What is Epithelial ovarian cancer?

What is Epithelial ovarian cancer?
OVARIAN CANCER is the eight most common cancer in women in Australia. It will affect around one in 100 women each year.EPITHELIAL ovarian cancer is the most common type. Nine out of ten women with ovarian cancer have this type. [see below] What is epithelial ovarian cancer? Ovarian cancer occurs when cells in the ovaries grow abnormally and the body’s natural defences can’t stop them. The abnormal cells form growths called cancers. Epithelial ovarian cancer starts in the outer covering of the ovary. Other types of ovarian cancer include: germ cell(starts in the cells that mature into eggs) and sex-cord stromal (starts from the cells that release female hormones) To understand what epithelial ovarian cancer is, it helps to know what your reproductive organs look like. The ovaries are two small organs near the uterus (womb), one on each side. The ovaries have an outer covering called the epithelium (skin) and are linked to the womb by two tubes called the Fallopian tubes. Why did I get ovarian cancer? It is not known why some woemn get ovarian cancer and others don’t. -There are some factors that can increase a woman’s isk, but it is important to know that having some or all of the common risk factors for ovarian cancer does not mean that a woman will develop the disease. Risk factors for ovarian cancer-AGE:The risk increases as woemn become older. Women who are over 50 years of age are more likely to develop ovarian cancer than younger women. Family history and genetic factors Having  changes in a small number of ovarian cancer-related genes increases the risk of ovarian cancer. Having a family history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer or some other cancers, such as colorectal or endometrial cancer, also increases risk.  Only around 5 – 10% of all ovarian cancers are due to inherited factors. Research suggests that the risk of ovarian cancer is slightly higher for women who have: have medical conditions such as endometriosis use long-term hormone replacement therapy (HRT) smoke cigarettes are obese Could I have done anything to prevent getting ovarian cancer? There is currently nothing that can be done to prevent ovarian cancer. What reduces the risk of getting ovarian cancer? Research has shown that the following are associated with a reduced risk of ovarian cancer: removal of the uterus (womb); removal of ovaries and having the fallopian tubes tied having children using oral contraceptives Should I have gone to a GP earlier? Some women fel guilty that they did not go to the doctor earlier. However, going to a doctor earlier does not neccessarily mean that you would have been diagnosed with earlier stage disease. The symptoms for ovarian cancer are very vague and are often like those of many other common illnesses. You may not have had any symptoms at all while the cancer was first developing. Your feelings If you feel guilty about not seeking medical advice earlier, or angry that your illness was not discovered sooner, it may help to talk about this with your doctor, or a counsellor or similar professional. -Not all women diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer will have all of the listed symptoms, and most women who have these symptoms will not have epithelial ovarian cancer. What ARE the symptoms of epithelial ovarian cancer? a swollen abdomen (tummy) pain, pressureor discomfort in the abdomen change in bowel habit eg: diarrhoea or constipation urinary changes eg: frequency or urgent urination bleeding, apart from the normal monthly period a feeling of bloating or fullness indigestion or feeling sick (nauseated) gaining/losing weight lower back pain feeling unusually tired loss of appetite flatulence (wind) pain during sex Please see your GP should you have any further questions-if there is a suspicion of ovarian cancer seek a referal to a gynaecological oncologist immediately! www.ovariancancerprogram.org.au Telephone (sydney) 02-9036 3030