This type of cancer starts in the ovaries. The ovaries are the size of an almond and produce eggs (ova) as well as the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Detecting Ovarian cancer is quite a task since it often goes undetected until it has spread within the pelvis and abdomen. Ovarian cancer is more difficult to treat at a later stage. Ovarian cancer at an early stage in which the disease is spread to the ovary can be treated successfully.
Factors that can increase your risk of ovarian cancer include
Older age: Ovarian cancer can occur at any age but is most common in women ages 50 to 60 years.
Inherited gene mutations: The genes known to increase the risk of ovarian cancer are called breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2).
Other gene mutations, including those associated with Lynch syndrome.
Family history of ovarian cancer.
Estrogen hormone replacement therapy.
Age when menstruation started and ended.
Obesity.
Early-stage ovarian cancer rarely present with any symptoms. Advanced-stage ovarian cancer may present with few and nonspecific symptoms that are often mistaken for more common benign conditions. Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:
Treatment of ovarian cancer usually involves a combination of surgery and chemotherapy.