Guest Author - Carolyn Chambers Clark, ARNP, EdD

What causes ovarian cancer?

*Studies have linked ovarian cancer to eating dairy foods and eating a high-fat diet. Both can clog your body and allow your cells to be more prone to disease. In one study, women diagnosed with ovarian cancer ate 7 percent more animal fat in the form of butter, whole milk, and red meat, as well as more yogurt, cottage cheese and ice cream than women who stayed healthy.

*Studies have also linked talc to ovarian cancer. This includes powdering your genitals or sanitary pads with powder that contains talc, or having a partner who uses a condom that contains talc.

* A recent study by the American Cancer Society found that women who used estrogen replacement therapy increased their risk of ovarian cancer by 40% if they took it for at least six years, and by 70% if they took it for at least 11 years, compared to women who had never taken estrogen.

* Several studies have shown a correlation between taking fertility drugs and ovarian cancer, but they do not agree on the amount of risk.

* According to Christiane Northrup, M.D., other factors linked to ovarian cancer include pollutants and toxins, radiation, mumps virus, cigarette smoke, caffeine, tannic acid (in some teas), birth control pills, and an abusive work or personal relationship in which the other person is always angry with her and may be otherwise abusive. This can lead to a woman absorbing her anger and putting it deep inside.

* Studies of family history show a history of ovarian cancer or cancer at other sites can predict ovarian cancer.

What are early signs of ovarian cancer?

According to Dr. Carolyn D. Runowicz of the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF)Hotline, the early signs of ovarian cancer are a vague feeling of pelvic pressure, discomfort or "gassiness" months before diagnosis, abdominal pain, indigestion, a change in bowel habits, urinary frequency or urgency, a distended abdomen, tightening of clothing and a shortness of breath.

Many of these signs are also normal menopausal symptoms. If these vague digestive disturbances can't be explained by any other cause, see your health care practitioner.

What tests are best for detecting ovarian cancer?

If you have the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer and can't explain them by diet or the use of talc, or the other factors listed above, Carolyn D. RUnowicz, M.D. Of the OCRF Hotline suggests you insist on a pelvic exam, a transvaginal ultrasound, and a CA125 blood test. The Pap Test rarely detects ovarian cancer according to Dr. Runowicz.

Self-Care actions to take to reduce your risk of ovarian cancer

Take these self-care actions to reduce your risk of ovarian cancer. They are especially important if your family has a history of ovarian, breast, uterine, pancreatic, skin or colon cancer.

*Examine your work and love relationships to make sure you are not in an abusive situation. Seek counseling to help extricate yourself from these dangerous situations that can affect your health physically, mentally and spiritually.

*Make time each day for you to do something creative, fun and/or nurturing. This one act can counterbalance some of the other risks you are facing.

*Powder only with non-talc products and make sure your partner uses a talc-free condom. Cornstarch is an inexpensive, safe and effective alternative to powdering with talc.

*Even though standard hormone replacement therapy now includes progesterone and the normal dose is less than prescribed at the time of the American Cancer Society, carefully consider the possible net risks and benefits prior to using estrogen.

*Replace meat and dairy products with soy products. A recent study showed soy decreased ovarian hormone levels and protects against cancer.

* Carefully evaluate risks for ovarian cancer prior to taking fertility drugs. Seek other approaches to fertility first.

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Resources:

Conversations: The Newsletter for Those Fighting Ovarian Cancer. http://www.ovarian-news.com

www/oncolink.upenn.edu, the University of Pennsylvania's award-winning web site provides in-depth information, resources, current medical news, and clinical trial information.

Gilda Radner's (800) OVARIAN, http://www.rpci.med.buffalo.edu/clinic/gynonc/grnl.html is a registry that tracks families with a history of ovarian cancer, offers information and peer support for women with a high risk of ovarian cancer.

The National Cancer Institute, (800) 4-CANCER, http://www.nci.nih.gov offers support and guidance, including information about clinical trials and trained personnel to speak with about treatment and coping skills.

The Women's Cancer Network at http://www.wcn.org provides medical information, treatment options, and a personalized risk assessment.

For more information on menopause, click on...



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Sources:

Blair. Healthy and unhealthy men, Journal of the American Medical Association. Volume 273, numer 14, pp. 1093-1098, 1995.

Brinton LA, Lamb EJ, Moghissi KS, Scoccia B, Althuis MD, Mabie JE, Westhoff CL. Ovarian cancer risk after the use of ovulation-stimulating drugs. Obstetrics and Gynecology June volume 103, number 6, pp.1194-203, 2004.

Camoosa and Schellenbach. Estrogen replacement therapy may increase women's risk of fatal ovarian cancer. Newsline for Nurse Practitioners, October, 1995, p 10.

Cook, Kamb and Weiss. Perineal powder exposure and the risk of ovarian cancer. American Journal of Epidemiology, volume 145, number 5, pp. 459-465, 1997.

Cramer and others, Dietary animal fat and relationship to ovarian cancer risk, Obstetrics and Gynecology, volume 63, number 6, 833-838, 1984.

Cramer, Liberman, and others. Genital talc exposure and risk of ovarian cancer. International Journal of Cancer, volume 81, number 3, pp. 351-356, 1999.

Kerber and Slattery. The impact of family history on ovarian cancer risk. Archives of Internal Medicine. Volume 155, pp. 905-912, 1995.

Lu, Anderson ,Grady and Nagamani. Effects of an isoflavone-free soy diet on ovarian hormones in premenopausal women. Journal of Clinical and Endocrinological Metabolism, volume 86, number 7, pp. 3045-3052.

Northrup, C. Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom, New York: Bantam, 1994.

Whysner and Mohan. Perineal application of talc and cornstarch powders: evaluation of ovarian cancer risk. Volume 192, number 3, pp. 720-724, 2000.