Post on 22-Dec-2015
Ovarian CancerBy Deborah Wilson-Brosseau
What is Ovarian CancerOvarian cancer is any cancerous growth that develops in any part of the ovaries.
Demographics of Ovarian CancerEighth most common cancer among women in
the United StatesAccounts for 3.3% of all new cancer in
American women Fifth most common cause of cancer death
among women due to poor early detectionOne in 71 women will develop ovarian cancer One in 95 will die from it21,550 new cases each year14,600 deaths per year (6)
Demographic of Ovarian CancerMost likely to occur over the age of 50After menopauseCaucasian Women have a higher risk
especially Ashkenazi Jewish descent womenAfrican-American and Asian women have a
lower risk of ovarian cancerHalf of the ovarian cancer cases will develop
in women over the age of 63Highest incidence of ovarian cancer occurs
in industrialized countries (6)
Symptoms of Ovarian CancerIt is often called the silent killer because it
produces few symptoms in its early stagesMost women are unaware they have the
disease until it has progressed to advanced stages.
Most early symptoms are vague and either abdominal or gastrointestinal in nature’
If you have any of the following symptoms that persist for two weeks or more contact your doctor (4,6)
Symptoms of Ovarian CancerDigestive symptoms
Gas, indigestion, constipation
Bloating, distention or cramping
Abdominal or low back discomfort
Pelvic pressureVaginal bleeding in
post menopausal woman
Frequent urinationUnexplained changes
in bowel habitsNausea or vomitingPain or swelling in
abdomenLoss of appetiteFatigue Pain during
intercourse (4,6)
Risk Factors for Ovarian CancerAge is the greatest risk factorRisk increases after menopauseFamily or personal history of
cancers of the female reproductive tract or breast that is caused by an inherited the genetic mutation
Early menstruation-before age 12
Late menopauseUse of talcum powder in the
genital areaFemale workers exposed to
asbestosGenital deodorant sprays
Eating a diet high in saturated fats
Treatment with androgens (male hormones)
Never having been pregnant
Obesity increases risk
If you have been pregnant, breastfed and took oral contraceptives your risk of developing ovarian cancer is lowered. (1,6)
How is Ovarian Cancer DiagnosedA complete medical history to assess all the risk
factorsA thorough bi-manual pelvic examinationCA-125 assay
Blood test to determine the level of CA-125 One or more various imaging procedure
Ultrasound, CT, MRIA lower GI series or barium enemaDiagnostic laparoscopy for definitive diagnose
Uses a thin instrument inserted in the abdomen to visualize the organs inside the abdominal cavity(4,6)
Variations in Ovarian TumorsThree main types
Epithelial Cells 90% of all ovarian cancers
develop from epithelial cells lining the surface of the ovaries
Stromal Cells 5% of ovarian cancers begin in
the stromal cells that produce estrogen and progesterone
Germ Cells 2% of ovarian tumors develop in
the cells that would become eggs. Many are benign (noncancerous) (2,4)
Stages in DiagnosisStage 1- Tumor limited to ovary or ovariesStage 2- Ovarian tumor with pelvic
extension, involves the uterus or fallopian tubes and/or other pelvic organs
Stage 3- Tumor involving the upper abdomen or lymph nodes
Stage 4- Tumor involving distant organs including pleural space or hepatic/splenic parenchyma (6)
Current TreatmentThree treatments for ovarian cancer
Surgery It is done to remove as much of the tumor as possible and
it is usually followed by chemotherapy and/or radiationChemotherapy
It is used to target cells that have traveled to other organs and throughout the body via the lymphatic system or the blood stream
Radiation It uses high energy, highly focused x-rays to target very
specific areas of cancer. A machine with external energy beam and radioactive liquids are used for radiation treatments. (4,6)
Chemotherapy and Ovarian CancerChemotherapy is most often a systemic
treatmentIt is used to kill cancer cellsIt is administered several ways
Intravenous, IV Travels throughout the body
Orally Travels throughout the body
Intraperitoneal Is localized in the abdominal cavity (4,6)
ChemotherapyA combination of two or more drugs should
be given to help to kill cancer cellsPlatinum compounds is the single most active
drug in the treatment of Ovarian cancerThe combination of intravenous platinum
compound such as cisplatin and a taxane such as paclitaxel is the first line for many patients
3 to 6 cycles of chemotherapy should reduce the size of the tumor (4,6)
Cisplatin Platinol-AQA chemotherapy treatment used for
testicular, ovarian, bladder or lung cancerIntravenous- Parenteral OnlyIt is sometimes combined with other cancer
drugsSome Side Effects
Altered taste, stomatitis, severe prolong vomiting and nausea, diarrhea, renal toxicity, weakness, infections, hair loss and peripheral neuropathy
Anorexia and weight loss (3)
Cure or Remission Rate5 Year Survival Rates
Stage 1------92.8%Stage 2------78.6%Stage 3------50%Stage 4------17.5%(6)
The Impact of Cancer and Treatment on NutritionCancer can cause chronic nausea and early satietyFatiguePainMental StressVomitingMetabolic changesMuscle wastingAltered taste perception intestinal cramping DiarrheaConstipation (5)
Nutrition Therapy Treatment for Bowel IssuesDrink lots of fluidEat small mealsHave salty soup and brothsDon’t eat or drink foods that will increase gasNo caffeineNo foods that contain high fatTalk to your doctor about using digestive
enzyme replacements for prolong diarrhea (5)
Prevention TheoriesDecrease Ovulation
Pregnancy stops ovulation
Multiple pregnanciesBreastfeeding childrenTaking oral
contraceptivesGenetic Testing
To detect if you are carrying certain genes that increase your risk
Test positive for BRCA1 OR BRCA2
SurgeryHaving a tubal ligation
lowers your riskHysterectomy also
lowers your riskScreening
Women at high risk should talk to their doctor
Regular Screening Blood test and ultrasound
Annual pelvic exam (6)
Gynecological Cancer Support Groupa support group for women diagnosed with
gynecological cancer, their families and friends to share experiences.
When: Meetings are held the second Tuesday of every month from 5 to 6:15 p.m.
Where : Banner Desert Cancer CenterPhone Number: (480) 412-HOPE (4673).Address: 1400 S. Dobson Road Mesa, AZ 85202
Citation Cancer.org. Cancer. 23 January 2012.
<http://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovariancancer/overviewguide/ovarian-cancer-overview-what-is-ovarian-cancer>.
Cherry, James Michael. Comparative study of molecular changes in ovarian tumor progression and the identification of biomarkers. 2009. <http://www.grin.com/en/doc/275123/comparative-study-of-molecular-changes-in-ovarian-tumor-progression-and>.
Crowe, Zaneta M. Pronsky and Sr Jeanne P. "Food Medication Interaction." 2010: 84.
Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins. "Cancer-Principles and Practice of Oncology 9th Edition." 2011: 1368-1377.
Sharon Rady Rolfes, Kathryn Pinna and Ellie Whitney. "Understanding Normal and Clinical Nutrition." Sharon Rady Rolfes, Kathryn Pinna and Ellie Whitney. Belmont, Ca: Wadworth, 2009. 907-910.
Thompson. "The Gale Encyclopedia of Cancer Third Edition Volume 2." 2010: 1090-1097.