Ovarian Cancer - Raising Awareness Quiz

Answer: All of these

Ovarian cancer is the most deadly cancer of the female reproductive system because the symptoms are so vague that doctors often blame them on more common conditions. Thus, only an estimated 24% of patients with ovarian cancer are diagnosed at an early, more treatable stage.

Answer: Increased appetite

Ovarian cancer actually causes you to lose your appetite and feel full more quickly. Other symptoms can include feelings of pressure in the lower abdomen, changes in bowel habits, and irregular menstruation. Again, these symptoms are vague and it is important to see a doctor regarding any concerns to rule out more common conditions.

Answer: Women who have already gone through menopause

Ovarian cancer is most common in older women, but it can be seen in other age groups. This includes teens and young adults. However, the more children a woman has had, the more her risk decreases.

Answer: Unprotected Sex

A family history of ovarian, breast, or colon cancer is one of the biggest risk factors, but infertility and obesity have also been linked to higher rates of occurrence. However, your risk is not related to unprotected sex.

Answer: Epithelial

According to the American Cancer Society, 85 to 90% of all ovarian tumors develop in the epithelium. This is the thin layer of tissue covering the ovaries.

Answer: Surgery and chemotherapy

Radiation is rarely used in ovarian cancer because it has been proven ineffective, but some doctors may recommend external beam radiation to help with symptoms in the advanced stages of the disease. Most cases are treated with surgery followed by chemotherapy.

Answer: The uterus and cervix

This procedure can help stage and treat more advanced cases of ovarian cancer and virtually eliminate the risk of recurrence. However, it is avoided when possible in younger women because they will not be able to have any children once the uterus is removed.

Answer: False

If you compare rates of ovarian cancer rates with people who have used oral contraceptives with those who have not, the results are astounding! Taking birth control pills can reduce your risk by up to 50%.

Answer: They are bigger and grow faster

While many may think a smaller tumor would be better, the opposite is actually true. Because germ cell tumors grow so fast and become so big, they are detected earlier, and therefore the survival rates increase.

Answer: True

Ovarian cancer awareness is extremely important. Women need to know the warning signs. The average 5 year survival rate for ovarian cancer overall drops to 45% because more than 60% of cases are caught when it is already too late.