Ovarian cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the ovaries.
The ovaries are a pair of organs in the female reproductive system. They are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus (the hollow, pear-shaped organ where a fetus grows). Each ovary is about the size and shape of an almond. The ovaries produce eggs and female hormones (chemicals that control the way certain cells or organs function).
Risk factors for ovarian cancer include the following:
* Being older
* Having a family history of ovarian cancer
* Having increased levels of CA 125
* Obesity
Certain factors may decrease a woman’s risk of developing ovarian cancer. Women who have taken oral contraceptives (“the pill”), given birth, breast-fed, or had a tubal ligation or hysterectomy have a lower than average risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Tests that are used to detect (find) and diagnose ovarian cancer are:
Ovarian cancer is usually advanced when detected by a pelvic exam.
These tests can all be done at Belize Medical Associates, 5791 St. Thomas Street, Belize City, Belize C.A. Tel#: 223-0302/03/04.