About Ovarian Cancer

What is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries. The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system and produce eggs for reproduction. Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer among women and is the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancers in the United States. Symptoms of ovarian cancer can include abdominal pain, bloating, feeling full quickly, and urinary urgency or frequency. Treatment for ovarian cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

What are the symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?

Symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:

- Abdominal bloating or swelling
- Quickly feeling full when eating
- Weight loss
- Discomfort in the pelvis area
- Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
- A frequent need to urinate
- Pain during sex
- Unexplained back pain
- Fatigue

What are the causes of Ovarian Cancer?

The exact cause of ovarian cancer is unknown, but there are several risk factors that may increase a woman's chance of developing the disease. These include:

• Age: Women over the age of 50 are at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.

• Family history: Women with a family history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or colon cancer are at an increased risk.

• Reproductive history: Women who have never been pregnant, have had fewer than five full-term pregnancies, or have used fertility drugs are at an increased risk.

• Hormone use: Women who have used hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or oral contraceptives are at an increased risk.

• Obesity: Women who are obese are at an increased risk.

• Smoking: Women who smoke are at an increased risk.

What are the treatments for Ovarian Cancer?

1. Surgery: Surgery is the primary treatment for ovarian cancer. Depending on the stage of the cancer, surgery may involve removing one or both ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the uterus, and/or other nearby tissues.

2. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is often used in combination with surgery to treat ovarian cancer.

3. Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs to target specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.

4. Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells. It is sometimes used in combination with chemotherapy to treat ovarian cancer.

5. Hormonal Therapy: Hormonal therapy is a

What are the risk factors for Ovarian Cancer?

1. Increasing age: Risk increases with age, with most cases occurring in women over the age of 50.

2. Family history: Women with a family history of ovarian cancer, particularly those with a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with the disease, are at an increased risk.

3. Genetic mutations: Mutations in certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, increase the risk of ovarian cancer.

4. Reproductive history: Women who have never been pregnant, or who had their first child after the age of 35, are at an increased risk.

5. Hormone use: Long-term use of estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may increase the risk of ovarian cancer.

6. Obesity: Women who are obese are at an

Is there a cure/medications for Ovarian Cancer?

There is no single cure for ovarian cancer, but treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy can help to control the disease and improve the patient's quality of life. Medications such as targeted therapy and hormone therapy may also be used to treat ovarian cancer.