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Approximately 1.5 percent of women are likely to develop ovarian cancer at some point in their lives. It is less common than breast cancer but is considered the most serious and deadly of all gynecological cancers. This is because the cancer is usually advanced before it is diagnosed, making treatment difficult. The ovaries can be easily examined and, because the signs are not clear, late diagnosis is common.

Due to the lack of screening tests available, it is imperative to know the early symptoms and possible risk factors.

Understanding ovarian cancer
The ovaries are two small organs that are part of the female reproductive system and are located on either side of the uterus. These ovaries contain germ cells that become eggs that are released when the woman menstruates.

They also produce estrogen and progesterone, hormones that adjust the menstrual cycle and have an effect on the growth of breasts and body hair as well as affecting the development of the female body shape.

What types of tumors are there?
This normally happens in an organized manner, but sometimes they grow abnormally and form a growth that we are experiencing as a tumour. The tumour can be benign, or it could be malignant. If it is benign, it is not cancerous and does not spread to other parts of his body. A malignant tumour, on the other hand, is often spread and cancer, making mestastases or secondary cancers.

Ovarian cancer is malignant and may occur in one or both ovaries. There are three main groups who are linked to the cell where the cancer starts. Epithelial ovarian cancer, as its name suggests, grows in the epithelium which is the surface of the ovary. It is the most common and accounts for about 90 percent of ovarian cancer. It mainly affects postmenopausal women.

Another type of epithelial tumor is a tumor borderline growing much more slowly than its regular counterpart. These can usually be removed successfully, even if diagnosed at an advanced stage.

There is a very rare form of ovarian cancer called germ cell ovarian cancer that begins in cells that develop into eggs. This represents only 5 per cent of cancers of the ovary and usually occurs only in women under age 30. The other five percent of ovarian cancers are generally sex cord stromal cells ovarian cancer that affects the cells responsible for ovarian female hormones. It can affect women of all ages.

Who is at risk for ovarian cancer?
The cause of ovarian cancer is unknown but there are certain risk factors that have been identified through research. Although these risk factors can increase your risk of developing ovarian cancer, they do not mean that you will necessarily develop the disease. However, knowledge of these risk factors can be useful. If you are interested in having one of these risk factors, it is important to talk to your health professional.

Factors that may increase your risk of ovarian cancer are:

• Age-About 90 percent of ovarian cancers affecting women more than 40 years.
• Cultural background - white women in western society have higher rates of ovarian cancer in the African or Asian woman.
• Number of pregnancies - Women who have never been pregnant seem to have a higher risk of ovarian cance
• Family history - Between 5 and 10% of ovarian cancers are genetic in origin. Researchers believe that the genes responsible for breast cancer (BRCA1 and BRCA2) are involved in almost all cases of familial ovarian cancer and familial breast cancer. It is also believed that these same damaged genes may be responsible for some cancers of the colon and endometrium. If you are genetically predisposed to the entire ovary, breast, endometrial cancer or colon, you may have an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
• Infertility and taken ovulation - Women who have had ovulation may be at higher risk even if infertility itself is a risk factor of this kind can not be taken as a clear indication.
• Hormone Replacement Therapy - Use of estrogen only HRT is usually when you have had a hysterectomy, was identified as a possible risk factor for ovarian cancer, especially if you have been on this therapy for more ten years.
• Factors lifestyle - Obesity is a risk factor for ovarian cancer is like a diet that is rich in fat.

Can I reduce the risk of ovarian cancer?
Currently, there are no known procedures to prevent or detect early ovarian cancer, but there are ways to reduce risk. Some of these factors are:

• Oral contraceptives - Research has shown that the use of oral contraceptives may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer up to 60 percent if taken for a period of five years during your lifetime.
• Pregnancy and lactation - Breastfeeding delays ovulation after childbirth, and therefore reduces the risk of ovarian cancer. However, there is no guarantee that breastfeeding will prevent you from developing ovarian cancer.
• Enjoy a diet low in fat - A diet rich in fat has been identified as a risk factor for ovarian cancer. Therefore, it makes sense to stick to a low-fat diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.
• Tubal ligation or hysterectomy - These operations are executed by a single valid medical reason, but it is believed that they reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.
• People with a strong family history of ovarian cancer may choose to speak to a genetic counsellor who can determine if you are at risk of developing the disease. If your family history suggests the damaged genes associated with ovarian, breast, endometrial or colon cancer, it may be wise to have genetic testing. If these tests show the damaged BRCA1 or BRCA2, you may be a gynecological oncologist refe.rred to consider ways to reduce your risk.

Early symptoms of ovarian cancer
Because there is no screening test for ovarian cancer, it is recommended that you have a vaginal pelvic regular monitoring to see if there are any changes in your ovaries. It is also essential that you consult your physician specialist if you notice any possible signs of the disease. Because the symptoms are often common to many other medical conditions, the diagnosis of ovarian cancer can be difficult

However, if you have any of these symptoms, which are unusual for you and that persist for more than a week, see your doctor without delay.

Some symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:

• Stomach discomfort of pain in the pelvic region
• The persistent nausea or wind.
• Feeling constantly bloated or "full".
• Unexplained weight gain.
• Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
• Bowel changes
• From frequency or urgency to urinate
• Lethargy.
• The pain during intercourse.
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding.

Sometimes, cancers of the ovary were wrongly diagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome or menopause, so if you are interested, ask to be referred to a gynecologic oncologist who can order tests to rule out cancer ' ovary. It is rare that these symptoms are ovarian cancer, but if it is early detection gives an excellent chance of survival.

To diagnose ovarian cancer
If your doctor suspects ovarian cancer, you will be referred to a gynecologic oncologist who organise testing, which may include some or all of the following:

• A pelvic exam.
• Blood tests
• Stomach and chest radiographs.
• A barium enema to remove intestinal problems
• Échographies

If the results show a risk of ovarian cancer, it will be advisable to have an operation to confirm the diagnosis (none of these tests can be sure). During the operation, if the surgeon finds ovarian cancer, they will normally kill the cancer and the ovaries. It is important to understand before surgery that this will happen if you can learn all about your illness and the results prior to the transaction.