Ovarian cancer is the seventh most common type of cancer in American women. The American Cancer Society estimates 22,220 new cases will be diagnosed this year in the U.S. It's the fourth leading cause of cancer death for women, estimated to kill about 16,210 of them in 2005.

Risk for ovarian cancer increases with age - more than half of all cases are diagnosed after menopause. Early start of menstruation (before 12), later onset of menopause (after 50), not having children, or having a first child after 30 are associated with an increased risk. Women who are obese, have a personal history of breast cancer, a family history of breast, ovarian or colorectal cancer, or those who take fertility drugs for a prolonged period have a higher risk of ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer is often called the silent killer because the disease usually causes no symptoms until it has progressed to advanced stages. When symptoms occur, they are often mistaken for other problems. Some signs include: back pain, stomach pain, bloating, constipation and a frequent need to urinate.

Early Detection

Overall, the five-year survival rate for ovarian cancer (all stages combined) is about 44 percent. If the cancer is detected in early stages (before the cancer has spread outside the ovary), five-year survival rates are about 90 to 95 percent.

Unfortunately, only about 19 percent of ovarian cancer cases are detected at an early stage. The traditional PAP test only screens for cervical cancer. A pelvic examination may find some tumors. But often the cancers are too small to be felt during examination. Women who are at high risk for ovarian cancer may have a transvaginal ultrasound to look for potential ovarian masses. The CA-125 blood test looks for a protein associated with cancer. However, many women with ovarian cancer don't have enough of this protein until the cancer has advanced. Positive CA-125 results can also be caused by other factors.

Searching for Ovarian Cancer Markers

Researchers at Georgia Tech are using samples of tissue from ovarian tumors to look for potential markers of ovarian cancer. One target of investigation is called LPA (lysophophatidic acid), a fat molecule that plays a role in the growth and spread of the cancer.

The search for an ovarian cancer marker goes beyond early detection. Researchers may be able to use the information to classify tumors and determine the most effective treatment for the patient's cancer. They may also be able to identify which cancers are most likely to recur. In addition, the information may provide clues for developing new therapies to fight ovarian cancer.

SOURCES

Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, http://www.ovariancancer.org