Womens Health

Ovarian Cancer

Learn more about ovarian cancer--what this cancer is, how it affects the female reproductive tract, the signs and symptoms of this cancer, how to treat this form of cancer and more...

About Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer, which accounts for around three per cent of all cancers in women, is the eighth most common female cancer. A woman's risk of getting ovarian cancer in her lifetime is 1.5%, and the risk of her dying from it is 1 in 95.

Two thirds of ovarian cancer cases occur in women aged 55, or older.  So the good news about this cancer is your risk of developing it is rather low--but this is no comfort the many women already suffering from this disease.

While ovarian cancer rates are dropping, and the odds of survival are good, it’s still important to learn the warning signs and detect any cancerous masses on the ovaries early.

Ovarian cysts can be scary, but how can you determine if they are ovarian cancer or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?  Women who suffer from PCOS will have many ovarian cysts---all of which are non-cancerous.  Find out how to tell if an Ovarian Mass is Malignant and learn more about the importance of yearly checkups and screening with your doctor. 

Then check up on your family history of cancers, and find out how it affects your risk by reading Family History Important for Ovarian Cancer Risk.  Geneitcs often plays a role in the development of cancer and those women with a history of ovarian cancer in the family are at higher risk of developing this form of cancer than are women without a family history.

If your family history does put you at risk, read about how to reduce it by taking birth control pills.  Did you know that spending a certain number of years on birth control pills can reduce your risk for many of the common female reproductive cancers.  Find out more about this magical pill.

Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors

Educate yourself about ovarian cancer signs, symptoms, and risk factors, then get the nitty gritty on specific types of ovarian cancers, such as Microscopic Cancer of the uterus.  Not every form of ovarian cancer is the same.  Learn more about the different types and be sure you know what to ask your doctor at your next visit. 

Remember to get a yearly pap test, your doctor may catch vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, a preinvasive skin lesion of the vulva. Find out how it will affect your cancer risk in Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VIN) and Cancer.  

Pap smears are also the best way to screen for cervical cancer--another common female reproductive cancer.  And as with any form of cancer, early detection is key to getting the best treatment and the highest chance of survival.

It has recently been discovered that ovarian cancer, once thought to be a silent killer, does have early warning signs. Make sure you know what they are.  Read our article on this warning signs and get in touch with your body so that you know how to spot if something seems not quite right.  

We can't stress enough how early detection is key.  Don't neglect to see your doctor regularly for checkups and don't ignore any signs or symptoms that something in your body is just not right.

Got questions about cancer? We’ve got plenty of answers, check out our three cancer FAQs:

 

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MariaEM
Hello, I've got a 5 cm septated cyst and a CA 125 of 55. Have I got ovarian cancer? Should I have an opperation straightaway? Thanks
12 years ago