What Is the Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer develops when cells in one or both ovaries start multiplying uncontrollably, forming a malignant tumour. The ovaries are small, almond-shaped glands on either side of the uterus that produce eggs and the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. In Australia, ovarian cancer ranks as the eighth most common cancer, with roughly 1,700 new diagnoses each year. Because there are often no obvious symptoms and no reliable screening test, it frequently remains undetected until it reaches an advanced stage. The overall five-year survival rate is about 48%.
Types of Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian tumours arise from one of three main cell types in the ovary, epithelial cells, stromal cells, and germ cells, and each gives rise to a different subtype:
- Epithelial tumours: Account for about 90% of cases; they begin in the ovary’s outer surface
- Germ cell tumours: Make up around 5%; originate in cells destined to become eggs
- Stromal and other tumours: Develop within the ovary’s supporting tissue
Who is at risk of ovarian cancer?
While the exact cause of ovarian cancer isn’t known, certain factors are linked with a higher risk:
- A family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer
- Inherited genetic mutations, such as BRCA1, BRCA2, or Lynch syndrome
- Other contributors: increasing age, endometriosis, use of hormone replacement therapy, smoking, and obesity
Understanding Your Risk Factors
A risk factor is anything that raises the likelihood of developing a particular illness, like cancer. Some risks, such as lifestyle or environmental influences, can be changed, whereas others, like inherited traits or a family history of cancer, cannot. Having one or more risk factors doesn’t guarantee you’ll get cancer; many people with risks never do, and some diagnosed individuals have no known risk factors. Even when a risk factor is present, it’s often impossible to determine exactly how much it contributed to the disease. If you have questions or want more information, you can call the Ovarian Cancer Australia Helpline at 1300 660 334 to speak with a specialist nurse.
Common Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
The most frequently reported warning signs include:
- Persistent abdominal bloating or an increase in waist size
- Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
- Feeling full quickly after eating small amounts
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
Other possible symptoms:
- Altered bowel habits
- Unexplained weight changes
- Severe fatigue
- Lower back pain
- Indigestion or nausea
- Bleeding after menopause or between periods
- Pain or bleeding during intercourse
Staging of Ovarian Cancer
Doctors divide ovarian cancer into four stages to guide treatment decisions:
- Stage I: Cancer is confined to one or both ovaries.
- Stage II: Cancer has spread to nearby pelvic organs (e.g. uterus, fallopian tubes, bladder, bowel).
- Stage III: Cancer has extended into the abdominal cavity or lymph nodes.
- Stage IV: Cancer has metastasized beyond the abdomen and pelvis (e.g. to lungs or liver).
Treatment Options
The choice of therapy depends on how far the cancer has advanced. Possible approaches include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy (often called “chemo”)
- Targeted therapies, which use drugs designed to attack specific cancer cells
- Radiation therapy (radiotherapy), usually employed to relieve symptoms rather than cure the disease
How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?
To confirm ovarian cancer, several investigations may be necessary. First, your doctor will discuss your symptoms, review your personal and family medical history, then perform a physical examination of your abdomen and pelvis, which usually includes a rectal check. Additional procedures that may be used to establish a diagnosis include:
- Blood tests
- Imaging studies, such as:
- Pelvic ultrasound
- Chest X-ray
- Abdominal CT (computed tomography) scan
- PET (positron emission tomography) scan
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan
- Colonoscopy (to exclude gastrointestinal causes)
Can you prevent ovarian cancer?
There isn’t a guaranteed way to stop ovarian cancer from developing, but certain measures can reduce your risk:
- Using the oral contraceptive pill for several years
- Having your fallopian tubes tied (ligation) or removed
- Bearing children before age 35
- Breastfeeding
In some high-risk women, elective removal of the ovaries may be considered; however, this does not always eliminate the chance of other cancers.
When should you see a doctor?
Early detection offers the best prognosis. Consult your physician if you experience any of the following symptoms for more than two weeks, especially if they are new for you and can’t be explained by another condition:
- Persistent abdominal bloating
- Noticeable increase in abdominal size
- Feeling full quickly after eating a small amount
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
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 support@ovariancancer.net.au
Ovarian Cancer Australia’s Helpline is open 9am, 5pm AEST/AEDT, Monday to Friday