September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. It provides an opportunity to talk about this dangerous cancer and the fact that symptom awareness may be lifesaving.

Ovarian cancer is not a Silent Killer

Studies have shown that ovarian cancer is not silent. Rather, the warning signs are subtle. In fact, 90% of women do report symptoms, even at the early stages. Four symptoms have been proven to occur more often in females with ovarian cancer as compared to those in the general public. If any of these symptoms are new and unusual and occur at least 12 times in one month, the woman should see a doctor -- preferably a gynecologist:

• Bloating
• Pelvic and abdominal pain
• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
• Urinary Issues including changes in frequency or urgency

Factors That May Decrease and Increase the Risk of Ovarian Cancer

Factors which may decrease the risk of ovarian cancer include: oral contraceptive use, removal of fallopian tubes and/or ovaries, and breastfeeding.

Factors which may increase the risk of ovarian cancer:

• Personal or family history of ovarian, breast, uterine, or colorectal cancer. About 20-25% of ovarian cancer is hereditary. Any female who has been diagnosed with a form of ovarian cancer should be referred to a genetic counselor.
• Increased number of menstrual cycles in a lifetime (never had children, late menopause, etc.)
• Infertility, regardless of whether fertility drugs were used
• Use of Hormone Replacement Therapy
• Increasing Age (Note: ovarian cancer affects all ages and all ethnic groups.)
• Obesity

Why Symptom Awareness is Key

Due to the lack of an early detection test, only 15-20% of ovarian cancer is detected early. In 2017 in the United States, it is estimated there will be 22,440 new cases of ovarian cancer and 14,080 women will die from the disease. In Michigan in 2017, it is estimated there will be 790 cases and 500 women will die from ovarian cancer.

Until There's a Test, Awareness is Best

Early detection of cancer is vital. Since there is no screening test for ovarian cancer, symptom awareness is key. Know your body and know the symptoms.

Quick Data -- Ovarian Cancer

United States

• About 22,440 women will receive a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer in 2017
• About 14,080 women will die from ovarian cancer in 2017
• Ovarian cancer is more common in white women than African-American women.
• Ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women, accounting for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system.
  Source: American Cancer Society -- What are the key statistics about ovarian cancer. http://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovariancancer/detailedguide/ovarian-cancer-key-statistics

Michigan

• In 2013, there were 714 new cases of ovarian cancer in Michigan
• In 2014, there were 514 deaths in Michigan due to ovarian cancer.
  Source: Michigan Cancer Surveillance Program. http://www.cancer-rates.info/mi/
• Projections for 2017:
  • It is estimated that in Michigan in 2017, there will be 790 new cases of ovarian cancer
  • It is estimated that in Michigan in 2017, there will be 500 deaths due to ovarian cancer
    Source: American Cancer Society. Cancer Statistics Center. http://cancerstatisticscenter.cancer.org. Accessed 19 July 2017

Disparities

United States (rates are per 100,000 population) 2010-2014

• White women have a higher incidence (new cases) rate than Black women (11.8 vs 9.2 respectively)
• White women have a higher death rate from ovarian cancer than Black women (7.7 vs 6.4)
  Source: National Cancer Institute. State Cancer Profiles. http://statecancerprofiles.cancer.gov. Accessed 19 July 2017

Michigan

• In Michigan, White women have a higher rate of new cases of ovarian cancer compared to Black women (12.1 vs. 7.5 per 100,000 population)
  Source: Michigan Cancer Surveillance Program. http://www.cancer-rates.info/mi/