Ovarian Cancer | Louisiana Department of Health
Source: http://dhh.louisiana.gov/office-of-public-health/ovarian-cancer
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:14
Ovarian Cancer | Louisiana Department of Health
Community Health & Wellness
Cancer
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is the growth of cells on each side of the uterus in the female reproductive system which produce eggs (ova) as well as the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
This can occur in three areas - in the cells that cover the outer surface of the ovary, in the cells that produce your eggs, or in the cells that make hormones. These different cells can make different types of tumors.
Physicians are not sure what causes ovarian cancer, but here are a few facts to be aware of:
Anyone can get ovarian cancer, however, the risk increases with age and other factors.
About half of the women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer are 63 years or older.
In the United States, white women see the highest rate of ovarian cancer, followed by Hispanic women, Asian/Pacific Islander women, and Black women.
There are no recommended routine screening guidelines for ovarian cancer for those women who are NOT at high risk. This is because there is no evidence that screening testing reduces mortality in women at average risk. A Pap test does not screen for ovarian cancer.
It is important to recognize symptoms and learn what you can do to reduce your risk. If you notice any unusual changes in your body, talk to your doctor.
Signs & Symptoms
Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge
Abdominal bloating or swelling
Quickly feeling full when eating
Weight loss
Pain and/or discomfort in the pelvic area
Fatigue
Back pain
Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
A frequent urge to urinate
Risk Factors & Behaviors
Older age
Inherited gene changes - including BRCA1 and BRCA2, BRIP1, RAD51C and RAD51D
Family history of ovarian cancer
Being overweight or obese
Postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy
Endometriosis
Beginning menstruation at an early age and/or starting menopause at a later age
Never having been pregnant
There's no definitive way to prevent ovarian cancer, however, you may consider asking your doctor whether birth control pills (oral contraceptives) may be right for you as they can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.
Testing
Pelvic exam
Imaging tests
Blood test
Surgery
Genetic testing
Treatment Options
Surgery
Chemotherapy
Targeted therapy
Hormone therapy
Immunotherapy
Local Resources
Louisiana Cancer Research Center
National Resources
National Cancer Institute: Ovarian Cancer
American Cancer Society: Ovarian Cancer
CDC: Ovarian Cancer
Surgeon General
Evelyn Griffin, MD
Secretary
Bruce D. Greenstein
Powered by
Cicero Government
Community Health & Wellness
Cancer
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is the growth of cells on each side of the uterus in the female reproductive system which produce eggs (ova) as well as the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
This can occur in three areas - in the cells that cover the outer surface of the ovary, in the cells that produce your eggs, or in the cells that make hormones. These different cells can make different types of tumors.
Physicians are not sure what causes ovarian cancer, but here are a few facts to be aware of:
Anyone can get ovarian cancer, however, the risk increases with age and other factors.
About half of the women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer are 63 years or older.
In the United States, white women see the highest rate of ovarian cancer, followed by Hispanic women, Asian/Pacific Islander women, and Black women.
There are no recommended routine screening guidelines for ovarian cancer for those women who are NOT at high risk. This is because there is no evidence that screening testing reduces mortality in women at average risk. A Pap test does not screen for ovarian cancer.
It is important to recognize symptoms and learn what you can do to reduce your risk. If you notice any unusual changes in your body, talk to your doctor.
Signs & Symptoms
Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge
Abdominal bloating or swelling
Quickly feeling full when eating
Weight loss
Pain and/or discomfort in the pelvic area
Fatigue
Back pain
Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
A frequent urge to urinate
Risk Factors & Behaviors
Older age
Inherited gene changes - including BRCA1 and BRCA2, BRIP1, RAD51C and RAD51D
Family history of ovarian cancer
Being overweight or obese
Postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy
Endometriosis
Beginning menstruation at an early age and/or starting menopause at a later age
Never having been pregnant
There's no definitive way to prevent ovarian cancer, however, you may consider asking your doctor whether birth control pills (oral contraceptives) may be right for you as they can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.
Testing
Pelvic exam
Imaging tests
Blood test
Surgery
Genetic testing
Treatment Options
Surgery
Chemotherapy
Targeted therapy
Hormone therapy
Immunotherapy
Local Resources
Louisiana Cancer Research Center
National Resources
National Cancer Institute: Ovarian Cancer
American Cancer Society: Ovarian Cancer
CDC: Ovarian Cancer
Surgeon General
Evelyn Griffin, MD
Secretary
Bruce D. Greenstein
Powered by
Cicero Government