There is insufficient evidence on the causes of ovarian cancer. But there are some known risk factors that increase our chances of developing ovarian cancer. They are:

◉ Smoking
◉ Inherited or acquired gene mutations
◉ Individual’s age (risk of getting ovarian cancer increases with age)
◉ Radiotherapy to the pelvic area
◉ Being overweight
◉ History of breast or bowel cancer
◉ Endometriosis
◉ Diabetes
◉ Early menarche
◉ Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD)
◉ Never had a pregnancy
◉ Never used any contraception
◉ Infertility
◉ Taking hormone replacement therapy

If you have a family history of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, thyroid cancer, uterine cancer, or ovarian cancer-causing gene mutations, ask your doctor for genetic testing. This will help you estimate your risk of cancer.

After being diagnosed with ovarian cancer, the next important step is staging. It helps your doctor find the best way to treat your ovarian cancer. By considering the diagnostic test results, imaging scans, your doctor can confirm the stage for your ovarian cancer and will prepare the best treatment plan accordingly. A stage of ovarian cancer indicates size, location and severity of cancer. Ovarian cancer is categorized into 4 stages using the FIGO system or AJCC system.

Stage I: Cancer has affected either one or both ovaries. Sometimes stage I also includes rupture of the outer lining of ovaries, presence of cancer cells outside the ovaries and also in the peritoneal cavity fluid.

Stage II: Cancer has affected either one or both ovaries and has spread outside the ovaries and into the pelvic region. Sometimes stage II includes rupture of the outer layer of the ovaries and spread of ovarian cancer to the uterus and fluid of the peritoneal cavity.

Stage III: Cancer has affected one or both ovaries and has spread to the pelvis, abdomen, and nearby lymph nodes, and rarely to the small intestine.

Stage IV: Cancer has spread beyond the abdomen and to distant parts of the body such as the lungs or liver.

Ovarian cancer can also be described in 3 grades, depending on how abnormally cancer cells are growing. Grade 1(Low-Grade) denotes that cancer cells are found only in ovaries and look almost like normal cells and are less likely to spread, while grades 2 and 3 (High-Grade) indicate that cancer cells are growing abnormally and are more likely to spread and metastasize.

The duration of ovarian cancer treatment is approximately 6 to 12 months or longer depending upon the type of treatment you are receiving and how well your cancer is responding to the treatment. Your doctor may extend the treatment duration if your cancer is suspected to be recurring.

Ovarian cancer shows no noticeable symptoms for early detection. Therefore, it spreads from the ovaries to the pelvis within 3 to 6 months and can grow quickly into an advanced stage within a year. This spread also depends on the nature of the ovarian cells. High-grade ovarian cancers grow quickly and spread fast while low-grade ovarian cancers grow slowly.

If you have symptoms suggestive of ovarian cancer, your doctor may perform a pelvic exam, CA-125 blood test, and transvaginal ultrasound scan to examine the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries by inserting a thin ultrasound wand. If the results of these tests are suspicious for ovarian cancer. Further imaging tests (CT scan, MRI scan, and PET scan), biopsy, and genetic testing are performed.

Women over the age of 60 and women with a family history of breast cancer, bowel cancer, or ovarian cancer caused by genetic mutations are at increased risk of ovarian cancer. Because the risk of ovarian cancer increases with age and there are chances of genetic mutations being inherited. so it is advisable to consult a doctor and go for screening.

Ovarian cancer mostly occurs in women over age 60 years. Rarely, young women of age below 40 are affected with ovarian cancer. Studies are saying that the risk of ovarian cancer increases with age.

Yes, ovarian cancer can cause pain in the abdomen, lower back, or mid-hip area. The intensity of pain increases as cancer progresses. Consistent pain is a common symptom of stage 3 and stage 4 ovarian cancers. Ovarian cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery can also cause pain while destroying the cancer cells.

CA-125 blood test and Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) scan are done initially. Your doctor may also recommend imaging tests, genetic tests, and a biopsy to identify the type and stage of ovarian cancer and to choose the right treatment.

Ovarian cancer usually requires 3 to 6 cycles of chemotherapy. Depending on the type and stage of ovarian cancer, chemotherapy is given once every 3 to 4 weeks. This 3 to 4 weeks timeline is one cycle, which means it takes around 6 months to complete the treatment. Chemotherapy is given as an outpatient treatment (no need to hospitalize) and each dose will take around 3 to 4 hours.

Ovarian cancer is not terminal (fatal) in all cases. On average, ovarian cancer patients at any stage can survive for 5 years. This survival can be up to 10 years or less than 1 year depending on the patient’s condition and the outcome of their treatment. Stage 4 cancer cannot be cured, but it can be treated to help prolong the lives of cancer patients to some extent.