What is Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a dreadful disease. Survival rate of women with this cancer is low. Its detection is only possible at an advanced stage. Know more about ovarian cancer.Ovarian cancer is common in menopausal women or women who are above the age of 50. However, in some cases even younger women too can get affected with this disorder. Let us take a look at the common concerns related to ovarian cancer in women.What is ovarian cancer?Ovarian cancer, as the name suggests, is a cancer of the ovaries, where abnormal cell growth results in malignant cysts or tumours. In all cases, therefore, the first sign of ovarian cancer is an enlargement of the ovary. About 5% of all cancers that develop in women are cancers of the ovaries. It occurs in one out of every 70 women and is less common than breast cancer (which occurs in one out of every 9 women).If I have an ovarian cyst, do I have cancer?No. In fact, only 5% of ovarian cysts (detected through a pelvic exam) are found to be malignant or cancerous. In order for a doctor to confirm ovarian cancer, a biopsy of the ovarian cyst would be required.Is ovarian cancer life threatening?Although, fewer women are affected by ovarian cancer than breast cancer, the survival rate of women with ovarian cancer is very low. Less than 35% of the women affected with this disease survive. This is because the growth is silent and slow, and the disease is difficult to detect. Symptoms like distension and loss of appetite are evident only in the advanced stages.What can increase the risk of ovarian cancer?The exact causes of ovarian cancer are not yet determined. But women from certain sets are at higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. Here are the factors that can make women susceptible to ovarian cancer.Age above 50 yearsObesityEndometriosis – abnormal growth of the tissues lining the uterus outside it.Previous family history of breast of ovarian cancerIn very rare cases women who have undergone HRT (hormone replacement therapy) are likely to be at risk of developing ovarian cancer.What the common symptoms of ovarian cancer?There are no such symptoms of ovarian cancer are prominent during its early stage of its development. In most cases the symptoms can be observed only during the advanced stages. Here is the list of the symptoms of ovarian cancer that are usually ignored during the early stages as they are mistaken for the symptoms of common illnesses.Poor appetiteFeeling of fullnessNauseaFlatulenceIncreased frequency of urinationFatigueIndigestion and heartburnPainful intercoursePain in abdomenUrge to urinate frequentlyProblems with menstrual cycleSudden weight gain or weight lossInfertilityThe above mentioned symptoms can be treated with the help of common medical treatments. However, if these symptoms keep coming back, it can be the cause of concern. In this case, it is necessary to consult a doctor. These symptoms will gradually start worsening when tumour starts spreading.How to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer?Some researchers have found that the risk of ovarian cancer is low in women who take oral contraceptive pills for 5 or more than five years. Having children and breastfeeding can also subsequently reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. Women who do not want to have children and who are at risk can opt for surgical methods for preventing of ovarian cancer. The surgical treatments done for the removal of ovaries (oophorectomy), tying the fallopian tubes (tubal ligation) and removal of uterus (hysterectomy) can reduce the risk.If the ovarian cancer is diagnosed during its early stages the chances of survival are higher. But unfortunately, most of the cases are diagnosed during the advanced stages itself. If you think you are risk, you must talk to your doctor so that he can suggest appropriate measures.