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Even with an annual Pap smear test and the new vaccination for young women, cervical cancer can’t be totally prevented. But there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of developing cancer of the cervix.
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Vaginal cancer is a relatively rare disorder, comprising about 2% to 3% of all gynecologic cancers. Approximately 2,400 women are diagnosed each year with vaginal cancer in the United States.
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The chance of getting ovarian cancer increases as a woman gets older. Ovarian cancer occurs in women over the age of 50 and the highest risk is in women over 60.
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Uterine cancer is the most common of all cancers in the female reproductive system. It can either form in the inner lining of the uterus or the outer layer of muscle tissue.
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Thought to be caused by a problem with the genetic information transmitted between an egg and sperm, molar pregnancy can develop during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Testimonials
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When Jan Holsclaw found out she had ovarian cancer, she was referred to Dr. Bigsby at Florida Hospital Cancer Institute for surgery and treatment. With reassuring words and...
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TV Personality Jan C. Garavaglia, M.D., (aka "Dr. G") is the chief medical examiner for the District Nine (Orange-Osceola) Medical Examiner's Office in Florida. When she... -
Bonnie has helped to raise millions of dollars for ovarian cancer research taking place at National Cancer Institute (NCI), Department of Defense (DOD), Centers for Disease...
Ovarian Cancer Facts
Ovarian Cancer Causes
The causes of ovarian cancer continue to elude us. Some researchers think the increases in hormone levels before and during ovulation may cause the cells to become abnormal. Others think it has to do with the monthly tissue repair process that occurs when the egg is released through a tiny tear in the ovarian follicle during ovulation.
What is known is that the following factors can increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer:
Age. The chance of getting ovarian cancer increases as a woman gets older. Ovarian cancer occurs in women over the age of 50 and the highest risk is in women over 60.
Childbearing. The more children you’ve had, the less chance there is you’ll get ovarian cancer. Conversely, women who have never had children are more likely to develop ovarian cancer than women who have had children.
Family history. If your mother, daughter or sister has had ovarian cancer, you face a higher risk. The risk increases if two or more women in your direct family have had ovarian cancer. The same is true if members of your extended family have had ovarian cancer, but to a slightly less extent.
Other cancers. If you have had colon cancer or breast cancer, the chances of having ovarian cancer are greater than if you haven’t had these forms of cancer.
Some studies have shown that certain lifestyle and health choices actually decrease the risk of ovarian cancer. This can include breastfeeding, taking birth control pills, having an operation that prevents pregnancy such as a tubal ligation or a hysterectomy. Recent evidence even suggests that a low fat diet can reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Having a risk factor doesn’t mean that you’ll get ovarian cancer, only that you have a statistically higher chance of contracting it. If you have one or more risk factor, speak with your physician to see if there are ways you can change your lifestyle or habits to reduce the likelihood you’ll develop ovarian cancer in your lifetime.
Forms of Ovarian Cancer
The form of ovarian cancer you develop depends on its location on the ovary. There are three basic types:
Epitheal tumors. Approximate 85% to 90% of all ovarian tumors are epitheal tumors. These form in the epithelium, the thin outer layer of tissue on the ovaries.
Germ cell tumors. These tumors are in the egg producing cells of the ovary. This type of ovarian cancer typically occurs in children and teens and is rare in comparison.
Stromal tumors. These tumors develop in the tissue that holds the ovary together and produce estrogen and progesterone.
Ovarian Cancer Statistics
While ovarian cancer accounts for only 4% of all female cancers, it is estimated that nearly 22,000 women will be diagnosed with cancer of the ovaries every year and 15,510 will die from ovarian cancer.
Thankfully, early detection has increased the likelihood you will survive ovarian cancer. Nearly 175,000 women in the U.S. who have had a history of ovarian cancer in the past are considered cancer survivors today.
If the cancer is still localized in the ovaries, the five-year survival rate is 92.7%. If it has spread into the surrounding region, the survival rate is 71.1%. If it has spread beyond this region, the survival rate drops to 30.6%.
Pregnancy After Ovarian Cancer
Depending upon the treatment, women who have had ovarian cancer may still be able to conceive. For example, patients who have had just one ovary removed still have the chance to become pregnant because eggs can still be released by the remaining ovary.
Other factors probably affect the ability to get pregnant after ovarian cancer, including the regularity of menstrual cycles, prior pelvic or appendiceal infections and endometriosis. Certain radiation and chemotherapies can also affect your ability to become pregnant. Of course, a hysterectomy or other procedure involving the uterus, vagina and cervix can make having a child through traditional means difficult or impossible.
If you are concerned about the ability to become pregnant following ovarian cancer, you should talk to your doctor about your options before a procedure is determined. That way you know all your options and how they will affect your ability to bear children in the future.