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Early detection allows for more treatment options of ovarian cancer

Some 3,000 Canadian women this year will receive a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, and approximately two-thirds will die from it. September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, which provides a good opportunity to learn about the disease, as early diagnosis can result in a five-year survival rate of over 90%.

The disease has a genetic component: Those with a mutation in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes (which also increase the risk of breast cancer), those with a first-degree relative who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and those of Ashkenazi Jewish or French Canadian descent have a higher risk—as much as 50%. While routine regular screening of ovarian cancer is not recommended for the general population, if you fall into one of these groups, genetic testing can help answer some questions, but can also lead to tough decisions with a doctor about surgical removal of the ovaries.

Because the symptoms of ovarian cancer are fairly nonspecific, including bloating, abdominal pain or discomfort, fatigue, urinary symptoms, changes in bowel habits, difficulty eating, unexplained weight loss or gain, and menstrual irregularities, it is important to be in tune with your body. If these are new symptoms or if they last for three weeks or longer, it is imperative to check with your doctor for further investigation, which could include a complete pelvic exam, a transvaginal ultrasound and a CA-125 blood test. Definitive diagnosis often involves getting a biopsy of the ovarian tissue that appears to be cancerous.

Now that you know the importance of catching ovarian cancer early, and what to look for, you are in a position to potentially save your own life or that of someone you know.

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