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It is the most deadly of all women’s reproductive cancers, yet a stunning 85 percent of women are unfamiliar with ovarian cancer’s symptoms and 82 percent have never discussed it with their doctors, according to a survey sponsored by The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) as part of their “Break the Silence” campaign. The goal of the campaign is to inspire women to educate themselves about ovarian cancer, which kills 15,000 women each year. Unfortunately, only 20 percent of ovarian cancers are found in the early, more treatable stages. The following tips from the NOCC will help you increase your awareness and assess your risk.

RISK FACTORS: All women are at risk, but the following may put you at greater risk:
•    Genetic predisposition — if you have an altered BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes (short for breast cancer 1 and breast cancer 2, these are inherited genes that make you three to seven times more likely to develop breast and ovarian cancers than those without the alteration).
•    You have a personal or family history of ovarian, breast or colon cancer.
•    You are over the age of 35.

SYMPTOMS: If the following symptoms persist for more than two weeks, see your doctor right away:

•    Pelvic or abdominal pain or discomfort
•    Vague but persistent gastrointestinal upsets such as gas, nausea or indigestion
•    Frequency and/or urgency of urination in absence of an infection
•    Unexplained weight gain or loss
•    Pelvic and/or abdominal swelling, bloating and/or feeling of fullness
•    Unexplainable changes in bowel habits
•    Ongoing unusual fatigue

DETECTION: Many women wrongly believe that a Pap test can detect ovarian cancer. The following tests are actually the best predictors of ovarian cancer:

•    Rectovaginal pelvic exam For women over 35, this annual exam is a must; a physician examines the rectum and vagina simultaneously to feel for abnormal swelling or tenderness.
•    Transvaginal sonography For women at high risk, an ultrasound instrument is inserted vaginally to help determine irregularities.
•    CA-125 test For women at high risk, this blood test determines the level of CA-125, a protein produced by ovarian cancer cells.

PREVENTION: Although a vaccine is under development, there is currently no way to prevent ovarian cancer. The following behaviors can help reduce your risk:

•    Oral contraception Taking birth-control pills for three years or more has been shown to reduce risk of ovarian cancer by 30–50 percent.
•    Breastfeeding and pregnancy Having one or more children and prolonged breastfeeding reduces risk by 40 percent.
•    Tubal ligation Having your fallopian tubes tied after childbearing reduces risk by up to 60 percent.
•    Hysterectomy For women over age 40 with a family history and valid medical reasons, hysterectomy reduces risk by 95 percent.
•    Prophylactic oophorectomy Having your ovaries removed, recommended for high-risk patients, lowers risk by 95 percent, as a small risk of the similar primary peritoneal cancer remains.

The most important step in prevention is to discuss the disease and your risk factors with your doctor. There are dozens of resources on the NOCC website, including a list of conversation starters to help you “break the silence” in your own way. For more info, just log on to ovarian.org.