September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer among women in the United States.  About 21,000 women are diagnosed each year of ovarian cancer in the US.  About 1 in 70 women develop ovarian cancer and the mean age of diagnosis is 59.  Increasing age is one of the strongest risk factor in ovarian cancer.  Risk increases from age 20 to 80 then declines.    Family history is the next strongest risk factor.  Woman who have first degree relative as well as those who carry BRCA mutation are at increased risk for developing ovarian cancer.  Other risk factors include diet high in animal fat, early menarch and late menopause.  Oral contraception is associated with decreased risk for ovarian cancer.

The screening of ovarian cancer is only recommended for high risk women such as those with strong family history of ovarian cancer and for women with BRCA mutation or HNPCC genetic mutation.  Women do need to realize that false positive results in screening may lead to significant emotional distress and more invasive procedures. 

Symptoms of ovarian cancer include abdominal discomfort, bloating and abdominal distension.  Treatment strategy includes surgery to remove as much tumor as possible, followed by chemotherapy according to the surgical stage and amount of residual disease.  For some patients, it may be feasible to receive chemotherapy first before surgery depending on the clinical presentation.

A number of new drugs are being studied for treatment of ovarian cancer.  One that has received most attention is Avastin which inhibits new blood vessel formation in tumors.  A large trial conducted by gynecological oncology society compared chemotherapy alone to chemotherapy in combination with avastin and found that combination therapy followed by avastin maintenance slowed tumor growth significantly.  More studies are underway to confirm the benefit of avastin in upfront ovarian cancer treatment after surgery.

A number of studies are looking at YOGA and exercise in reducing fatigue, sleep disturbance from cancer treatments.  Studies show that YOGA can favorably alter circadian rhythm and improves anxiety and mood.  Exercise also improves concentration, nausea, sleep and memory in patients undergoing cancer treatments. 

Gigi Chen, MD is a Medical Oncologist and Hematologist with Diablo Valley Oncology.  She sees patients in Pleasant Hill and Rossmoor.  For more information call 925-677-5041 or go to www.DiabloValleyOncology.md  where you will find Northern California’s most comprehensive online cancer library.