Understanding Ovarian Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, Ovarian cancer ranks as the fifth deadliest cancer among women in the United States. In 2021, experts believe more than 21,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. If you're concerned about ovarian cancer or know someone recently diagnosed, now is an excellent time to learn about ovarian cancer and the treatment options available.
What is Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is cancer that starts in the ovaries. Females have two ovaries as part of the reproductive system, and they're about the size of an almond, located on each side of the uterus. The ovaries are responsible for producing eggs and the hormones estrogen and progesterone. During the early stages of ovarian cancer, they may not be symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, a woman may experience swelling of the abdomen, weight loss, feeling full quickly when eating, fatigue, back pain, changes in bowel movements, and a frequent need to urinate.
There are three common types of ovarian cancer depending on where cancer originates; epithelial ovarian cancer, stromal tumors, and germ cell tumors. The exact cause of ovarian cancer is unknown, but risk factors include older age, obesity, endometriosis, and a family history of ovarian cancer. A small percentage of ovarian cancers is caused by those who carry the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
Diagnosing Ovarian Cancer
If your doctor suspects ovarian cancer, they may use a few tests and procedures to determine if cancer is present. Most doctors will start with a pelvic exam to feel the pelvic organs. If something feels off in the pelvic exam, the doctor may suggest image testing such as an ultrasound or CT scan. The image tests will provide a clearer picture of the ovaries' size and shape. In some cases, your doctor may suggest preventative surgery to remove the ovaries if you're at high risk and other options are unclear in your diagnosis.
Treating Ovarian Cancer
If a doctor confirms you have ovarian cancer, they'll provide you with treatment options best suited for your stage.
Surgery
One standard treatment for ovarian cancer is surgery. If the cancer is in stage one and only in one ovary, your doctor can typically treat cancer by removing the single ovary. If cancer has spread to the second ovary, your doctor may have to remove both. If the cancer is more advanced and has spread to other parts of the body, such as the uterus, your doctor may have to perform additional surgery to remove all of the cancer.
Therapy
In addition to surgery, you may require different types of therapy to rid the body of cancer.
- Chemotherapy- Chemotherapy is a treatment using chemicals to kill fast-growing cells, including cancer cells but other cells in the body. It's often administered by vein injection or orally.
- Targeted Therapy- There are different types of targeted therapy, but it's a drug treatment that focuses on weakening a specific part of the cancer cell until it dies.
- Hormone Therapy- If ovarian cancer is slow-growing, your doctor may suggest hormone therapy. Sometimes ovarian cancer cells use estrogen to help them grow, and hormone therapy blocks estrogen from getting to the cancer cells so doctors can control the cancer growth.
- Immunotherapy- Some cancer cells produce proteins that confuse the immune system into thinking they're healthy cells. Immunotherapy boosts the immune system to help it fight cancer by helping identify cancer cells.
How Visiting Angels Can Help
If you or a loved one is living with ovarian cancer or recently underwent treatment and need help at home, the team at Visiting Angels Daphne, Alabama, can help. Our compassionate caregivers can assist with light housekeeping, cooking, medication reminders, transportation to follow-up appointments, personal grooming, toileting, mobility, and more. Our Daphne office serves those in Baldwin County and the greater Mobile area. If you'd like to learn more about our services, you can complete this form online or call us at 251.517.9700.