What should I know?

What are the symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?

The symptoms are subtle and it’s so easy to rationalize them as being a result of other things. Symptoms include vaginal bleeding outside of menstrual cycle, loss of appetite, bloating, urinating more often than usual, pelvic pressure/pain, indigestion, feeling full more quickly than normal, lower back pain, sudden weight loss and, occasionally, shoulder blade pain. If you experience ANY of these symptoms for more than two weeks schedule a visit with your doctor!

If I have any of these symptoms, does it mean I have Ovarian Cancer?

No - many conditions can cause these symptoms. But if these symptoms are persistent for more than two weeks it is important to see a doctor. If you feel a physician is not taking your concerns seriously, we encourage you to advocate for a "work up" to rule out ovarian cancer.

Does my annual pap screen for Ovarian Cancer?

Pap smears are a screening test for cervical cancer only and do NOT detect uterine or ovarian cancer. There is no recommendation for routine screening for those with an average risk of ovarian cancer. For those at high risk — such as people with an inherited syndrome, genetic mutation, or strong family history — a doctor may recommend a transvaginal ultrasound or a blood test for the CA-125 marker.

Can an ultrasound detect Ovarian Cancer?

Most often times, yes. A pelvic ultrasound is often the first step in diagnosing an ovarian cancer. But doing an ultrasound on every woman as a screening test is not advised. If you have symptoms request one and don’t take “no” for an answer!

What are the factors for being high risk?

Inherited cancer syndromes (BRCA or Lynch syndrome), strong family history of breast and ovarian cancer, personal history of breast cancer, advanced age, reproductive history (no pregnancies, pregnancy at later age, long intervals between periods which can be tied to obesity and PCOS). Diet, fertility treatments, talc use and smoking have less evidence regarding their role in elevating ovarian cancer risk.

Are there high risk populations?

High risk populations are those women with a known inherited ovarian cancer syndrome (BRCA, Lynch syndrome), a strong family history of breast, ovarian, or colon cancer, or women with Jewish heritage.

What are the best ways to be proactive?

Options to reduce ovarian cancer risk depend on whether someone has an inherited ovarian cancer mutation. If you have no strong family history and no other medical contraindications, talk to your doctor about using hormonal suppression to stop monhtly cycles (birth control pills, patches or ring) or even an IUD (intrauterine device). If a woman has an inherited mutation, there are surgical options to reduce ovarian cancer risk - these can be discussed with a Gynecologist or Gynecologic Oncologist.

What if my symptoms persist and my doctor won’t order an ultrasound?

If your primary doctor declines to do an ultrasound, see your OB/GYN. If your OB/GYN declines to do an ultrasound, advocate for yourself by sharing your worry about ovarian cancer. If you still feel you are not getting the work up that you need, seek care from a new provider. And make sure you tell the doctor to note your file that you did request the ultrasound so it’s on record.

How can I lower my risk for Ovarian Cancer?

Hormonal suppression (birth control pills, patches, ring or hormonal intrauterine device), pregnancy and breastfeeding, tube removal with permanent sterilization, or prophylacic surgery (removal of both tubes and ovaries in women with inherited cancer syndromes).

Who should get genetic counseling and testing?

An estimated 25% of ovarian cancer diagnoses are linked to genetic predisposition, or hereditary factors passed down through family genes. If you or any close family members have any of the following ask your doctor for Genetic Counselor recommendations:

• Breast cancer at or before age 45

• Ovarian cancer at ANY age

• Metastatic prostate cancer

• Triple negative breast cancer at or before age 50

• 2 or more family members (on the same side) with breast cancer with one diagnosed before age 50

• 3 or more family members (on the same side) with breast, ovarian, pancreatic or prostate cancer at any age

• Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry with a history of breast or ovarian or pancreatic cancer

• A known genetic mutation in the family

What will a Genetic Counselor do?

A counseling visit consists of talking through your family’s medical history and discussing testing for certain gene mutations that increase your risk of breast and ovarian cancers. The tests are simple and merely require a DNA sample, either through saliva or blood.

How to have to have a “Teal Talk”?

Ask someone you care about what they know about Ovarian Cancer. Educate them on the symptoms and that there is NO screening for Ovarian Cancer and what to do if they have any sympoms for more than two weeks. That's it! THEN, remind them to have Teal Talks with others they care about. Post on social and tag their friends to raise awareness and save lives.

What is the recurrence rate of Ovarian Cancer?

Even with surgery and chemotherapy treatment, approximately 2/3 of advanced ovarian cancers recur. Finding ovarian cancer when it is in early stages and more treatable is challenging since the symptoms are vague. Increasing awareness of the symptoms to allow earlier diagnosis will improve outcomes!

What OB/GYNs need to know…

OB/GYNs should be attuned to women who have persistent symptoms and keep ovarian cancer on their radar. With symptoms, OB/GYNs will have a low thrsehold to do a pelvic exam to feel for masses or to order a transvaginal ultrasound.

If I had a hysterectomy am I safe from getting Ovarian Cancer?

No - ovarian cancer comes from the fallopian tubes and ovaries. Hysterectomy is removal of the uterus only. It is common for women to have a hysterectomy, but many do not know exactly what was removed. A "total hysterectomy" only means uterus and cervix removal but there is a common misconception that this means tubes and ovaries were removed as well - this is important to ask your Gynecologic surgeon to clarify.

Is Ovarian Cancer curable?

All types of ovarian cancer are treatable if a person receives a diagnosis in the early stages. Some types are also highly treatable in the later stages.