Some women don't realize that they may be at risk for ovarian cancer. Women who have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, or who've had breast cancer, carry an increased risk for this deadly disease.
The challenge is that we don't yet have a reliable method for detecting this cancer early and so usually by the time someone is diagnosed with ovarian cancer, it has already spread elsewhere. That's why it's important to discuss your risk with your doctor and be aware of its symptoms.
Symptoms can be subtle, such as a feeling of bloating or chronic indigestion. Unfortunately, these are pretty common symptoms. A blood test for the tumor marker CA 125 is used to monitor for ovarian changes, but there's a downside because the test also yields a lot of false positives.
For example, having a flu shot may elevate the test's results. And, let's face it, flu vaccines and ovaries have virtually nothing in common. But getting an annual pelvic exam is a must.
Women who carry a breast cancer gene are at highest risk of developing ovarian cancer, and they usually opt to do preventative surgery by removing both ovaries, called a bilateral oophorectomy.
Don't confuse ovarian cancer with uterine cancer or cervical cancer. They are all gynecological cancers but are not all the same. Your ovaries are a different organ than your uterus and cervix.
Talk with your oncologist about your risk for ovarian cancer. Taking oral contraceptives is one way to reduce risk, but taking the Pill is usually not recommended for women with a breast cancer history. That's all the more reason to have an open discussion about measuring your risk and learning about the best way to monitor your ovaries.
