Cancer: Ovarian Cancer

Written by: Caroline Kim

October 19, 2024

In continuation of this series on different cancers, we’ll cover ovarian cancer today. Ovarian cancer is estimated to be responsible for 2.1% (12,740) of all cancer deaths in 2024; it is projected to make up 1% (19,280) of all cancer diagnoses in 2024 (NIH). According to the National Cancer Institute, between 2014 and 2020, the relative 5-year survival rate was 50.9%. Mayo Clinic describes ovarian cancer as a “growth of cells that forms in the ovaries. The cells multiply quickly and can invade and destroy healthy body tissue”. 

Symptoms of ovarian cancer include abdominal bloating, weight loss, pelvic discomfort, fatigue, back pain, frequent urination, and changes in bowel movement (Mayo Clinic Staff “Ovarian Cancer.”). There are 2 notable types of ovarian cancer: epithelial ovarian cancer, stromal tumors, and germ cell tumors (Mayo Clinic Staff “Ovarian Cancer.”). According to Mayo Clinic, epithelial ovarian cancer is the most common, covering both serous carcinoma and mucinous carcinoma; in comparison, stromal and germ tumors are more rare. Risk factors for this cancer include but aren’t limited to older age, inherited gene changes, a family history, being overweight, endometriosis (Mayo Clinic Staff). 

Cleveland Clinic describes four stages of Ovarian Cancer. Stage I covers 3 sub stages: 1A affecting one ovary/fallopian tube, 1B affecting both ovaries/fallopian tubes, and 1C affecting both ovaries/fallopian tubes and beyond. Stage II covers two sub stages: IIA covers stage 1 with the addition of the uterus and IIB covers cancer spreading to other nearby pelvic structures (Cleveland Clinic Medical Professional). In stage III the substage IIIA involves the spread of cancer beyond the pelvis to the abdomen/lymph nodes, IIIB involves spread beyond the pelvis/up to 2cm in size, and IIIC involves spread beyond the pelvis and beyond 2cm in size (Cleveland Clinic Medical Professional). According to the Cleveland Clinic, stage IV involves the most severe cases in which there is a spread of cancer to other organs such as the liver or spleen. 

Diagnosis of this cancer can involve multiple steps: pelvic exams, imaging tests, blood tests, surgery, and genetic testing (Mayo Clinic Staff ). After diagnoses, treatment for Ovarian cancer could entail surgery to remove an ovary, surgery to remove both ovaries, surgery to remove the uterus, and surgeries for advanced cancer (Mayo Clinic Staff); additional treatments involve chemotherapy, “a drug treatment that uses chemicals to kill fast-growing cells in the body, including cancer cells… injected into a vein or taken by mouth”, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, and supportive care (Mayo Clinic Staff). 

Sources:

1. NIH, National Cancer Institute. “Cancer of the Ovary - Cancer Stat Facts.” SEER, 1 Oct. 2024, seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/ovary.html. Accessed 17 Oct. 2024. 

2. Mayo Clinic Staff. “Ovarian Cancer.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 9 May 2023, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ovarian-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20375941. Accessed 17 Oct. 2024. 

3. Mayo Clinic Staff. “Ovarian Cancer.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 9 May 2023, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ovarian-cancer/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20375946. Accessed 17 Oct. 2024. 

4. Cleveland Clinic Medical Professional. “Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic, 9 Sept. 2024, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4447-ovarian-cancer. Accessed 17 Oct. 2024. 

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