image_pdfimage_print

August 31, 2021 – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecologic cancer and accounts for more deaths than any other cancer of a woman’s reproductive system. 

With September as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, it’s also important to note that the risk of getting ovarian cancer is one in 78 women, and the chance of a woman dying in her lifetime from ovarian cancer is about one in 108, according to the American Cancer Society.

Often referred to as the “silent killer,” ovarian cancer is difficult to detect early as there are no screenings or tests. Patients are typically asymptomatic until the disease has become very aggressive. Among the symptoms that can appear non-threatening and are often overlooked are bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, decrease in appetite, unusual feelings of fullness or frequent urination.

“Even though ovarian cancer is difficult to detect and can present as something that may be a minor ailment, we would always encourage women to make sure they schedule their annual gynecological appointments and see their physician if unusual symptoms persist,” said Scott E. Jordan, M.D., a specialist in gynecology, oncology and robotic surgery with the Broward Health Physician Group. “Early detection is always the key to positive patient outcomes.”

Scott E. Jordan, M.D.

The highest risks are a family history of ovarian cancer and a known genetic mutation, such as BRCA1, BRCA2 or lynch syndrome. Most women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are post-menopausal who are in their 50s and 60s. But women in their 40s are not immune to it.

“Ovarian cancer became a specialty in 1969,” said Dr. Jordan. “We’ve come a long way since then with molecular testing and personalized care. Another example of advancements in ovarian cancer is that we have had 13 new approvals for drugs in the last five years compared to the previous 45 years during which time we also had 13 new approvals.” 

There continues to be several breakthrough studies and clinical trials for ovarian cancer.

“The SOLO-1 trial in 2019 was a home run in the care for patients with BRCA-mutated ovarian cancer,” added Dr. Jordan. “Initial data indicates that patients with advanced BRCA-mutated ovarian cancer who were treated with platinum-based chemotherapy followed by maintenance olaparib (Lynparza), which is a treatment option for advanced ovarian cancer, experienced a 70% reduction in the risk of progression or death versus those who received placebo. This is yet another example of how far we’ve come.”

For more information, visit BrowardHealth.org/BeatCancer or call 954-888-3453.

About Broward Health

Broward Health, providing service for more than 80 years, is a nationally recognized system in South Florida that offers world-class healthcare to all. The Broward Health system includes the statutory teaching hospital Broward Health Medical Center, Broward Health North, Broward Health Imperial Point, Broward Health Coral Springs, Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital, Broward Health Weston, Broward Health Community Health Services, Broward Health Physician Group, Broward Health Urgent Care, Broward Health International, and Broward Health Foundation. For more information, visit BrowardHealth.org.