Ovarian cancer has been called the “silent killer” because symptoms often became apparent so late in the process that chances of a cure were poor.
This situation is sure to change in the future – new technologies promise more accurate scans and blood tests. But for now, the best thing a woman and her doctor can do is be aware of the possibility of the condition – especially if they’re at risk. The condition is more likely in women who:
- have had few or no pregnancies;
- and/or have a history of cancer in the family especially ovarian, uterine, bowel, or breast cancer.
- have never taken the contraceptive pill;
- are ‘of a certain age’. Like most cancers, the risk of ovarian cancer increases with age. About nine out of 10 cases occur in women over 40;
- have endometriosis
That doesn’t mean someone with one or more of these Ovarian cancer risk factors will necessarily get ovarian cancer. And many women with ovarian cancer don’t have these risk factors. But having one or more does make it more likely, and these women need to be vigilant.
Some experts recommend that women who are at Ovarian cancer high risk have an annual CA-125 blood test and ultrasound.
Source: ABC Health and Wellbeing
