November 5, 2009
Things to know about Ovarian/Peritoneal Cancer
Here are some things that every woman should know about Ovarian and Primary Peritoneal Cancer.
Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian/Peritoneal Cancer
- Vague but persistent and unexplained gastrointestinal complaints such as gas, nausea,and indigestion.
- Abdominal bloating, pelvic and/or abdominal pain, and/or feeling of fullness.
- Unexplained change in bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhea.
- Unexplained weight gain or loss.
- Frequency and/or urgency of urination.
- Unusual fatigue.
- Shortness of breath.
- New and unexplained abnormal postmenopausal vaginal bleeding
- Risk Factors for Ovarian/Peritoneal Cancer
- Increasing age, with highest occurrence in women over 50.
- Family or personal history of ovarian, breast, endometrial, or colon cancer. However only 10% of cases are linked to family history.
- Uninterrupted ovulation such as having no pregnancies; infertility, or low parity.
- Presence of BRCA1 or BRCA 2 gene mutations.
- Prevention and Risk Reduction
- Use of oral contraceptives for more than five years can reduce your risk by approximately 50%.
- Multiple pregnancies and having first full-term pregnancy before the age of 25.
- Breast feeding.
- Hysterectomy/Tubal ligation substantially reduces risk.
- Removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes (oopherectomy) dramatically reduces, but does not completely eliminate, risk of developing ovarian/peritoneal cancer.
