What is ovarian cancer? The term ovarian cancer refers to several different types of ovarian tumors. While some are malignant, others are benign. Borderline ovarian tumors exhibit high rates of epithelial proliferation and cytologic atypia without demonstrating destructive growth. Approximately 15% of epithelial ovarian tumors are borderline. They are typically stage I at diagnosis.
Women at increased risk for ovarian cancer may have an abnormality in the BRCA gene. These women may be offered screening through an ultrasound and a blood test with a tumour marker, or ca125. Women with these conditions may be offered this screening every year starting at age 35. Their gynaecologist will explain the risks and benefits of screening, and the benefits and drawbacks. However, if you are not at risk for ovarian cancer, you should talk to a health care provider about screening options and the best way to protect yourself.
Luckily, there are now better treatments for ovarian cancer than ever before. Studies have shown that more than half of women diagnosed with the disease are over sixty-five years old. This suggests that early detection is crucial to the overall survival rate. A diagnosis of ovarian cancer in stage IA or II is still a good option for most women. Moreover, removing the tumor during the early stages increases the chances of cure. Those who have ovarian cancer are advised to see a health care provider as soon as possible.
One of the main risk factors for ovarian cancer is family history. This is a risk factor, and doctors may recommend prophylactic surgery to prevent the disease from developing. Using contraceptives and having a child are other ways to reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer. But these are not the only factors to consider. A woman should seek medical advice as early as possible if she is concerned about a family history of the disease.
A woman’s health is her best defense against ovarian cancer. She should seek treatment at the earliest stage if symptoms are present. If the cancer has spread beyond the pelvic region, it has metastasized to the lymph system. Similarly, women with BRCA mutations should be closely monitored. However, no screening test for average-risk women has been approved. Although it has been shown to detect some ovarian cancer cases, it has not improved survival rates.
In a recent study, transforming growth factor beta receptor I polyalanine repeat polymorphisms were not associated with increased risk of ovarian cancer. The researchers identified novel epigenetically regulated genes and pathways that can lead to ovarian cancer. Further studies need to confirm these results, and this is where the research community is currently. So what is the best approach? Ultimately, preventing ovarian cancer is a matter of avoiding ovarian cancer by reducing risk factors.
Although the exact cause of ovarian cancer is still unknown, many women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations respond to chemotherapy better than those without. While there are many other factors that may contribute to the difference between those with advanced ovarian cancer and those with an unrelated tumor, genetic mutations and family history of ovarian cancer are a great start. The research could help us find better treatments and prevent the disease from progressing.
