Ovarian cancer is the second most commoncancer amongst women in Pakistan.

What is ovarian cancer?

The ovaries are two small oval-shaped organsthat are part of the female reproductive system.Located in the pelvis, one on each side of theuterus, the ovaries produce eggs and femalehormones, which control the development of awomen’s body such as the breasts, body shapeand body hair, as well as regulating a female’smenstrual cycle and pregnancy.

Ovarian cancer develops when a fluid-filled cystin the ovaries does not go away or increases insize. This type of cancer has the ability tospread to other nearby organs such as theuterus or the fallopian tubes, and through thelymphatic system throughout the abdomen,chest or pelvis or through the bloodstream tothe liver or lungs.

What are its symptoms?

Ovarian cancer is known as a silent killer, as mostwomen experience no symptoms until the cancerhas already spread to other organs.

The symptoms of ovarian cancer are vague mayinclude abdominal or pelvic discomfort orpressure, abdominal swelling, back or leg pain,bloating, changes in bowel function or urinaryfrequency, gastrointestinal issues such as long-term stomach pain or indigestion, fatigue, nausea,loss of appetite, a malnourished or sicklyappearance, and unusual vaginal bleeding.

Other diseases may also lead to similarsymptoms. If you are experiencing any of thesesymptoms you should schedule an appointmentwith your doctor as soon as possible to diagnosethe problem and have it treated early.

What are the risk factors associated withovarian cancer?

The risk factors associatedwith skin cancer include:

Family history – If any of1your close familymembers have had ahistory of cancer infemale organs, you aremore likely to develop it.

Age – The incidence of2ovarian cancer increaseswith age with over 50 percent of all ovarian cancersoccur in women olderthan age 65.

Menstrual history –3Those women who beganto menstruate before age12 and/or experiencedmenopause after age 50are at a higher risk.

Infertility – Ovarian4cancer is more commonin women who have nothad children.

Pregnancy history – Multiple births and5women who take birth control pills are 50 percent less likely to get ovarian cancer.

Diet – A diet rich in meat and animal fats have6been linked to development of ovarian cancer.

Obesity7

Reprinted with permission from www.cancer.net. © 2012 American Society of Clinical Oncology. All Rights Reserved.

PGS\MDO\09\01\EUse of talcum powder – Women who apply8

talcum powder to the genital area or sanitarynapkins have an increased risk.

What tests will I have to take to detectovarian cancer?

Your physician will review your medical historyand conduct a physical and pelvic exam to checkfor tumours, build-up of fluid, or changes in sizeof the ovaries or other surrounding organs.

Your doctor will order a blood test to check thelevel of certain substances, especially CA-125,which is found on the surface of ovarian cancercells and some tissue. A high CA-125 level mayindicate ovarian cancer.

You may also have to undergo a biopsy, where atissue or fluid sample is removed using a surgicalprocedure from your pelvis or abdomen to beexamined by a pathologist under a microscope.Surgery is usually needed to confirm thediagnosis. Additionally, you may be asked to havean ultrasound to show images of the ovariantumour.

What is the treatment for this type ofcancer?

There are many types of treatment options forovarian cancer:

Surgery and radiation therapy, using high-energyradiation rays to destroy cancer cells, are twooptions used to target a particular treatment area.In the case of surgery, the physician removes the

Patient Guide Series

Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre7A Block R-3, Johar Town, Lahore, Pakistan

Tel: +92 42 3594 5100 Ext 2496 | Fax: +92 42 3594 5144 www.shaukatkhanum.org.pk

OVARIAN CANCERINFORMATION ONovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, surrounding

lymph nodes, and even the omentum, which is thefatty tissue that covers the intestine. The aim is toremove as much of the cancer as possible if it hasspread.

Chemotherapy, using anti-cancer drugs toeliminate cancer cells, is the other option. Mostwomen undergo chemotherapy after surgery hasbeen performed to remove as much of the canceras possible.

What can I do to prevent ovarian cancer?

Early detection in ovarian cancer is crucial. Makesure you have a yearly examination by yourphysician, especially if you have had a history ofabdominal problems or family history of ovariancancer. Implement a healthy diet and exerciseregularly. Pregnancy and breast feeding areknown to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer as well.