Brief Explanation of Ovarian Cancer and It's Lab Test CA-125

Ovarian cancer disease is also known as the silent killer. That is because the disease is usually found when the patient is in the final stages of this cancer. Many women do not know the early warning signs of this cancer. Believe it or not, the American Cancer Society ranks this cancer as the fourth cause of cancer death in women.

What are the ovaries and what do they do?

The ovaries are the internal almond-shaped organs that are located internally on each side of the pelvis. The purpose of the ovaries is to produce eggs on a monthly basis. They are used for the fertilization process, which is pregnancy.

Where does the cancer start?

The tumor starts in one or both of the ovaries. Cancer cells from the original cancer place can spread to other parts of the body.

What are the signs and symptoms I should know?

Abdominal bloating, abdominal pressure, and abdominal painNausea, indigestion, constipation, or diarrheaA loss of appetiteA feeling of being full even after a light mean has been eatenA sudden weight loss or even gain for no apparent reasonUnexplainable vaginal bleedingPain during sexual intercourseFatigue and back aches

**It is best to seek medical attention if these symptoms continue for 2 or more weeks**

Are there women who are at risk for this cancer?

Certain risk factors make some women more at risk. These factors include:

Family history, such as your mother and/or sisterFamily history of breast or colon cancer has also been tied to ovarian cancerWomen over the age of 50 are at a higher risk; and increases even more at age 60 or olderWomen who have never had children are at a higher risk than women who did have childrenIf a woman has a personal history of breast or colon cancer, this puts her at a higher risk to develop ovarian cancer

Is the pap test used to find ovarian cancer?

No, this test is used to screen for cervical cancer.

What tests are used for screening ovarian cancer?

At this point in time, there is no specific screening to detect ovarian cancer.

What tests are used to diagnose this cancer?

If you have experienced any of the symptoms that were previously discussed, see your doctor. Your doctor will examine you by performing a vaginal/rectal examination. Your doctor will then determine if you should receive a pelvic sonogram. The doctor also may order a lab or blood test called CA-125 that also can identify ovarian cancer.

Please, if you have any questions or concerns about this cancer contact your doctor. Remember that when ovarian cancer is found in its early stages the survival rate is much higher. Be aware of these important signs/symptoms. Share this information with as many women as you can.

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A Brief Look At The Ovarian Cancer Survival Rate

Women who get ovarian cancer today have a much better survival rate than those who were struck by this disease a few years ago. Technological advances in the early detection and treatment of the disease in women, as well as research and development to proactively address the disease have resulted in many different approaches to the effective treatment of the disease and an increase in the ovarian cancer survival rate.

Early detection is key to the successful treatment of this disease. A woman who receives regular pap smears and annual check-ups is much more likely to avoid the more aggressive treatments associated with the advanced stages of the disease. The levels of severity of the disease are referred to as "stages". Each stage of the disease requires a different type of treatment and indicates a different level of progression of the disease. In addition, full recovery statistics change based on the Stage at which the disease is first diagnosed.

Woman who have regular check-ups and pap smears will normally have detection at Stage I of the disease. This is a very treatable stage and has a very high chance for surviving longer than 5 years. More than 90% of Stage I patient live a minimum of 5 years beyond their diagnosis and the prognosis for a longer, cancer-free life is very high.

Stage II patients have a lower expectancy of surviving 5 years or more, approximately 75% or more depending on the invasiveness of the disease and other organs that may need to be treated. If the cells are restricted to specific areas in the ovaries, odds of surviving longer than 5 years increases.

An individual in Stage III may be as low as 34% if there are other areas involved. However, this figure can vary widely based on the location and invasiveness of the disease. Stage IV may have an 18% likelihood of surviving more than five years and is considered the most serious of the cancers. At Stage IV, the cells have normally invaded other parts of the body that must be treated simultaneously.

As more research and development of detection and treatment advance, the survival rate for Ovarian cancer increases. However, it is important that a woman be proactive in her care and take the precautions needed to avoid contracting the disease. Through regular check-ups and early detection, women have a much stronger chance of surviving and living a healthy and productive life.

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