by RYAN MILEJCZAK
Sponsored by Central Florida Health Care
Ovarian cancer has long been called the “silent killer,” not because it strikes without warning, but because its early symptoms are so subtle that they can be easily overlooked. September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, so we spoke with Central Florida Health Care OBGYN Dr. LaReesa Ferdinand to learn more about symptoms and detection.
“Ovaries are considered a woman’s ‘fertility houses’ where we store our eggs, and it’s very important to take care of our reproductive health,” explains Dr. Ferdinand, who works out of Central Florida Health Care’s Davenport Health Center and specializes in perimenopause, menopause, gynecology procedures, surgeries, and integrated healthcare for women.
Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of gynecologic cancer-related deaths, and is the second most common gynecologic cancer in the U.S. The most prevalent type is epithelial ovarian cancer, which accounts for the vast majority of cases.
“I think the most important component of awareness is that most cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed in advanced stages,” explains Dr. Ferdinand. “So, some of the most important areas of detection have to do with noticing early symptoms.”
Potential signs of ovarian cancer include bloating, pelvic abdominal pain, and symptoms pertaining to urinary frequency and urgency. However, in many cases, these symptoms can be benign, so it’s important to look for symptoms that are persistent or that increase in frequency. This also underscores the importance of getting regular checkups.
Ovarian cancer is most common in older women after menopause, but it can occur in younger women as well. One major risk factor for ovarian cancer relates to genetics.
“Those who have a genetic mutation in what we call ‘BRCA genes’ have an increased risk of cancers like ovarian and breast cancer,” Dr. Ferdinand explains.
These mutations occur on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are tumor-suppressor genes. Not all BRCA gene mutations are harmful, but in some cases they can cause what are known as hereditary breast-ovarian cancer syndromes (HBOC), also known as “King syndrome.” If you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancers, you may be affected by these mutations. If you’re unsure of your family medical history, testing is available.
Other risk factors for ovarian cancer include:
- Smoking
- A history of infertility
- Endometriosis
- Obesity
- Never having children
However, there are a number of ways to reduce your chances of ovarian cancer as well.
“The use of oral contraceptives over 5 years can reduce your risks of ovarian cancer,” Dr. Ferdinand says. “So can maintaining a healthy weight and diet, having adequate nutrition, avoiding smoking, and managing chronic inflammation and disease.”
She also notes that while there is not as much research on non-oral contraceptives such as the patch or a contraceptive implant, they also can help protect against ovarian cancer.
For those with genetic risk factors, specific management is important.
“Patients with these gene mutations need appropriate counseling,” Dr. Ferdinand explains. “In some cases, these patients may want to do a preventive surgery that removes the ovaries and fallopian tubes.”
Even for those without genetic risk factors, regular check-ups and screenings are still a smart idea.
“While the average diagnosis of ovarian cancer happens at 63, you can still be diagnosed at an earlier age,” she says. “If you’re concerned about something, come in to be evaluated by your physician.”
While there’s no routine screening test for ovarian cancer, Dr. Ferdinand notes that paying attention to your body can help you spot cancer sooner. If there are symptoms, potential tests could include pelvic ultrasounds, and CA125, a specific marker for ovarian cancer.
“When it comes to women’s health, even if we may not have a routine screening test, a lot of times we’re very in sync with our bodies,” she notes. “But we may be quick to dismiss it or feel like a provider has dismissed it. Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion and be an advocate for yourself; you know your body more than anyone else.”