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Ovarian cancer is responsible for more deaths than any other gynecological cancer in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Yet, many people do not understand this disease.
For example: is ovarian cancer really a "silent killer" without symptoms? Is there really nothing that women can do to reduce their risks?
Having accurate information about ovarian cancer can help you protect your health, whether you want to prevent cancer or that you or someone you have ever been diagnosed with. Answer this quiz to see what facts are right for you and what you still need to learn.
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The answer: false.
You can not rely on a Pap test to detect ovarian cancer. Cervical smears look for changes in your cervix cells, which can help detect cervical cancer or cellular changes that may increase your risk for cervical cancer later, the Mayo Clinic. However, they are not designed to test for ovarian cancer.
Very rarely, ovarian cancer cells can be detected during a Pap test, so a Pap test sometimes ends up revealing ovarian cancer. But this usually only happens if the cancer is at an advanced stage, when it is harder to treat, American Cancer Society said.
So what tests make to look for ovarian cancer? Currently, there are no screening tests for women unless their doctor determines that their risk is high. The are you can still take steps to protect your health. (For more on these, keep reading).
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The answer: false.
Since there is no standard test for ovarian cancer, it is more likely that cancer will be detected later than many other cancers. Yet about 20% of ovarian cancers are taken at the beginning, when they are more treatable, according to the American Cancer Society.
The best way to protect yourself? As ovarian cancer can sometimes be felt during pelvic examinations, the experts are in agreement you should stay on top of your usual OB / GYN exams.
And if you notice any unusual symptoms, see your doctor promptly. Persistent stomach pain, bloating, difficulty eating or feeling full, and the feeling of always having to pee more often may all be warning signs. American Cancer Society reports.
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The answer: true.
If you have a family history of cancers related to bad cancer, ovaries, fallopian tubes, pancreas or prostate, you should talk to your doctor. CDC advises.
"The incidence of ovarian cancer is higher in women with inherited genetic mutation of one of the known genes, including BRCA1 and BRCA2," said Dr. Benoît Benigno, MD, director of gynecologic oncology at Northside Hospital in Atlanta. Genetic testing can tell you if you have a genetic mutation that increases your risk of ovarian cancer and if you are applying for high-risk screening tests.
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The answer: true.
Gastric pain, bloating, eating disorders or fast feeling of satiety, and frequent urination are common symptoms of ovarian cancer, according to the doctor. American Cancer Society. The problem? They can also be a sign of less serious problems, so that many women and health care providers ignore them until it is too late.
If such problems bother you more than 12 times a month, tell your doctor – and ask to be tested for ovarian cancer. "Women should require a pelvic exam, a CA 125 blood test and a pelvic ultrasound," says Dr. Benigno.
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The answer: false.
Ovarian cancer in one in 78 women during her life, statistics show. But some things can help reduce your risk: Taking the contraceptive pill for five years or more can have a protective effect, according to the CDCand can therefore achieve or maintain a healthy weight.
Women who have given birth have a lower risk of ovarian cancer than others. Breastfeeding also appears to be beneficial, especially for women who have been badfeeding for at least eight months, National Cancer Institute said. Pregnancy and badfeeding report changes in female hormones, which experts say could reduce the risk of some cancers, according to experts researchers.
Surgical options such as tubal ligation, removal of the ovaries or hysterectomy can also reduce a woman's risk, CDC says, but these are usually reserved for high-risk patients. "It's a personal decision, but it's something that should be discussed with the woman's doctors and a certified genetic counselor," says Dr. Benigno.
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The answer: true.
Genetic testing is beneficial for women in whom ovarian cancer has already been diagnosed. Why? Some genetic mutations might make you eligible for targeted treatment options, explains Dr. Jonthan Goldberg, MD, Director of Oncology Clinical Trials at Mount Sinai Health Care System at CareMount Medical.
If it turns out that you have a genetic mutation, knowing this information could also help your family members. Women who are related to a person with an inherited genetic mutation that increases the risk of cancer should also be tested for genetic mutation. If they do, they can take steps to protect their health, for example by pbading special screening tests for high-risk patients, says the CDC.
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The answer: false.
Ovarian cancer is the fifth most deadly cancer in women, according to the American Cancer Society. But with chemotherapy and surgery, it is curable. "The most important prognostic factor is the removal of the entire tumor at the time of the initial surgery," says Dr. Benigno.
And powerful new treatment options are on the horizon. "The era of immunotherapy has arrived," says Dr. Benigno. Rather than having to undergo surgery or chemotherapy, "such a treatment would kill all the cancer cells without harming a single normal cell, thus allowing the patient to maintain her normal lifestyle."
Keep up-to-date with the latest scientific news on health, fitness and nutrition by subscribing to the Prevention.com newsletter. right here. For more fun, follow us on Instagram.
Marygrace Taylor is a health and wellness writer for Prevention, Parade, Health's Health, Redbook, etc.
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