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Early Ovarian Cancer Detection Is Difficult,
But Necessary
When ovarian cancer is detected before it has spread outside the ovary, a woman has a 95 percent chance of surviving at least five years. However, because the ovaries are deep in the pelvis area, ovarian tumors are hard to detect.

"Early cancers of the ovaries often have no symptoms and cannot be found using a Pap smear," says Dr. Elisabeth von Bun, oncologist for Clark Memorial Hospital. "Only about 25 percent of ovarian cancers are found in the early stages."

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 23,100 new cases will be diagnosed in the United States this year and about 14,000 women will die from the disease.

Though there is no known cause for ovarian cancer, certain factors have been attributed to increased risk for the disease:

  • Being 65 years or older.
  • Starting menstruation before age 12, going through menopause late, or never having children.
  • Having a mother, sister, or daughter who have had ovarian cancer at an early age.
  • Having breast cancer.

Though studies have shown these factors increase the risk for ovarian cancer, there are no preventions for the disease. However, women can reduce their risks in the following ways:

Birth Control Pills: Women who have taken birth control pills for at least five years have a lower risk.

Diet: Five to six servings of fruits and vegetables and limited intake of fatty foods, especially from animal sources, decrease risks.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Women who have had their first child before the age of 30 and breastfeeds has a lower risk for ovarian cancer.

Dr. von Bun recommends a yearly pelvic examination beginning at the age of 18 or when a woman becomes sexually active. "You should also see a doctor immediately if you experience symptoms, such as a swelling stomach, bleeding between periods or after menstruation, pelvic pain, feeling of pressure in the pelvis, leg pain, or problems such as gas, bloating, long-term stomach pain, or indigestion."

If you have further questions, feel free to visit our Cancer Resource Center or email your question(s) to our Ask A Nurse page at http://www.clarkmemorial.org/qa.asp. You will receive a personal email answer in about two days.

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