9-8-09

Ovarian Cancer

Earlier diagnosis has been shown to improve survival rates for women with ovarian cancer and better warning signs now have been identified to help with early diagnosis.

Ovarian cancer is the seventh most common cancer among women and is often not diagnosed until it is in an advanced stage of the disease. Approximately 25,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year.  Dr. Gary Johnson, professor of obstetrics and gynecology and chief of the gynecologic oncology division at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, says although no screening tests have been developed, there is now recognition of a combination of warning signs.

SOUND BITE:  “. . . the experience of abdominal bloating, or pelvic and/or abdominal pain. . . . with frequent urination or feeling like the patient needs to empty their bladder much more frequently than they previously had.” 

Dr. Johnson says after ovarian cancer is diagnosed, it is usually treated with a combination of surgery and chemotherapy.  When it is detected early, survival rates have improved in recent years.  He says the risk increases with age.  He explains another risk factor.

SOUND BITE:  “. . . certainly a family history of ovarian cancer is an important risk factor.  We know also that nulliparity, which means that a person has never previously been pregnant, seems to play a role.   There’s a growing amount of information to suggest that weight may also be an important risk factor.”

Dr. Johnson advises women who have had symptoms for more than a few weeks to see their primary care physician.  They may be referred to a gynecologic oncologist for further evaluation and possible treatment. 

This is Ruth Slottag at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.