Over the past decade, a new class of drugs called PARP inhibitors have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in ovarian cancer. Three FDA-approved PARP inhibitors — as well as others that are still under investigation — have offered hope for patients and clinicians in their quest to cure ovarian … Continued
Finding ways to minimize the pain caused by ovarian cancer can have a major impact on maximizing the quality of life for those dealing with this illness. Acupuncture is one technique tried by some patients to help manage both the discomfort caused by the disease itself, as well as the side effects of the standard … Continued
Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, known as HBOC, refers to a predisposition to develop cancer that is passed down through the generations of a family. HBOC is inherited in the form of a harmful mutation, or change, in a gene. Having one of these mutations increases the chances of developing ovarian cancer. Most commonly, … Continued
A cancer diagnosis of any type can stress both body and mind, but ovarian cancer takes a particularly high psychological toll on those living with the disease, according to recent research. However, there are different things patients can try to help them thrive during that first year. Read on for practical tips from a medical professional who … Continued
More than one-third of women with ovarian cancer develop ascites (pronounced uh٠SAI٠teez), an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. Ascites, which also occurs in people with liver disease and occasionally with other conditions, can lead to bloating, pain, discomfort, nausea, as well as trouble moving around, eating, or breathing. While this fluid buildup often comes … Continued
Physical activity has been touted as important for a whole host of reasons, from bone health to mental health and everything in between. But what are the benefits of exercise for cancer patients, specifically ovarian cancer? And is it advisable for ovarian cancer patients to exercise at all? As always, it’s important to check with … Continued
When it comes to cancer treatments, immunotherapy is a method of boosting our body’s defenses, collectively known as our immune system, so that the cancer-fighting cells can more effectively attack the tumor cells. What is the immune system? The immune system is made up of a complex network of cells, organs, tissues and proteins that … Continued
Metastatic ovarian cancer is cancer that has spread from the ovaries, or the fallopian tubes, to parts of the body outside the site of origin. Ovarian cancer that has metastasized is classified as Stage IV. When cancer is found outside the site of origin — outside the ovary — it may be considered locally advanced … Continued
High-grade serous carcinoma is the most common type of ovarian cancer, accounting for approximately 75% of epithelial ovarian cancers. Because it is the most common type of ovarian cancer, it is often the default type that’s referenced in discussions of ovarian cancer, unless another type is specified. Up until recently, it was thought that ovarian cancers … Continued
No, ovarian cancer does not stop your period in and of itself. It is still possible to menstruate with the presence of the disease in your body. That being said, let’s answer this question by examining a host of other questions surrounding whether or not ovarian cancer stops one’s period. Can a missed period be … Continued
Inherited gene mutations, such as BRCA 1 and BRCA 2, can increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer as well as uterine (endometrial) cancer. Some of these mutations, which affect MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2 and EPCAM genes, can cause Lynch Syndrome. This disorder is also called hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) and, as its name suggests, … Continued
Ovarian cancer is the seventh most commonly occurring cancer in women worldwide, and causes more deaths than any other type of female reproductive cancer. In the United States, it ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women. Certain risk factors can increase the chances of an individual developing ovarian cancer, one being age. Though the cancer … Continued
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