Ovarian Cancer is a topic close to my heart. Not only do I care for many women during and after treatment for ovarian cancer, but my Mum passed away from metastatic ovarian cancer in 2023. Having a first degree relative affected by ovarian cancer can put you at increased risk of ovarian cancer, so I had preventative surgery in 2024 at the age of 52.
Rates of Ovarian Cancer
More than 1,510 Australian women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year and some 1,070 women die from the disease. Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage when treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy are less effective. We know that early detection improves survival – the survival rate for Stage 1 ovarian cancer is around 90%.
Screening for Ovarian Cancer
However, there is currently no early detection test for ovarian cancer. Scientists are continuing to work on improving our knowledge of how ovarian cancer develops, and this will hopefully lead to improvements in screening. At present:
- there is no evidence that pelvic ultrasounds or blood tests such as a CA 125 in women without symptoms of ovarian cancer reduce mortality rates,
- there is no evidence of benefit for a population based screening programme,
- even for women at high or potentially high risk of ovarian cancer, screening with ultrasounds and/or blood tests doesn’t improve outcomes.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
These may include:
- abdominal or pelvic pain
- increased abdominal size or persistent bloating
- the need to urinate often or urgently
- feeling full after eating a small meal.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms on most days over 4 weeks or so, then make an appointment to see your doctor. Your doctor will ask you some more questions and support you with the most appropriate investigations.
Genetic Screening
Testing for inherited genetic abnormalities is recommended for women at high risk of ovarian cancer. For example, if there is a known BRCA 1 or 2 genetic mutation in your family, or one of the Lynch Syndrome associated genes such as MCH1, MSH 2 or MSH 6. It’s not always possible to do genetic testing, so talk to your doctor if you have a first degree relative diagnosed with ovarian cancer at under 60n years of age, or if you have one or more relatives with ovarian cancer at any age, or if you have a strong family history of breast and ovarian cancer.
Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (surgical removal of both tubes and ovaries ) is the most effective risk-reducing strategy for ovarian cancer in high risk women. Surgery is often done at the time of menopause, or soon after, when the ovaries have stopped producing oestrogen. If required, hormone replacement therapy can then started.
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For further information, go to:
Cancer Australia Position statement on ovarian cancer at http://www.cancerasutralia.gov.au/resources/position-statement
www.ovariancancer.net.au or call 1300 660 334
Dr Tonia Mezzini has been helping women to manage symptoms of the menopause after ovarian cancer treatment for many years. If you would like expert advice on menopause after cancer treatment, make an appointment to see Dr Tonia Mezzini today.
Dr Tonia Mezzini is known for offering the best possible advice and treatment options for a person’s sexual health care needs. In particular, she cares for patients with:
- Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
- Vulval pain syndromes and vulval skin conditions
- Low libido and pain with intercourse
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
- Complex contraceptive choices
- Sexually transmitted infections such as recurrent genital herpes
- Recurrent bacterial vaginosis
- Recurrent thrush
- Menopause and hormonal concerns
- Chronic pelvic pain in men and women
- Painful periods and endometriosis
- Information about sexual health
- Women’s Health after cancer treatment
- Androgen deficiency in men
