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According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death in women. The ACS estimates nearly 20,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and about 13,000 will die from ovarian cancer in 2022.
But because it has few noticeable symptoms, ovarian cancer is often not detected until later stages, when it is harder to treat.
While there is currently no way to prevent ovarian cancer, you can take steps to reduce your risk through a healthy lifestyle, which includes managing your weight through diet and exercise, quitting smoking and visiting your doctor regularly. Some risk factors include:
- Age. The median age for diagnosis is 63.
- Being overweight or obese. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of ovarian cancer, especially if you have a BMI of 30 or higher.
- Endometriosis. This disorder occurs when tissue grows outside the uterus instead of lining it. This tissue can grow on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, intestines and surrounding areas. This can increase your risk.
- Family history. If you have blood relatives who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, you may have an increased risk of the disease.
- Hormone replacement. Therapy for menopause may increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
- Menstruation history. Beginning menstruation at an early age or starting menopause at a later age can increase your risk.
- Pregnancy history. If you’ve never been pregnant, become pregnant after you’re 35 or have used oral contraception extensively, you may also be at increased risk.
Talk with your healthcare provider about your risk factors, and discuss symptoms that may indicate the presence of the disease, such as:
- Abdominal swelling
- Back pain
- Bloating
- Period irregularity, such as heavier bleeding or irregular bleeding
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Frequent urination
- Pain during sex
- Upset stomach
The Power of Testing
Blood tests are not the only line of defense available to women. Thanks to medical technologies, doctors can identify dangerous tumors by utilizing computed tomography scans, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography scans and ultrasounds.
In late 2021, the FDA approved Cytalux, an intravenous imaging drug used before surgery. This method uses fluorescence to help surgeons pinpoint cancerous lesions during the procedure. In one study, Cytalux helped doctors detect cancerous tissue in nearly 27% of the cases—lesions that would have been missed by standard visual or tactile inspection.
Talk with your healthcare provider about recommended tests and the costs and benefits of each.
