Ovarian cancer was once known as a “silent killer,” because it would frequently go undetected until later stages, when it could be more difficult to treat.
Now, health experts are working to put the “silent killer” title in the “myth” category and raise awareness about this kind of cancer, which will take the lives of nearly 13,000 people this year, according to the American Cancer Society. In fact, ovarian cancer does have some consistent signs and symptoms, and learning those could save a life.
This month, in honor of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, it’s important to learn about what ovarian cancer is, what health changes to look out for, who’s at risk and how you can lower your risks. To continue breaking the silence about ovarian cancer, read on for myths and facts, and insights on when to talk to your doctor.
1. Myth: Ovarian cancer happens only in the ovaries.
Fact: While ovarian cancer may impact the ovaries, some cases may also begin the fallopian tubes or the peritoneum (that’s the lining of tissue that covers organs in the abdomen area), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, With ovarian cancer, abnormal cells multiply and can spread beyond the ovaries and fallopian tubes to other areas of the pelvis.
2. Myth: If I had ovarian cancer, I’d absolutely know it.
Fact: Not necessarily. Some people don’t experience any signs or symptoms early on. Or, they may experience signs and symptoms that could also indicate other common conditions. Because of that, awareness is especially important. If a person does experience changes and persistent discomfort, the CDC lists these signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer:
- Vaginal bleeding, especially if you are past menopause; or discharge from your vagina that is not usual for you
- Pain or pressure in the pelvic area
- Abdominal or back pain
- Bloating
- Feeling full too quickly when eating, or difficulty eating
- A change in your bathroom habits, such as more frequent or urgent need to urinate and/or constipation.
If you’re experiencing the above, or other sensations that concern you, talk to your doctor.
3. Myth: My gynecologist screens me for ovarian cancer.
Fact: There’s not a regular, reliable screening test for ovarian cancer. The pap test doesn’t screen for this kind of cancer (it screens for cervical cancer). The most trusted methods are a pelvic exam performed by your doctor or an ultrasound. If you’ve had signs and symptoms of this kind of cancer, a blood test could also indicate it, or at least help to rule it out, according to the CDC.
4. Myth: The HPV vaccine will protect me.
Fact: Unfortunately, the HPV vaccine doesn’t protect you from all types of gynecologic cancers; it just offers protection from certain types of cancers caused by the human papillomavirus, which can impact the cervix, vulva, penis and anus (as well as the mouth, head, throat and neck).
5. Myth: I’m not at risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Fact: If you have ovaries and fallopian tubes, you may be at risk. While ovarian cancer is relatively rare, there’s no sure-fire way of knowing if you’ll get it or not. However, some people are more at risk than others. Those people include the following, according to the CDC:
- People who are middle-aged or older
- If you have close family members, such as a mother, sister, aunt or grandmother, who have had ovarian cancer
- If you have a genetic mutation such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, or a change associated with Lynch syndrome
- If you’ve had other types of cancer, including breast, uterine or colon cancer
- If your family’s background is Eastern European or Ashkenazi Jew
- If you have a history of endometriosis
- If you have experienced difficulty getting pregnant, or you’ve not given birth
On the flipside, if the following characteristics describe you, you may actually face a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer, according to the CDC:
- If you used birth control pills for five or more years
- If you had certain procedures performed, including tubal ligation, removal of your ovaries, fallopian tubes removal, or a hysterectomy
- If you’ve given birth
- If you’ve breastfed
6. Myth: If I have an ovarian cyst, I have cancer.
Fact: Having an ovarian cyst is not the same as a cancer diagnosis. While a cyst can be cancerous, most are benign, according to the American Cancer Association. Often a cyst will go away on its own. Still, it’s important to talk to your doctor if you have a cyst so that they can monitor it and catch any concerning changes early.
7. Myth: Ovarian cancer can’t be treated.
Fact: There are a number of treatment options for ovarian cancer, and your healthcare team can help decide the right one for you. According to the CDC, treatment usually revolves around a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. If ovarian cancer is detected and treated early, before spreading, 90 percent of cases can be cured, according to Penn Medicine.
8. Myth: I’ve had a hysterectomy, I can’t get ovarian cancer.
Fact: You can still develop ovarian cancer, even after a hysterectomy. Some women may still have their ovaries following the procedure, for starters; there also remains a risk of cancer in the inside wall of the abdomen (in the peritoneum).
9. Myth: Ovarian cancer only impacts older women
Fact: While ovarian cancer is more common in people who are middle-aged or older, a person can be diagnosed at any age.
Now that you know the myths and facts about ovarian cancer, it’s up to you to act.
If you experience changes in the way your abdomen/pelvic region feels, talk to your doctor. While sensations such as bloating, fullness, pain or pressure, bleeding and alterations to your bathroom habits might feel like minor disruptions, they could indicate something larger at work.
As with all issues related to health, it’s better to be overly cautious than to overlook a potentially serious medical condition. Your healthcare provider can answer any questions and address any of your concerns.
