HOW DO I GET SCREENED FOR OVARIAN CANCER?

Unfortunately, there is no screening test for ovarian cancer that has proven effective in screening low risk, asymptomatic women.  Patients often inquire about a blood test for ovarian cancer.  At this time there is no reliable blood test that can be used to screen for ovarian cancer.  The current recommendation of the Society of Gynecologist Oncologists is that each woman should have a yearly pelvic exam in order to screen for ovarian cancer.  Blood tests and ultrasounds are not routinely indicated.

IS OVARIAN CANCER HERIDITARY (INHERITED)?

Hereditary ovarian cancer represents only 5-10% of all ovarian cancers.  Because ovarian cancer is relatively uncommon overall, having a relative with ovarian cancer increases ones' chances of developing ovarian cancer minimally, unless there is a documented mutation or cancer syndrome in the family.  The lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer is approximately 1 in 70.  Therefore, one is more likely to die of heart disease or other cancers (i.e. breast) than ovarian cancer.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF OVARIAN CANCER?

Persistent symptoms such as increased abdominal girth, bloating, fatigue, abdominal pain, indigestion, inability to eat normally, urinary frequency, constipation, back pain and weight loss.  These symptoms are quite vague and are often associated with other medical problems, so the key is 'persistent' symptoms.