According to the American Cancer Society, although ovarian cancer accounts for approximately 3 percent of cancers among women, it causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. The growth of abnormal malignant ovarian cancer cells begins in the ovaries on each side of the uterus located in the pelvis.

Risk

The risk of different types of ovarian cancer (the most common of which is cancerous epithelial tumors referred to as carcinomas) increases with age. Rare in women younger than 40, half of all ovarian cancers are discovered in menopausal women 63 years of age or older. While the causes are unknown, high risk factors have been determined as obesity, as well as a family history of ovarian, breast or colorectal cancers. The BRCA1 genetic mutation is the highest risk factor.

The use of oral contraceptives, or birth control pills, is a known protective factor that decreases the risk of ovarian cancer.

Detection

The four stages of ovarian cancer are determined by how far the cancer has spread. Unfortunately, only approximately 20% of ovarian cancers are detected at an early, localized stage. When they are, about 94% of women live longer than 5 years after diagnosis. Because the stage of ovarian cancer at diagnosis is the most important indicator of the likely course of the disease, several large studies are in progress to determine the best ways to detect it in its earliest stage.

 In Stage I the tumor is confined to the inside of the ovary. In Stage II, it extends to other areas of the pelvis such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, bladder or rectum. In Stage III, the cancer has spread beyond the pelvis to the lining of the abdomen and lymph nodes. At Stage IV the cancer has metastases to the liver or lungs.

Symptoms

Symptoms of ovarian cancer include abdominal swelling or bloating (due to a mass or a buildup of fluid), pelvic pressure or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and/or having to urinate urgently or frequently.

Regrettably, most early stage ovarian tumors generally cause no symptoms and are difficult or impossible for even the most skilled gynecologist to detect during a pelvic exam. By the time this is considered as a possible cause, the cancer usually has already spread beyond the ovaries to the surface of nearby organs.

If symptoms similar to those of ovarian cancer are displayed almost daily for more than a few weeks, and they can't be explained by other conditions, consult a gynecologist immediately.

Testing/Screening

Two tests most often used to screen for ovarian cancer are transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) and the CA-125 blood test.

TVUS uses sound waves to look at the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries by putting an ultrasound wand into the vagina. Although it can help to detect a tumor in the ovary, it can't determine if it is cancerous or benign.

In many women with ovarian cancer, levels of CA-125, a protein in the blood, are high. The problem with using this test for screening is that conditions other than cancer can also cause rising levels of CA-125, thus creating false positives. In other words, not every woman with a high CA-125 level has ovarian cancer.

Genetic Testing for BRCA Mutations

Genetic testing gives women the chance to learn if their family history of breast or ovarian cancer is due to an inherited BRCA-1/2 gene mutation. Women carrying this gene mutation, have a greatly increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Medical experts suggest that only women with a personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancer should consider the test.

Treatment

Surgery and chemotherapy are modalities generally used for curative stages of cancer, while radiation therapy is for palliative care. Often two treatments are used. Factors that can play a part in choosing the best treatment plan might include the general state of health, whether a woman plans to have children, or other personal considerations.

Mind/Body and Spirit Complementary Therapies

Mind, body and Spirit methods, such as meditation, aromatherapy, guided imagery, Tai Chi, yoga, herbs, dietary supplements, acupuncture and massage therapy are used in conjunction with conventional medical treatments by women with ovarian cancer. These provide psychological benefits and are helpful in relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life by reducing side effects of conventional treatments.

For more detailed information on the types of ovarian cancer and conventional treatment, visit Cancer.org.

Read more about Holistic and Complementary Therapies Support Quality of Life

Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings.