Medically reviewed by: Sarah Adams, MD, OCRA Scientific Advisor Ovarian cysts are fairly common, but that doesn’t make having them any less nerve-wracking. If you’ve been diagnosed with an ovarian cyst, it’s natural to wonder if that means you have, or are at risk of developing, ovarian cancer. While it’s important to be vigilant when it … Continued
Rates of cervical precancer dropped nearly 80% between 2008 and 2022 among screened women aged 20 to 24, according to the latest Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The report notes that women in this age group are those most likely to have received the HPV vaccine. Read the … Continued
What do you feel holds great promise in the field of ovarian cancer research and treatment? “We have made great progress in understanding the molecular biology of ovarian cancer. Continuing efforts to understand it – and the tumor microenvironment – will allow us the opportunity to identify new and more effective ways to prevent and treat … Continued
No, a Pap smear does not test for ovarian cancer; it screens for cervical cancer. In fact, no reliable screening or early detection tests exist for ovarian cancer. What is a Pap Smear? In the realm of women’s health, a prevalent question emerges: “Does a Pap smear reveal ovarian cancer?” This inquiry stems from a … Continued
A recent study from Cancer Nursing has shed more light on the profound impact gynecologic cancer has on survivors, even after treatment. In particular, the study highlighted the prevalence of fear of recurrence among gynecologic cancer survivors, regardless of their prognosis, and underscores the importance of support programs to address survivors’ needs adequately. Through in-depth … Continued
Fewer people each year are being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Why do you feel the numbers are decreasing? OCRA’s Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) is composed of doctors and researchers who are well-known and well-respected experts in the field of gynecologic oncology. They review the proposals we receive for research funding — hundreds of letters of … Continued
Share your thoughts on multi-cancer detection tests and what role they might have, or not, for ovarian cancer? OCRA’s Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) is comprised of doctors and researchers who are well-known and well-respected experts in the field of gynecologic oncology. They review the proposals we receive for research funding — hundreds of letters of … Continued
What can be gained by increasing our understanding of other gynecologic cancers or other parts of the female reproductive system? OCRA’s Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) is comprised of doctors and researchers who are well-known and well-respected experts in the field of gynecologic oncology. They review the proposals we receive for research funding — hundreds of … Continued
You may hear the terms “uterine cancer” and “endometrial cancer” used interchangeably. But uterine cancer is an umbrella term that includes two distinct cancer types — endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma. When people talk about uterine cancer, they usually are referring to endometrial cancer, which is far more common than uterine sarcoma. Endometrial cancer, in … Continued
Endometriosis and endometrial cancer are often confused because the names of these two conditions sound so much alike. In fact, they are very different. Endometriosis is not cancer, and having endometriosis does not necessarily lead to endometrial cancer. Endometriosis can be very painful, but it is not lethal. What these two conditions do have in common is … Continued
NCCN guidelines for the management of ovarian cancer, as well as fallopian and primary peritoneal cancers, specify that patients diagnosed with those diseases should have germline and somatic testing. But what does this even mean? And how is that different from genetic or genomic testing? OCRA offers free genetic testing for those who qualify. Fill … Continued
Many ovarian cancer patients and survivors wonder what the ideal diet for ovarian cancer may be. In a nutshell – there is no simple answer. In this article, adapted from a presentation given by expert Cara Anselmo, Clinical Dietitian-Nutritionist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center at OCRA’s 2022 Ovarian Cancer National Conference, you will learn why no … Continued
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