HEALTHIER YOU: Awareness of ovarian cancer

BY DR. MARGUERITE BRATHWAITE OB-GYN

The word “cancer” always raises an alarm. It is scary because there is so much unknown. 

Awareness and early detection are key survival factors, and that begins with basic knowledge. There are five main types of cancer which affect a woman’s reproductive organs: cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar. Each gynecological cancer is unique — with different signs, symptoms, and certain risk factors, including heredity. 

All women are at risk for gynecological cancers — and that risk increases with age. The signs and symptoms are not the same for every woman. When gynecological cancers are found early, treatment works best; which is why it is important for women to pay attention to their own bodies and take note when something is not normal or seems out of the ordinary. 

Ovarian cancer makes up around 2.5% of all cancers found in women. But it causes about 5% of cancer deaths in women because it’s often found late, after cancer has spread. 

A little less than 1% of Black women may get ovarian cancer in their lifetime. They have some of the lowest rates of ovarian cancer, compared to other racial/ethnic groups. Per 100,000 people, here’s a breakdown of how many U.S. women may have ovarian cancer each year: 

• Non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native women 11.4% 
• Non-Hispanic white: 11% 
• Hispanic: 10.3 % 
• Non-Hispanic Black: 9.4% 

Ovaries are mostly made of three kinds of cells: epithelial, germ, and stromal. Each of these cells can cause a different kind of cancer. 

For example, Epithelial tumors form in the tissue around your ovaries. This is the most common kind of ovarian cancer found in women of any race or ethnicity. There are four major types of epithelial ovarian cancer: 

• Serous 
• Endometriosis 
• Clear-cell 
• Mucinous 

Black women with epithelial ovarian cancer are diagnosed most often with high-grade serous tumors, the most aggressive kind. 

All women should have regular healthcare checkups. Make your appointment today by calling Innovative Women’s Care at (702) 413-7740 or visit us at 851 S. Rampart Blvd., Suite 165 in Las Vegas.