Here’s what to know about this type of cancer + ways to lend your support to the cause.

We hear a lot about breast cancer in women (and as a reminder, even men can be diagnosed with it too!) but there are other types of female-oriented cancers that don’t get as much space in the headlines. September is Ovarian Cancer Month and a good time for women to take a moment to educate themselves about this type of cancer, which affects 1 in 87 women. And according to the latest stats, ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in women.

‍

There are three types of ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer presents in three different forms.

Epithelial Ovarian Carcinomas: This cancer, which involves the cells that cover the outer surface of the ovary, makes up 85 to 90% of ovarian cancer cases. After starting in the cells that cover the outer surface of the ovaries, this cancer can then spread to the pelvic and abdominal organs and lining and beyond. 70% of women with this form of ovarian cancer don’t find out they have it until it’s in more advanced states. 

Germ Cell Tumors: Making up 2% of ovarian cancer cases, these tumors being in the reproductive cells of a woman’s eggs. This rarer form of ovarian cancer tends to most often affect teenagers and women in their 20s.

Stromal Cell Tumors: The rarest form of ovarian cancer, this makes up 1% of cases. It’s found in the tissue that makes up the ovaries and is often found in earlier stages than other forms of ovarian cancer. 

Women most at risk

While women of all ages and backgrounds may be susceptible to ovarian cancer, there are risk factors that make certain women more likely to contract the disease. 

• Age: Ovarian cancer tends to be more rare in women under age 40. The risk of developing the disease increases with age and most cases happen in women who have gone through menopause. Women ages 63 and up make up 50% of cases occur in women 

• Family history: Having a mother, sister or daughter diagnosed with ovarian cancer can increase your own personal risk. The condition can be hereditary on your father’s side – and the more family members who have been diagnosed, the higher your risk. Women with a family history of certain types of  other types of cancers, such as breast cancer or colorectal cancer may be also more at risk for developing this disease. A personal history of breast cancer can also increase a woman’s chances of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. 

• Gene mutations: Women who have inherited mutations in the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 are also more at risk. Additional genes linked to having a higher chance of contracting ovarian cancer include ATM, BRIP1, RAD51C, RAD51D, and PALB2. 

• Certain conditions: Conditions that may raise one’s risk of ovarian cancer include having MUTYH-associated polyposis (this can cause polyps in the colon and small intestines) or Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (a rare genetic syndrome which presents at polyps in the stomach).

• Later-in-life pregnancies: Women who were pregnant after age 35 carry a greater risk of developing ovarian cancer. And women who were pregnant but never carried a pregnancy to term or those who have never been pregnant may also be at an increased risk. 

• Hormone replacement therapy: There are many documented benefits of hormone replacement therapy for helping to treat menopausal conditions like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Estrogen and combined estrogen and progesterone HRT therapies, however, may put women at an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. Women who take these hormones for five years or longer seem to have the highest risk.

• Weight: Many studies have linked being overweight as increasing one’s risk of developing at least 13 types of cancers. This includes ovarian cancer. Women with a body mass index of 30 or above have a greater risk of developing this cancer. 

‍

Possible Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

While these symptoms can be a sign of many conditions, they can also be a sign of ovarian cancer. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing:

• Unusual vaginal bleeding (especially post menopause) or abnormal vaginal discharge
• Pain in the abdomen or back
• Bloating
• Pelvic pressure or pain
• Difficulty eating or feeling full too quickly
• Changes in bowel or urinary habits, like a more frequent urge to urinate or constipation

‍

There is currently no screening test for ovarian cancer

You see your gynecologist for an annual physical, which includes a Pap smear. This tests for cervical cancer but currently, there is no screening test for ovarian cancer in women at normal risk and with no signs or symptoms of the disease. Prenuvo gives you the ability to take your health into your own hands and proactively check yourself for conditions such as ovarian cancer without waiting until you’re symptomatic and it may be too late for effective treatment. A Prenuvo whole body scan assesses your major organs and body systems, and can detect over 500 conditions, including cancerous tumors at stage 1. This is done safely without radiation, dyes or contrasts.

‍

In honor of Ovarian Cancer Month, here are some ways to give back

Donate: Many organizations like the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition and the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance have places on their website where you can donate to advance research of ovarian cancer treatments and to support patients and their families. 

Purchase with a purpose: You can also shop brands that these organizations have partnerships with that are donating proceeds to ovarian cancer.

Participate in an ovarian cancer run/walk: Find a Together in Teal (the color of the ovarian cancer ribbon) walk near you. You can participate in person or even virtually. Click here to find a local event.

Conduct your own fundraiser: Tell coworkers, friends and family that you are raising money in support of Ovarian Cancer Month and ask if they want to join you in donating. In lieu of gifts for a birthday or upcoming occasion, ask someone to make a donation to support ovarian cancer research. 

Volunteer: Ovarian cancer organizations often list volunteer opportunities on their website. Find an upcoming fundraising event and sign on board to donate your time for the cause. 

Get yourself screened for ovarian cancer: Book a Prenuvo scan to get a full look at what’s going on inside your body. Give yourself peace of mind or the ability to catch a condition like ovarian cancer early when it’s most treatable.

‍