Ovarian Cancer
What Is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries, the female reproductive glands that produce eggs and hormones. Because early ovarian cancer often causes few or vague symptoms, it is frequently diagnosed at a later stage. Early detection improves outcomes, making awareness of symptoms and risk factors especially important.
Risk Factors
Several factors may increase the risk of ovarian cancer:
- Older age (most cases occur after menopause)
- Family history of ovarian, breast or colorectal cancer
- Inherited gene mutations such as BRCA1, BRCA2 or Lynch syndrome
- Never having been pregnant or having children later in life
- Hormone replacement therapy after menopause
- Endometriosis
- Obesity
Symptoms
Ovarian cancer can be difficult to detect early, but common warning signs include:
- Persistent bloating or abdominal swelling
- Pelvic or abdominal pain or pressure
- Feeling full quickly or difficulty eating
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits, such as constipation or frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
Because these symptoms are often subtle and may be mistaken for other conditions, it is important to seek medical attention if they persist.
Treatment
At AtlantiCare, ovarian cancer care is personalized and managed by a team of gynecologic oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, nurse navigators and support specialists.
Treatment options may include:
- Surgery – removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus and sometimes nearby lymph nodes or other tissue; minimally invasive and fertility-sparing options may be available in select cases
- Chemotherapy – often given after surgery or before surgery to shrink tumors
- Targeted therapy – drugs that focus on genetic changes in cancer cells, including PARP inhibitors for patients with BRCA mutations
- Immunotherapy – treatments that help the immune system fight cancer
- Clinical trials – access to emerging therapies through AtlantiCare’s affiliation with the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Institute
Prevention
There is no guaranteed way to prevent ovarian cancer, but steps to lower risk include:
- Genetic counseling and testing – recommended for women with a family history of ovarian or breast cancer
- Preventive surgery – removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes may be considered for women with high-risk genetic mutations
- Oral contraceptives – long-term use may reduce risk in some women
- Healthy lifestyle – maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly and avoiding smoking support overall health