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Ovarian cancer An ovarian tumour is far more likely to be benign than malignant. Ovarian cancer is quite rare. It accounts for 4% of all cancers and 6% of all cancer deaths. But because the symptoms of ovarian cancer are similar to those of non-cancerous cysts or tumours, you should see your doctor promptly. You may also lose weight, feel sick, be constipated or have diarrhoea, feel tired or bloated around the abdomen. As with all cancers, the earlier it is diagnosed, and treatment started, the better. The cause is unknown but it's more common in women who haven't had children, or who had their first child over the age of 25. It is also more common in women over 50, in women who have had breast cancer, and in women whose close relatives have had ovarian, breast or colon cancer. Hereditary aspects of ovarian cancer * |
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Families with a history of breast cancer also tend to have a high incidence of ovarian, as well as colon and prostate, cancer. These cancers appear to be linked by mutations in the BRCA genes, first associated with breast cancer (see text on the right). Studies show that 8 to 10% of women with ovarian cancer carry an inherited mutation in either their BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. In the UK, it's estimated that one in 120 women will develop ovarian cancer by the age of 70. If a woman has a first degree relative who developed the disease before the age of 50, however, her risk of developing ovarian cancer is increased three-fold. But research also shows that women who have ovarian cancer due to an inherited mutation tend to have a better prognosis (treatment outlook and survival rate) than women with ovarian cancer and no family history. Like breast cancer, however, the majority of women who develop ovarian cancer do not have an inherited genetic mutation. Instead, their genes become mutated throughout the course of their lifetime. What causes this to happen? Unfortunately, we know very little about the causes of ovarian cancer, but some factors that may contribute to its development include age (most ovarian cancer occurs after the menopause), the use of HRT, infertility or not having children, and young age at first menstrual cycle. Ovarian cancer, when diagnosed early, can be treated successfully. Unfortunately, because symptoms are vague (abdominal swelling and discomfort, nausea, indigestion, diarrhoea or constipation) and screening is not routine, most ovarian cancer is not detected until it is at an advanced stage. Ultrasound scans and blood tests for CA125 (a protein linked to ovarian cancer) may help to detect ovarian cancer early, but, as mentioned, are not a routine part of gynaecological check-ups. There is some controversy surrounding the availability of tests. While screening is quick and fairly simple, it is not always accurate. False positives and negatives do occur, resulting in women being given either the all clear when cancer may be present, or being told they have cancer when they do not. Large-scale studies are currently underway to determine whether screening saves lives and should be available to women without a family history of ovarian cancer. At the moment, only women who have two or more family members with ovarian cancer are offered regular screening. If you have two or more relatives with ovarian or breast cancer and would like to be part of a screening programme, talk to your GP. Most screening centres and research groups require a GP referral. Women who have three or more relatives with ovarian or breast cancer may also be offered genetic testing. This is entirely voluntary and women who do not want to have testing don't have to take part. For information about ovarian cancer, contact: |
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Originally written by Jenny Tricker. This edition revised by Women's Health (2000).
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