Ovarian cancer

Although ovarian cancer (ovarian carcinoma) can develop at any age, the average age at which the disease is contracted is 60 years.

Medical professionals

1 May 2021 | 5 Min. Reading Time

Overview

Although ovarian cancer (ovarian carcinoma) can develop at any age, the average age at which the disease is contracted is 60 years. Among other things, obesity and a family history of ovarian cancer (mother or sister) increase the risk. Abdominal pain, digestive problems and vaginal bleeding after menopause are possible symptoms. Often the first sign is an increase in abdominal girth.

Symptoms

Persistent or cramping pain
Diarrhoea, constipation
Feeling of fullness, nausea, in extreme cases intestinal obstruction
Abnormal vaginal bleeding (menstrual irregularities)
Bleeding after menopause
Thrombosis (blood clots) in the leg or pelvic veins
Build up of fluid in the abdomen (ascites), bulging abdomen
Weight loss (possibly in spite of increase in abdominal girth)

Causes and treatment

Causes

The immediate causes aren’t known, but the following factors increase the risk

Age, obesity
No/few pregnancies, short period of breastfeeding
PCO syndrome and endometriosis
Ovarian cancer in mother or sister (risk increases by 5 to 10%)
Genetic factors
On the other hand, long-term use of oral contraceptives seems to reduce the risk

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

Physical examination of abdomen and vagina
Ultrasound (sonography)
Operation to remove tissue samples

Possible therapies

Surgical removal of as much tumour tissue as possible
As a rule, removal of both ovaries and the uterus
Depending on the stage of cancer, surgery may also involve other organs
Surgery can be preceded or followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy (neoadjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy)
Preventive removal of ovaries after menopause: to be discussed if there is a family history of ovarian cancer

What can I do myself?

Breastfeed for a lengthy period (reduces the risk)
Be informed about your family's cancer history
Take your body’s warning signals seriously

Get a personal Preventive Care Recommendation now.

When to see a doctor?

Women > 50 years with unexplained lower abdomen problems, bloating and increased urination frequency
Vaginal bleeding after menopause
Persistent pressure in the abdomen and abdominal pain
Weight loss in spite of simultaneous increase in abdominal girth
To clarify your higher risk if there is a family history of ovarian cancer