What is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer is a solid tumor cancer that originates in the ovary(ies). It develops when mutations in ovarian cell DNA tell the cells to multiply rapidly and create a tumor. There are three types of ovarian cancer tumors.
- Epithelial tumors – form in the thin layer of tissue on the outside of the ovary. These tumors make up approximately 90% of ovarian cancer cases.
- Stromal tumors – form in the tissue that contains hormone-producing cells. Tese tumors make up approximately 7% of ovarian cancer cases.
- Germ cell tumors – form in the egg-producing cells of the ovary. These tumors are rare and generally occur in younger women.
Causes and Risk Factors
The cause of ovarian cancer is unknown. However, doctors have identified risk factors including the following:
- Family history of ovarian cancer
- Older age – ovarian cancer usually affects women between 50-60 years old
- Genetic mutations in the genes associated with ovarian cancer – BRCA1 and BRCA2
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Starting menstruation at an young age
- Starting menopause at a later age
- Personal history of breast, uterine or colon cancer
- Obesity
- No history of pregnancy
- Endometriosis
Signs and Symptoms
Ovarian cancer rarely causes symptoms until an advanced stage. Symptoms that occur in the advanced stages of the disease are often dismissed or mistaken for other conditions:
- Swelling or bloating of the abdomen
- Feeling full quickly
- Weight loss
- Pelvic discomfort
- Constipation, changes in bowel habits
- Frequent urination
Ovarian Cancer Statistics
- 1 in 75 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer
- The American Cancer Society estimates that 22,240 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and 14,070 women will die from ovarian cancer in 2018 in the United States alone
- Ovarian cancer ranks 5th in cancer deaths among women
- Ovarian cancer accounts for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system
