Ovarian Cancer: Statistics, Risk Factors, and Symptoms

Question 1

True of false: Ovarian cancer forms in the egg (ovum).

Answer 1

False; it forms in the epithelium that lines the lumen of the ovary and that produces hormones

Question 2

Where does ovarian cancer form?

Answer 2

In the epithelium that lines the lumen of the ovary and produces hormones

Question 3

What is the annual incidence (number of new cases) of ovarian cancer each year?

Answer 3

21, 000

Question 4

In what age group is the incidence of ovarian cancer highest?

Answer 4

75-79

Question 5

What are the two major non-genetic modifiers of risk of ovarian cancer?

Answer 5

1) Pregnancy reduces risk.
2) Lactation reduces risk.
Extra: (3) Oral birth control reduces risk

Question 6

Why do oral birth controls that secrete estrogen-like compounds increase risk of breast cancer but reduce risk of ovarian cancer?

Answer 6

It increases breast cancer risk because high estrogen tells mammary cells to proliferate; it decreases ovarian cancer risk because if tricks the woman’s body into thinking it is pregnant, thereby telling the ovaries to stop producing estrogen.

Question 7

True or false: BRCA1 tumor suppressor mutation increases a woman’s risk for both ovarian and breast cancer.

Answer 7

True

Question 8

Mutations in one of which two tumor suppressors increase a woman’s risk of both ovarian and breast cancer?

Answer 8

BRCA1 and BRCA2

Question 9

What is the annual mortality rate for ovarian cancer?

Answer 9

14,000

Question 10

What are the risk factors for ovarian cancer?

Answer 10

1) Age
2) Obesity
3) Reproductive history
(All of these are the same as for breast cancer.)

Question 11

When ovarian cancer metastasizes, where does it go first?

Answer 11

Jumps off of the ovary and into the peritoneal space.

Question 12

True or false: Ovarian cancer is usually diagnosed in an early stage.

Answer 12

False; it is usually in a later stage.

Question 13

What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?

Answer 13

1) Abdominal pressure, bloating, or discomfort
2) Nausea, indigestion, or gas
3) Urinary frequency, constipation, or diarrhea
4) Abnormal bleeding
5) Unusual fatigue
6) Unexplained weight gain or loss
7) Shortness of breath

Question 14

True or false: Preventative oophorectomy reduces the risk of both ovarian cancer and breast cancer.

Answer 14

True

Question 15

True or false: Oral contraceptives and tubal ligation decrease the risk of ovarian cancer.

Answer 15

True