Facts about ovarian cancer in an interview

A doctor from Pennsylvania State University’s Milton S. Hershey Medical Center recently shared information about ovarian cancer in an interview for the Medical Minute. Dr. Joshua Kesterson is a gynecologic oncology specialist.

Read the full interview here: http://med.psu.edu/web/academicplacements/home/news/-/newsevents/News/10100/3007852

Why is it so important to talk about … ovarian cancer? 

Kesterson: Ovarian cancer affects a significant number of women. In the United States, there are about 20,000 cases of ovarian cancer per year and about 15,000 deaths per year. Ovarian cancer affects one out of every 70 women and is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy. 

Who is at highest risk for developing [this] cancer? 

Kesterson: While most cases of ovarian cancer are sporadic, women with a family history or carriers of the BRCA mutation – a mutation that affects cells in the ovary – are at increased risk for ovarian cancer. 

Are there any tests to screen for … ovarian cancer? 

Kesterson: Unfortunately, there aren’t any effective screenings for ovarian cancer. There are efforts looking into imaging with ultrasound or serologic markers, but those are not sensitive or specific enough to be applicable to the general population. 

What are your patients’ biggest concerns following their diagnosis? 

Kesterson: Anytime someone is diagnosed with cancer, they want to know directly or indirectly how long they can expect to live. For women with ovarian cancer, the first line treatment is surgery to remove the entire tumor, followed by chemotherapy, which works well to achieve remission. I tell my patients that there are two things we can control: the type of surgery and the chemotherapy regimen. We want to get the best treatment options for our patients. 

Are there any efforts to advocate for … ovarian cancer awareness and research for a cure? 

Kesterson: Ovarian cancer is starting to gain more public attention in the media and advocacy groups. We are seeing more runs and walks to support the cause. Groups supporting research include the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation, the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists, and the Gynecologic Oncology Group.

Even though cancer is scary, it is important to arm yourself with information about the disease after diagnosis. Although … ovarian cancer may not get the media attention that other cancers do, your doctor can guide you and your family through your diagnosis and treatment and connect you with support groups.

The Medical Minute is a weekly health news feature brought to you by Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Articles feature the expertise of Penn State Hershey faculty physicians and staff, and are designed to offer timely, relevant health information of interest to a broad audience.