Ovarian cancer is responsible for more deaths than any other gynecologic cancer, despite affecting less than 2% of people with ovaries. According to experts, one of the main challenges in reducing mortality rates is that 80% of ovarian cancers are not detected until later stages, when treatment options become more limited and outcomes are poorer. Early symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for other conditions, and there is currently no standard screening test available for those without existing signs or symptoms.
Until effective screening methods are developed, medical professionals recommend understanding individual risk factors and being vigilant about early warning signs as the best approach to prevention and early detection.
Most cases of ovarian cancer arise from genetic changes acquired over time due to lifestyle choices or personal health history. Risk factors include being age 63 or older, having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, taller height, hormone replacement therapy after menopause, a personal history of breast cancer, endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease, and reproductive history such as never having been pregnant or having a first child after age 35.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that using birth control pills containing estrogen and progesterone for at least five years may lower the risk of ovarian cancer. Breastfeeding for more than a year has also been linked to reduced risk.
About 20% of ovarian cancer cases occur in individuals who have had an elevated risk since birth due to inherited genetic mutations. The American Cancer Society identifies several hereditary syndromes related to ovarian cancer:
– Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndrome caused by BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations
– Lynch syndrome involving multiple gene mutations
– Hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC)
– Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
– MUTYH-associated polyposis
Knowing your family health history is important in assessing risk. Those with a first-degree relative who had ovarian cancer or with a family history of associated hereditary conditions may consider genetic testing. Genetic counselors can help explain options if tests indicate high risk.
Early stage ovarian cancer does not always produce noticeable symptoms. When present, symptoms can include abdominal or back pain, bloating or swelling in the abdomen, changes in bathroom habits such as increased urgency or frequency, feeling full quickly while eating, pelvic pain or pressure, and unusual vaginal bleeding—especially after menopause. Medical advice should be sought immediately for unusual vaginal bleeding; persistent changes in other symptoms should also prompt consultation with a physician.
Unlike cervical cancer—which can sometimes be detected through HPV testing—there is no established screening protocol for ovarian cancer at this time. Researchers continue working on new approaches; one possible method under investigation involves analyzing blood protein patterns to detect the disease earlier.
Until reliable screening becomes available, identifying personal risk factors and reporting any potential symptoms promptly remain critical steps toward improving outcomes for those at risk.
If you believe you may be at high risk for ovarian cancer or are experiencing concerning symptoms, contact your physician.
