Health

Ovarian Cancer: Women Need to Know the Symptoms

December 1, 2011
What factors increase the risk of ovarian cancer?
  • Family history of breast, ovarian or colon cancer
  • Never having children
  • Getting older – ovarian cancer is most common after age 50
  • Never having used oral contraceptives
  • Being of Ashkenazi Jewish descent: about 1 in 50 Ashkenazi Jews carries a BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 gene mutation that increases the risk for breast, ovarian and related cancers
What factors decrease the risk of ovarian cancer?
  • Having used birth control pills
  • Having breast fed your children
  • Term pregnancies
  • Tubal ligation
  • Removal of the ovaries if risk is high
What you can do:
  • Have an annual vaginal/rectal (bimanual) pelvic exam.
  • Let your doctor know if you have had symptoms for more than three weeks and ask about: a vaginal/rectal pelvic exam, a transvaginal ultrasound and a CA-125 blood test.
  • If symptoms persist (even though the tests are negative), ask for referral to a gynecologist or gynecologic oncologist.
  • If you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, speak to your doctor about genetic counselling.
  • If your doctor suspects ovarian cancer, see a gynecologic oncologist. To find one in your area, contact OCC.
  • Find a doctor you are comfortable with. Be persistent.
Resources:

The following educational resources are available:

  • Listen to the Whispers: An educational program (video and manual) about ovarian cancer for presentation to groups of well women.
  • You Are Not Alone: A free, award-winning book and video package with information and support for those newly diagnosed.
  • Knowledge Is Power: An educational symposium held in the spring and fall in cities across Canada for health professionals and women living with ovarian cancer.
Women’s College Hospital

This article has been provided by women’s health specialists at The Women’s College Hospital. To learn more about women’s health, visit their website . © 2000-2013 Women’s College.

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