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Ovarian cancer

Description

An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of ovarian cancer.

Highlights

BRCA Genes

Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are responsible for many inherited ovarian cancers and breast cancers.

• New guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend genetic counseling and testing only for high-risk women (family history of ovarian cancer).
• Removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes (salpingo-oophorectomy) reduces the risk of ovarian cancer by 80% in women with BRCA mutations, indicates a 2006 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association . Another study suggested that this procedure works best for reducing ovarian cancer risk in women with BRCA1 mutations. The procedure also reduces breast cancer risk in women with BRCA2 mutations.
• Women with a family history of breast cancer, but no family history of BRCA genetic mutations, are not at increased risk for ovarian cancer, according to a 2005 study.

Symptoms

Many women complain of abdominal pain and swelling months before they are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, notes a 2005 study. The researchers recommend that women with unexplained “target symptoms” receive pelvic imaging or a CA-125 blood test. Currently, only 20% of ovarian cancers are diagnosed in the early stages.

Risk Factors

Obese women have worse ovarian cancer survival rates than healthy-weight women, suggests a 2006 study. Researchers think that obesity may trigger more aggressive types of cancer.

Prevention

Drinking at least 2 cups of tea a day may help reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, according to a 2005 study in the Archives of Internal Medicine .

Chemotherapy

• Intraperitoneal (abdominal) chemotherapy may be superior to intravenous chemotherapy for selected patients, according to an important study in the New England Journal of Medicine .
• Adding the cancer drug topotecan (Hycamtin) to standard carboplatin-paclitaxel therapy does not improve survival, according to a 2006 study. The researchers recommend against using topotecan as a first-line treatment for ovarian cancer.

• Review Date: 9/1/2006
• Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, M.D., Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.

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