Ovarian Cancer

Symptoms and Signs of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer often doesn’t show obvious symptoms in its early stages. However, some common signs and symptoms that you should be aware of include:

1. Abdominal or Pelvic Pain: Persistent pain in the abdomen or pelvic area.

2. Bloating: Feeling of fullness or bloating in the abdomen.

3. Changes in Urination: Increased urgency or frequency to urinate.

4. Changes in Bowel Habits: Diarrhea, constipation, or changes in stool consistency.

5. Loss of Appetite or Weight Loss: Unexplained loss of appetite or weight.

6. Fatigue: Persistent tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest.

7. Menstrual Changes: Irregularities in your menstrual cycle or abnormal bleeding.

8. Difficulty Eating: Feeling full quickly or difficulty eating.

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they are new and last for more than a few weeks, it’s important to see your doctor.

Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer

The diagnosis of ovarian cancer typically involves several steps:

1. Medical History and Physical Exam: Your doctor will take a detailed medical history and perform a thorough physical examination.

2. Imaging Tests: These may include:

- Ultrasound: To visualise the ovaries and surrounding organs.

- CT Scan or MRI: To get detailed images and check for cancer spread.

3. Blood Tests: Blood tests looking for cancer markers are not done routinely. It is a common misconception that if you have had generic bloods done recently that were 'normal' then this is a sign you can't have cancer. Not all cancers can be detected through a blood test and the GP/Doctor has to request these specifically. Similarly it is worth noting that the levels within a blood test don't necessarily indicate the aggressiveness of cancer and can have false readings. They are used by doctors as a guide to help assess risk and likelihood.

- CA-125 Test: A blood test that measures the amount of the cancer antigen 125 (CA-125). Elevated levels can indicate ovarian cancer, though they can also be raised due to other conditions.

- Other Blood Tests: In some cases, additional blood tests may be done to assess general health and detect other markers.

4. Biopsy: A definitive diagnosis is usually made through a biopsy, where a sample of ovarian tissue is taken and examined under a microscope.

5. Staging: If diagnosed, further tests will be done to stage the cancer (determine its extent), which is crucial in determining treatment options.

Treatment Options

Treatment for ovarian cancer can vary based on the type and stage of cancer, as well as individual preferences. Common treatment options include:

1. Surgery:*

- The primary treatment often involves surgery to remove one or both ovaries, the fallopian tubes, and possibly surrounding tissue. This is known as a laparotomy or minimally invasive surgery.

2. Chemotherapy:

- Often used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. It involves administering drugs that target rapidly dividing cancer cells.

3. Targeted Therapy:

- These are drugs that specifically target cancer cells and may be used depending on the genetic profile of the cancer.

4. Radiation Therapy:

- Rarely used for ovarian cancer, but it may be employed in certain circumstances to manage symptoms.

5. Clinical Trials:

- You may also consider participating in clinical trials that evaluate new treatment options.

Impact on Fertility and Menopause

1. Fertility:

- Depending on the extent of surgery and treatment, ovarian cancer can impact a woman’s ability to conceive. If one ovary is removed, fertility may still be possible, but it’s essential to discuss options with a fertility specialist before starting treatment.

2. Menopause:

- If both ovaries are removed (oophorectomy), menopause will occur immediately, regardless of age. This can lead to symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be considered to alleviate symptoms but should be discussed with your oncologist to weigh the risks and benefits.

Helpful Resources and Support

Dealing with a cancer diagnosis can be challenging, but many resources are available to provide support and information:

1. Cancer Research UK: (https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/)

2. Macmillan Cancer Support: (https://www.macmillan.org.uk/)

3. Ovarian Cancer Action: (https://ovarian.org.uk/)

4. Target Ovarian Cancer: (https://targetovariancancer.org.uk/)

5. The Daisy Network (for women with early menopause): (https://www.daisynetwork.org.uk/)

6. Breast Cancer Now (for those considering genetic factors): (https://breastcancernow.org/)

Conclusion

Understanding ovarian cancer can empower you and help you make informed decisions regarding your health and treatment. Always feel free to ask your healthcare team any questions you might have regarding your diagnosis, treatment options, and ongoing care. You are not alone on this journey; support and resources are available to help you navigate this challenging time.

As with any cancer diagnosis whilst age can affect risk of cancer, it is not a protective factor. This means that any cancer can occur at any age. You don't need to have a family history/genetic risk of cancer to develop cancer at a young age. Some cancers are more easy to to detect early by being able to check for lumps, whereas others can creep up slowly without causing any visiable signs or symptoms. If anything ever doesn't feel right, always get it checked.