Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecologic cancer in the United States, and it causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. There are no screening tests available and symptoms can be nonspecific or not present at all, resulting in the cancer often going undetected until advanced stages.

In recognition of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in September, it’s important to know what to look out for, check in regularly with your body and make an appointment with a physician if something feels abnormal.

What are the ovaries and what is ovarian cancer?

The ovaries are almond-shaped organs in the female reproductive system that produce eggs and certain hormones. Ovarian cancer can be caused in three ways:

1. Ovarian epithelial cancer forms in the tissue covering the ovary, in the peritoneum (a thin, smooth tissue membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers most of the organs in the abdomen) or in the lining of the fallopian tube, which delivers eggs from the ovaries to the uterus

2. Ovarian germ cell tumors begin in the eggs, which are also known as germ cells or reproductive cells that develop into eggs in females and sperm in males

3. Ovarian low malignant potential tumors start in the tissue covering the ovary. Abnormal cells may be present that could become cancer, but this is usually not the case

All types of ovarian cancer are treated the same way. Ovarian cancer can cause nonspecific symptoms, such as abdominal swelling or pain, but for some patients, no symptoms at all are experienced. Since it can be difficult to diagnose and symptoms can seem vague or similar to common issues, it’s important to see a physician for regular checkups.

If left untreated, ovarian cancer can spread to the abdomen, pelvis and other parts of the body, making it much more difficult to treat. To make an appointment with a physician or to get more information, please visit www.leehealth.org.

What are some potential symptoms of ovarian cancer?

The signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer can be difficult to detect. If you experience the following persistent issues, it may help to let a doctor know about them if they are abnormal for you:

– Bloating and swelling in the lower pelvis and abdomen. Clothes may feel tighter than normal.

– You feel full a lot quicker than normal or have trouble eating

– Pain in your back, pelvis or abdomen

– Urinating more frequently

– Pain during sex

– Unusual vaginal bleeding

– Unexplained weight loss or gain

– Unexplained fatigue

Are there risk factors for ovarian cancer?

It’s important to let your doctor know about a family history of ovarian cancer and to be aware of any inherited gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.

Other risk factors include obesity, endometriosis and the use of hormone replacement therapy.

A genetic blood test called the BRCA gene test can help determine if a patient has an inherited mutation. When mutations in those genes develop, there’s an increased risk of breast, ovarian and other cancers. BRCA stands for BReast CAncer gene. About 3% of breast and 10% of ovarian cancers result from inherited mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.

A positive or negative result can help determine a patient’s needs and health management. The BRCA gene test can also help patients better understand their health. A positive result does not diagnose any disease; it tells you if you carry the gene mutation that increases your risk. A negative BRCA test doesn’t guarantee you will not get cancer. It means your risk is likely the same as the general population.

If you think you’re a candidate for the BRCA test or would like more information, make an appointment with your physician by visiting www.leehealth.org.

If you experience any potential ovarian cancer symptoms that aren’t normal for you and don’t go away after two weeks, please make an appointment with a physician as soon as possible.

Dr. Edward Grendys is a gynecologic oncologist with Lee Health.