Cancer
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer can be a devastating disease. But there is hope. Our cancer specialists help people have a better quality of life and live longer.
Medically reviewed by Hui Amy Chen, M.D. on Nov. 14, 2023.
What Is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer is cancer that originates in the ovaries or the fallopian tubes. The ovaries are a pair of organs that produce eggs for reproduction. The eggs travel through the fallopian tubes to the uterus (where a fetus grows). The most common type of ovarian cancer is epithelial ovarian carcinoma.
At UC Davis Health, our doctors and research scientists have expertise in diagnosing and treating ovarian cancer. We collaborate to develop new treatment options that our patients can take advantage of right away.
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Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
Early ovarian cancer may not cause symptoms. When symptoms do appear, the cancer may be at an advanced stage.
Common Symptoms
Possible signs of ovarian cancer include:
- Bloating
- Pain in the abdomen or pelvis
- Gastrointestinal problems, such as gas, constipation or changes in bowel movements
- Difficulty eating, feeling full or, nausea
- Urinary symptoms, such as feeling like you have to go often, or new incontinence
Other Symptoms
Additional symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:
- Back pain
- Extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, unexpected weight changes
- Painful sex
Causes and Risk Factors of Ovarian Cancer
Researchers don’t know the exact cause of ovarian cancer. One theory is that gene mutations cause normal cells to become cancerous. These changes may happen over your lifetime or be inherited (you are born with them).
Anyone with ovaries can develop ovarian cancer. The following factors may increase your risk:
Older Age
Your risk increases with age. Most ovarian cancers occur after menopause.
Obesity
Being overweight or obese increases the risk of ovarian cancer.
Pregnancy History
Those who never carried a pregnancy to term or carried to term after age 35 have a higher risk of ovarian cancer.
Family History
You face a greater risk if you have a family history of ovarian, breast or colorectal cancer. The more relatives you have with these types of cancer, the higher your risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Endometriosis
People who have endometriosis may be at increased risk for ovarian cancer because the genetic risk factors for both conditions are very similar.
Exposure to Asbestos
People with asbestos exposure have a higher risk of ovarian cancer. While talcum powder products have not been linked to ovarian cancer, some talcum mines may have been contaminated with asbestos. Therefore, people who used talcum powder may be at increased risk of ovarian cancer.
Diagnosing Ovarian Cancer
UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center has advanced imaging and diagnostic capabilities. Our team of specialists continuously looks for new ways to detect ovarian cancer in its early stages. We are experts at diagnosing and treating ovarian cancer.
To diagnose ovarian cancer, we will perform a physical exam and ask about your personal and family health history to learn about possible risk factors. If we think you may have ovarian cancer, we will order tests to check.
We may order imaging tests such as ultrasounds, CT scans and MRI scans to get a better look at your ovaries and possibly other organs. We may also recommend blood tests to check for levels of a specific substance in your blood (CA 125). Or we may take a biopsy (remove some tissue) to check for signs of cancer.
Treatments for Ovarian Cancer
The cancer team at UC Davis Health offers several treatment options for ovarian cancer. We offer standard treatments, as well as new treatments through clinical trials. We customize our treatment plans to your individual needs.
Standard treatment may include:
Chemotherapy
We give you anti-cancer drugs called chemotherapy to stop the growth of cancer cells. You may receive the drugs systemically (injected into your vein or in pill form). Or you may get them through a thin tube into your pelvic area.
Surgery
Most patients have surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible.
Preventing Ovarian Cancer
There is no known way to prevent ovarian cancer. Some risk factors, such as having a family history of ovarian cancer, cannot be changed. If you do have a family history, genetic testing is very important because we can take some preventative measures to help reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.
There are other things you can do to reduce your risk, such as:
Stay at a Healthy Weight
Being overweight or obese increases the risk of ovarian cancer.
Use Oral Contraceptives
Taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills) for several years lowers the risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Consider Surgery
In some cases, tubal ligation (getting your tubes tied) and hysterectomy (removing your uterus) may reduce the risk of certain types of ovarian cancer.
Lifetime risk
1 in 78Women get ovarian cancer over the course of their lifetime
Source: American Cancer Society: Key Statistics for Ovarian Cancer
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