By Karen Mason, R.N.

1. What is the general outlook for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer?

In women age 35-74, ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths. An estimated one woman in 58 will develop ovarian cancer during her lifetime. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2008, there will be 21,650 new cases of ovarian cancer and 15,520 women will die from ovarian cancer. Because each woman diagnosed with ovarian cancer has a different profile, it is impossible to give a general prognosis. If diagnosed and treated early, when the cancer is confined to the ovary, the 5-year survival rate is over 90%. Unfortunately, due to ovarian cancer’s non-specific symptoms and lack of early detection tests, only 19% of all cases are found at this early stage. If caught in stage III or higher, the survival rate can be as low as 29%. (Source: American Cancer Society).

2. I thought ovarian cancer was the silent killer.The media claims it has symptoms. What is the true story?

Yes, studies have proven that ovarian cancer does have symptoms, even in the early stages of the disease. The four most common symptoms are: • pelvic or abdominal pain • a feeling of being bloated • difficulty eating or feeling full very quickly • urinary frequency or urgency without having a bladder infection Women who have these symptoms almost daily for a few weeks should see their doctor, preferably a gynecologist.

3. If I do have persistent symptoms, what tests should my doctor perform?

A gynecologist should perform a pelvic exam using a recto-vaginal exam to best palpate your ovaries. You should also have a transvaginal ultra sound, along with a CA-125 blood test.

4. If the findings are suspicious, is my gynecologist qualified to perform surgery on suspected ovarian cancer?

No, your gynecologist should refer you to a gynecologic oncologist. They are the experts, having received years of extra training when it comes to performing the proper surgery on any suspected ovarian cancer.

5. My Pap smear was normal. Does that indicate I do not have ovarian cancer?

NO, a Pap smear detects diseases of the cervix only.

6. Does ovarian cancer run in families?

A woman is considered to be at higher risk for ovarian cancer if she or a close family member has been diagnosed with breast, ovarian or colon cancer, especially if diagnosed before the age of 50. That said, only 10% of all ovarian cancer has the genetic connection. The other 90% are considered sporadic and the cause is unknown.

7. Can birth control pills cause ovarian cancer?

No, the opposite is true. Taking birth control pills can lower your risk.

8. I took infertility drugs to bring about a successful pregnancy. Am I at higher risk from having used these drugs?

Infertility drugs have not been linked to ovarian cancer. Women who use these drugs and then have a normal pregnancy are at no higher risk than the general population. However, women who never bear children are at higher risk.

9. I have heard that the CA-125 blood test is a good diagnostic test for ovarian cancer. Why don’t women get this blood test annually?

When used alone, the CA-125 blood test is not a reliable diagnostic test. Too many benign conditions can cause it to be elevated especially in premenopausal women. Common conditions such as fibroids and endometriosis can cause an abnormal result. However, in the presence of symptoms or other suspicious findings, a CA-125 level should be checked.

10. At what age should a woman be concerned about developing ovarian cancer?

Approximately half of women are diagnosed before the age of 55. Most are diagnosed with advanced stage disease and do not live longer than 2 to 3 years beyond diagnosis. Ovarian cancer kills more women than all gynecologic cancers combined.