Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment"

Ovarian Cancer

Though the causatives of ovarian cancer is unknown there are some factors that may increase the risk, factors like family history of cancer, taking contraceptive pills, breast feeding, fertility treatment and talcum powder. Ovarian Cancer is not infectious so cannot catch it from anyone else. The two genes which are known as BRCA1 and BRCA2 are to be associated with an increased risk of both breast and ovarian cancer. Families in which a fault on one of these genes is present are likely to have several individuals on the same side of the family affected with breast and/or ovarian cancer. In addition, families who have several closely related individuals affected with bowel cancer at a young age may carry a faulty gene which is associated with an increased risk of bowel cancer and ovarian cancer. Screening programmes aim to pick up cancers at an early stage before they cause symptoms. There is no proper screening test to pick up ovarian cancer in the general population. Research trials are currently looking into the screening of women at high risk of cancer of the ovary and women in general.

There are two screening trials to test ovarian cancer: a) Blood test for CA 125, b) Transvaginal ultrasound.

• Symptom:

• discomfort in the abdomen

• swelling of the abdomen

• feeling full or bloated

• changes in bowel habits

• Frequency of passing urine.