Although ovarian cancer treatments have improved significantly over the past few years, early detection is the key to a successful treatment. Although symptoms of ovarian cancer are usually caused by a variety of other conditions, you should visit a doctor if you notice them persistently.
The survival rate for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer depends on the type of cancer and stage of disease. Early detection of the disease increases the chances of a woman’s survival, but women diagnosed later may have a lower survival rate. Other factors affecting survival include age and general health. Some women are genetically predisposed to developing ovarian cancer, but other factors play a role as well. A woman’s age and the overall health of the patient will also affect her chances of developing the disease.
Genetic testing can help determine if a woman is at increased risk for developing ovarian cancer. Women with ovarian cancer are likely to have a history of breast or ovarian cancer in their families. Genetic testing can help determine whether your risk is hereditary. About half of all women with ovarian cancer are older than age 50. In addition, women who have never had a child face a higher risk of developing the disease than women who have already given birth. Women who have had a full-term pregnancy before age 26 are also at a lower risk for developing it. The risk diminishes with each subsequent full-term pregnancy.
Ovarian cancer is caused by an uncontrollable growth of cells in the ovaries, which produce the egg. Women are born with two ovaries, which are very small, and are responsible for many reproductive functions. Some symptoms of ovarian cancer may be similar to those of indigestion or bloating. Early stages of ovarian cancer may have no symptoms at all. The cancer may not even be diagnosed until it has spread to other parts of the body.
Early detection of ovarian cancer is essential for preserving a woman’s quality of life. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve the chances of survival. While cancer of the ovary is relatively rare, a woman’s lifetime risk is around one percent. A woman’s survival rate is significantly higher if she is diagnosed before age 65. Although early detection is the key to early survival, most women will still live at least five years after being diagnosed with the disease.
Treatment options for ovarian cancer are based on the type of cancer, stage, and extent of the cancer. Depending on the stage of the disease, surgery may be the best choice. Surgery may also include removal of the ovary, fallopian tubes, or abdominal tissue. Treatment options may involve radiation therapy, surgery, or a combination of these treatments. For younger women, preserving fertility may be possible through early detection and treatment.
