of ovarian cancer is higher for those who have BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene changes than for those without them.

Experts don't recommend routine screening for ovarian cancer for women who have an average risk for the disease and who have no symptoms. Having screening tests doesn't help them live longer. And the tests, such as the CA-125 test or transvaginal ultrasound, often have false-positive results that can lead to more tests and unneeded surgery.

Some women have a higher risk of ovarian cancer. This includes those with BRCA gene changes. For them, doctors may recommend the CA-125 test and a transvaginal ultrasound. If you are at higher risk, the benefits of screening may outweigh the harms.