Ovarian Cancer Awareness

Know the signs and listen to your body

 Ovarian cancer is an example of what is called a "silent cancer." Many women experience symptoms before diagnosis, but the challenge is that these symptoms can resemble common digestive, urinary, or menstrual concerns, making them easy to overlook.

Experts at Intermountain Health are encouraging women to learn the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer and seek medical care when something doesn't feel right.

 "Ovarian cancer can affect women of any age, although risk increases as you get older," said Liz Connor, MD, a gynecologic oncologist at Intermountain Health in Billings. "Knowing what is normal for your body and speaking with your healthcare provider about persistent changes can help lead to earlier evaluation and treatment."

 What is ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer begins when abnormal cells grow in or around the ovaries. There is no routine screening test recommended for women at average risk. That's why awareness of symptoms and risk factors is so important.

 Common signs and symptoms

Symptoms often persist and occur more frequently than normal daily discomfort. Women should talk with a healthcare provider if they experience:

·     Bloating that does not go away

·     Pelvic or abdominal pain

·     Feeling full quickly when eating

·     Frequent or urgent urination

·     Changes in bowel habits, including constipation

·     Unexplained fatigue

·     New or changing back pain

·     Unexplained weight loss or weight gain

Who is at higher risk?

Several factors may increase the risk of ovarian cancer. These include age and a family history of ovarian, endometrial, breast, or colorectal cancer. A personal history of breast cancer, endometriosis, or certain inherited genetic mutations, including BRCA1 and BRCA2, are also risk factors. Discussions with a healthcare provider can help determine whether genetic counseling or additional risk assessment is appropriate. 

For patients who are at high risk (patients with a family history, or patients with a gene such as BRCA1 or BRCA2), prevention is key. Use of oral contraceptive pills for at least five years reduces future ovarian cancer risk by up to half.

Preventative surgery is recommended for certain groups starting at age 35 to prevent ovarian cancer. If you are at risk of ovarian cancer, meet with your doctor to plan ahead on how to best reduce your risk.

Treatment options continue to improve

Treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer and each patient's individual needs. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapies or clinical trials. Advances in treatment continue to improve outcomes and help many patients live longer and healthier lives during and after treatment.

When to talk with a provider 

Most symptoms associated with ovarian cancer are more often caused by conditions other than cancer. However, experts recommend paying attention when symptoms are new, occur frequently, or persist for several weeks. 

"No one knows your body better than you do," said Dr. Connor. "If something feels different or concerning, don't ignore it. A conversation with your healthcare provider is an important first step."

Intermountain Health encourages women to learn the signs, discuss their family health history with their provider, and seek care when symptoms persist.

Intermountain patients have access to gynecologic oncology specialists, multidisciplinary cancer care teams, genetic counseling resources, supportive care services, and clinical trials when appropriate. For more information, see https://intermountainhealthcare.org/services/cancer-care/gynecological-cancer.

More from the Experts at St. Vincent Regional Hospital

About St. Vincent Regional Hospital

Founded on our mission of compassionate care 125 years ago, St. Vincent Regional Hospital, part of Intermountain Health, has grown into one of Montana’s largest comprehensive hospitals, serving the healthcare needs of over 400,000 people in our four-state area. Continuing to respond to the needs of our community, we have been recognized as an innovator in trauma, heart, neurological and cancer care. At St. Vincent and Intermountain Health, our 12 primary care clinics, and specialty clinics in and around the Billings area, our goal is to help you live the healthiest lives possible. This also includes caring for the region's youngest patients. We opened the region's first Pediatric Intensive Care Unit staffed 24/7 by Pediatric Intensivists and the only Pediatric Surgery program serving eastern Montana, northern Wyoming, and the western Dakotas.