Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Edition

Dear CCS Care Community,

In our unwavering commitment to Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we find it imperative to provide a profound understanding of ovarian cancer, encompassing its symptoms, risk factors, and diverse types. At CCS Care, we are dedicated to spreading awareness, fostering education, and providing support for individuals and families affected by ovarian cancer. Knowledge stands as a formidable tool in the ongoing battle against this silent yet formidable adversary.

Ovarian Cancer Overview:

Ovarian cancer manifests when abnormal cells in the ovaries undergo uncontrolled growth, eventually forming tumors. If not detected early, these cancerous cells infiltrate surrounding tissues and, in advanced stages, may spread to other areas of the body. It is crucial to acknowledge that ovarian cancer can impact not only women but also some transgender men and non-binary individuals assigned female at birth. The symptoms, particularly in the early stages, can be subtle, necessitating heightened awareness and proactive health management.

Recognising the Symptoms: A Call to Action:

The symptoms of ovarian cancer can be subtle, contributing to its reputation as the "silent killer." If you experience any of the following signs, it is essential to arrange a consultation with your healthcare provider:

Feeling full quickly

Loss of appetite

Persistent abdominal pain that doesn't subside

Bloating or an increase in abdominal size

Increased frequency of urination

Additionally, be vigilant for: Unexplained tiredness and Unexplained weight loss

Changes in bowel habits, especially after the age of 50

While these symptoms could indicate other, less serious conditions, it's crucial to consult your doctor if anything seems unusual for you.

Understanding Risk Factors: Empowering Prevention:

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing ovarian cancer, and understanding them is crucial for proactive healthcare. It's important to note that having one or more risk factors doesn't guarantee the development of ovarian cancer.

Inherited Faulty Genes: Between 5 and 15 out of 100 ovarian cancers are caused by inherited faulty genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2. Individuals with a family history of ovarian cancer, especially mothers or sisters, have a higher risk.

Previous Cancer: A history of breast cancer, especially at a younger age or with estrogen receptor-negative (ER-negative) breast cancer, increases the risk of ovarian cancer. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause is also linked to a higher risk.

Smoking: Smoking, particularly for an extended period, can increase the risk of certain types of ovarian cancer, such as mucinous ovarian cancer.

Medical Conditions: Studies suggest that women with endometriosis or diabetes may have an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Additionally, excess body fat is linked to a higher risk.

Reducing Risk Through Lifestyle Choices:

While some factors increase the risk, certain lifestyle choices can reduce the likelihood of developing ovarian cancer:

Taking the Combined Contraceptive Pill: Research indicates that taking the combined contraceptive pill can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, with a longer duration of usage providing more significant risk reduction.

Having Children and Breastfeeding: Having children and breastfeeding are associated with a lower risk of ovarian cancer. These actions reduce the number of times a woman ovulates, contributing to lower risk.

Hysterectomy or Tubal Ligation: Having your tubes tied or a hysterectomy may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, particularly for younger women, although ongoing research is exploring this relationship.

Types of Ovarian Cancer: Understanding the Diversity:

Ovarian cancer encompasses various types, each with its unique characteristics. The most common type is epithelial ovarian cancer, with subtypes such as high-grade serous, low-grade serous, endometrioid, clear cell, mucinous, and undifferentiated or unclassifiable.

Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: This is the most common type, with subtypes including high-grade serous, low-grade serous, endometrioid, clear cell, and mucinous.

Primary Peritoneal Cancer (PPC): A rare cancer that starts in the tissue lining the inside of the abdomen (peritoneum), often affecting women over 60.

Fallopian Tube Cancer: Similar to ovarian cancer, starting in the fallopian tubes and sometimes challenging to distinguish from ovarian cancer.

Having relatives with ovarian cancer does not necessarily mean that you have a faulty inherited gene in the family. The cancers could have happened by chance. But women with a mother or sister diagnosed with ovarian cancer have around 3 times the risk of ovarian cancer. This is compared to women without a family history. If you are worried about your family history of ovarian cancer, speak to your GP. They can tell you whether you might benefit from a referral to a genetics service. Previous cancer You have an increased risk of ovarian cancer if you've had breast cancer in the past. The risk is higher in women diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age. And those with oestrogen receptor-negative (ER-negative) breast cancer.

Understanding these types is crucial for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the importance of education, early detection, and community support. By staying informed, spreading awareness, and supporting research initiatives, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of those affected by ovarian cancer.

#CCSCareForOvarianHealth #OvarianCancerAwareness #EarlyDetectionSavesLives #TealForACause #CommunitySupport #WomenHealthAwareness #CCSCare

Thank you for being a part of the CCS Care community.

With warm regards,

CCS Care Newsletter Team