Understanding Ovarian Cancer Symptoms and Risk Factors
Ovarian cancer affects over 20,000 women in the United States each year. As women, understanding the symptoms and risk factors associated with ovarian cancer can help us monitor our health and identify warning signs early for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Common Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Some of the most common ovarian cancer symptoms include:
- Abdominal bloating or swelling
- Quickly feeling full when eating
- Discomfort in the pelvis area
- Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
- Needing to urinate more frequently or urgently
While these symptoms can also be caused by less serious conditions, it's important to discuss any persistent or worsening symptoms with your doctor, especially if you have other ovarian cancer risk factors.
Risk Factors for Developing Ovarian Cancer
Factors that can increase ovarian cancer risk include:
- Family history of ovarian, breast, or colon cancer
- Inherited gene mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes
- Age over 50
- Never giving birth
- Early onset of your period (before age 12)
- Late menopause (after age 50)
If you have one or more ovarian cancer risk factors, it's important to talk to your doctor about screening options and ways to lower your risk.
Getting an Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis
If you have symptoms or risk factors for ovarian cancer, your doctor will gather information about your health and family history and perform one or more tests to reach a diagnosis:
Pelvic Examination
During this physical exam, your doctor checks for any unusual pain, tenderness, swelling, or masses in your abdomen or pelvic area that may indicate a tumor. They may also perform a Pap test to collect cells from your cervix to check for cancer.
CA-125 Blood Test
Many women with ovarian cancer have higher-than-normal levels of a protein called CA-125 in their blood. While this test alone can't definitively diagnose ovarian cancer, your CA-125 level together with ultrasound results, family history, and other factors may provide supporting evidence.
Transvaginal Ultrasound
An ultrasound probe is inserted into the vagina to take images of the ovaries and uterus to check for any abnormalities or growths. Ultrasounds help determine if a mass is likely benign or cancerous based on its size, shape, solid or liquid appearance, and more.
Diagnostic Surgery
If noninvasive tests detect any suspicious masses or growths, your doctor may perform surgery to take biopsy samples of the tissue for further examination. Common procedures include a laparoscopy with biopsy to remove tissue through small incisions or an exploratory laparotomy with biopsy through a large abdominal incision.
Genetic Testing for Ovarian Cancer
In some cases, your doctor may recommend genetic testing to check if you have a mutated gene associated with increased ovarian cancer risk, like BRCA1 or BRCA2.
Should I Get Genetic Testing?
Genetic testing may be advisable if you:
- Have a strong family history of breast, ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer
- Are of Ashkenazi Jewish descent
- Were diagnosed at a very young age
- Have cancer in both breasts or both ovaries
Talk to your doctor about whether genetic testing makes sense for your unique health profile.
Understanding Your Genetic Test Results
If you undergo genetic testing, potential results include:
- Positive - A mutated cancer gene is detected
- Negative - No genetic mutations are found
- Variant of uncertain significance - A gene change is found, but it's unclear if it's linked to cancer risk
It's important to discuss your results thoroughly with your doctor or genetic counselor to understand what they mean for your future cancer screening and prevention options.
Lowering Ovarian Cancer Risk Through Lifestyle Changes
While some ovarian cancer risk factors can't be changed, research shows certain lifestyle measures may help lower risk:
Birth Control
Taking birth control pills for at least five years is associated with a 50% lower ovarian cancer risk. The longer you take them, the more protective benefit increases.
Breastfeeding
Women who breastfeed for longer periods tend to have lower ovarian cancer risk than women who don't breastfeed or do so for shorter durations.
Diet and Exercise
Eating a healthy plant-based diet, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and staying active may all contribute to lower ovarian cancer risk.
Making healthy lifestyle choices empowers you to feel your best while also reducing ovarian cancer risk factors within your control.
Should I Take an Ovarian Cancer Quiz?
Some organizations offer free online quizzes or questionnaires for women to check their ovarian cancer risk based on factors like their family history, gene status, lifestyle habits, menstrual history, and common symptoms.
Potential Benefits of Taking an Ovarian Cancer Quiz
Taking an ovarian cancer risk quiz may provide these valuable benefits:
- Increased awareness of personal risk factors
- Guidance on symptoms to monitor for
- Suggestions for talking to your doctor
- Motivation for lifestyle changes to reduce risk
- Direction to cancer screening or genetic testing resources
Gaining insight into your unique ovarian cancer risk can offer either confirmation that your risk appears average or advice if your quiz results reveal an elevated risk profile.
Things to Keep in Mind
While taking ovarian cancer quizzes raises awareness for this condition, keep in mind:
- Quizzes aren't definitive medical advice
- Work with your doctor for appropriate testing based on your risk
- Focus quiz results into positive prevention efforts
- Re-take a quiz if family history or symptoms change
Discuss your quiz results and any ongoing health concerns with your doctor so they can take your full profile into consideration when advising next steps.
Staying Proactive About Ovarian Cancer Wellness
While ovarian cancer quizzes, risk calculators, and symptom checkers can offer initial guidance, having open conversations with your doctor and understanding ways to reduce your modifiable risk factors are truly key for ovarian cancer wellness.
Talk to your doctor right away if you experience any persistent ovarian cancer symptoms or have concerns related to your family history or other risk factors. Together, you can decide on any appropriate next steps for further ovarian cancer screening, early detection, or preventative care based on your individual profile.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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