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Correct

Several studies show that ovarian cancer can produce these symptoms:

• Bloating
• Difficulty eating and feeling full quickly
• Abdominal or pelvic pain
• Urinary issues (urgency or frequency)

Symptoms often do not show up until the disease has advanced, and can be subtle and easily mistaken for other, more common problems. If these symptoms occur for more than two weeks, and are new and unusual for you, see your gynecologist and ask about ovarian cancer.

Incorrect

Good guess, but several studies show that ovarian cancer can produce all of these symptoms:

• Bloating
• Difficulty eating and feeling full quickly
• Abdominal or pelvic pain
• Urinary issues (urgency or frequency)

Symptoms often do not show up until the disease has advanced, and can be subtle and easily mistaken for other, more common problems. If these symptoms occur for more than two weeks, and are new and unusual for you, see your gynecologist and ask about ovarian cancer.

Correct

You're right -- unfortunately, there is no early detection test or screening tool for ovarian cancer.

A Pap smear, which is performed at annual gynecologic checkups, only screens for cervical cancer.

That's why it's so important to know the risk factors -- including your personal risk -- and the common symptoms of the disease.

Incorrect

That's a common misconception. Actually, there is no early detection test or screening tool for ovarian cancer.

A Pap smear, which is performed at annual gynecologic checkups, only screens for cervical cancer.

That's why it's so important to know the risk factors -- including your personal risk -- and the common symptoms of the disease.

Correct

Unfortunately, you’re right. Ovarian cancer is stealthy, with symptoms that are late to appear and easy to miss, and no early detection test. The results are dire: Just 15% of patients receive their diagnoses in the cancer’s earliest stages.

OCRA-funded scientists work every single day for better diagnostic tests and treatments. And every day, thanks to your support, we get closer to a world in which no woman suffers from ovarian cancer.

Incorrect

Nope, not quite. Ovarian cancer is stealthy, with symptoms that are late to appear and easy to miss, and no early detection test. The results are dire: Just 15% of patients receive their diagnoses in the cancer’s earliest stages.

OCRA-funded scientists work every single day for better diagnostic tests and treatments. And every day, thanks to your support, we get closer to a world in which no one suffers from ovarian cancer.

Correct

Yep, you got it!

Starting menstruation after age 12, taking oral contraceptives, giving birth, and breastfeeding all decrease risk of ovarian cancer.

Why? Because ovulation is thought to contribute to ovarian cancer in some cases. So the more menstrual cycles a person goes through, the more opportunities there are for spurring reproduction of cells, stimulating cell-signaling pathways, and damaging DNA in the process of releasing the egg from its follicle.

Getting one's period later in life, being pregnant, breastfeeding and taking oral contraceptives all reduce the number of times you ovulate throughout your life.

Incorrect

(But close!)

Starting menstruation after age 12, taking oral contraceptives, giving birth, and breastfeeding all decrease risk of ovarian cancer.

Why? Because ovulation is thought to contribute to ovarian cancer in some cases. So the more menstrual cycles a person goes through, the more opportunities there are for spurring reproduction of cells, stimulating cell-signaling pathways, and damaging DNA in the process of releasing the egg from its follicle.

Getting one's period later in life, being pregnant, breastfeeding and taking oral contraceptives all reduce the number of times you ovulate throughout your life.

Correct

For the general population, each of these factors have been linked to increased risk of ovarian cancer:

• Advanced age (over 40)
• Menopause (and being post-menopausal)
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Obesity

A quick note on age: You may have heard that ovarian cancer rates are highest in women aged 55-64 years. This is true; but risk of ovarian cancer begins rising at age 40.

Incorrect

In fact, for the general population, these have ALL been linked to increased risk of ovarian cancer:

• Advanced age (over 40)
• Menopause (and being post-menopausal)
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Obesity

A quick note on age: You may have heard that ovarian cancer rates are highest in women aged 55-64 years. This is true; but risk of ovarian cancer begins rising at age 40.

Correct

Yes, a personal history of endometriosis, or of breast, uterine or colon cancer can all mean increased risk of ovarian cancer.

Family history is also important. If a close blood relative has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer at any age, or with breast, uterine, or colon cancer before age 50, you are also at increased risk.

Incorrect

Actually, ALL of those medical conditions -- a personal history of endometriosis, or of breast, uterine or colon cancer -- can increase the likelihood of developing ovarian cancer.

Family history is also important. If a close blood relative has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer at any age, or with breast, uterine, or colon cancer before age 50, you are also at increased risk.

Correct

You got it. In fact, about 20 to 25 percent of people diagnosed with ovarian cancer have a hereditary tendency to develop the disease.

The most significant risk factor for ovarian cancer is an inherited genetic mutation in one of two genes, called BRCA1 and BRCA2. BRCA mutations are responsible for about 10 to 15 percent of all ovarian cancers. Eastern European women, and women of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, are at a higher risk of carrying BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. Research also suggests Black women may be more likely to carry BRCA mutations. Other, more rare genetic mutations can increase risk as well.

Another known genetic link to ovarian cancer is an inherited syndrome called hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC or Lynch Syndrome).

Incorrect

Actually, we know that about 20 to 25 percent of people diagnosed with ovarian cancer have a hereditary tendency to develop the disease.

The most significant risk factor for ovarian cancer is an inherited genetic mutation in one of two genes, called BRCA1 and BRCA2. BRCA mutations are responsible for about 10 to 15 percent of all ovarian cancers. Eastern European women, and women of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, are at a higher risk of carrying BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. Research also suggests Black women may be more likely to carry BRCA mutations. Other, more rare genetic mutations can increase risk as well.

Another known genetic link to ovarian cancer is an inherited syndrome called hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC or Lynch Syndrome).

Correct

(Congratulations, you got our trick question right!)

It IS important to watch for symptoms. But if you suspect you may be at increased risk, you are correct that you shouldn't just wait for symptoms to appear. The most important thing to do is talk to your doctor now.

Your doctor may recommend genetic testing to further determine your personal risk level. And that's good, because if you know you are high-risk, you have preventative options to greatly reduce your chances of getting ovarian cancer. Knowledge is power!

Incorrect

(But it was kind of a trick question!)

It IS important to watch for symptoms. But if you suspect you may be at increased risk, don't wait for symptoms to appear. The most important thing to do is talk to your doctor now.

Your doctor may recommend genetic testing to further determine your personal risk level. And that's good, because if you know you are high-risk, you have preventative options to greatly reduce your chances of getting ovarian cancer. Knowledge is power!

Correct

If your doctor suspects ovarian cancer, and is recommending surgery, it is very important to consult with a gynecologic oncologist prior to initial surgery.

The importance of consulting a gynecologic oncologist prior to surgery cannot be overstated. Patients whose surgery is performed by a gynecologic oncologist, as opposed to a gynecologist or other non-specialized physician, have been shown to have better outcomes.

Incorrect

If your doctor suspects ovarian cancer, and is recommending surgery, the most important person to consult with BEFORE SURGERY is a gynecologic oncologist.

The importance of consulting a gynecologic oncologist prior to surgery cannot be overstated. Patients whose surgery is performed by a gynecologic oncologist, as opposed to a gynecologist or other non-specialized physician, have been shown to have better outcomes.