Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any other type of cancer affecting the reproductive system. In a typical year, over 20,000 women contract this disease, and more than 12,000 die from it.

The risk of ovarian cancer increases with age. Women over the age of 60 have the highest incidence. Women who have never given birth are twice as likely to develop ovarian cancer as those who have. Early pregnancy and menopause and the use of oral contraceptives seem to offer protection against ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer often shows no symptoms until the later stages. Most commonly, women notice an enlarged abdomen. Other symptoms may include vague, unexplained digestive disturbances.

Treatment is altered according to the stage of the disease and consists of varying combinations of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Drugs useful in treating ovarian cancer include chlorambucil, melphalan, cyclophosphamide, cisplatin, and paclitaxel (Taxol).

Goto: Ovarian Cancer: Facing the Facts

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