All About Ovaries                 

CA125

If someone has raised CA125 counts in their blood, it can indicate ovarian cancer. However increased CA125 levels can also link to endometriosis, fibroids, and sometimes pregnancy.

If symptoms of ovarian cancer are present, an individual should be eligible for this test. However, in the UK there is no current regular screening for non-symptomatic BRCA carriers. In the US they are tested every 6 months, time for some campaigning?

In the mean-time, it is important you know the symptoms of ovarian cancer:

• bloating
• abdominal pain
• bleeding
• feeling full quickly
• needing to wee more frequently
• sudden weight loss

This list is not exhaustive. Head over to Ovarian Cancer Action and The Eve Appeal for more info. Visit your doc if you’re worried. 

Did you know that using oral contraceptives (birth control pills) can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer? Mind Blown. Over the past few years there have been queries about how the same contraceptives increase the risk of breast cancer. Recent evidence shows this risk is minimal.

Some BRCA gals choose to have a bilateral salpingectomy (removal of the fallopian tubes), as most ovarian cancers develop in the tubes. This lessens the chance of cancer and avoids/delays pre-induced menopause. The PROTECTOR Study is currently being conducted in the UK. Many BRCA gals are signed up for this study, which will tell us more about the effectiveness of this approach over the years.

Oooph. This is a FABULOUS word, for a not so fabulous operation (life saving though!). A bilateral oophorectomy is where you have your ovaries removed. Most BRCA gals are encouraged to do this after they have finished having children, and usually from 35+ 

You should always have your fallopian tubes removed at the same time as your ovaries, check with your Doc as this isn’t always offered.

Many women with BRCA+ will be having their ovaries removed before they naturally reach menopause. The operation will therefore induce menopause.
This can be very difficult for women and can result in:

• depression
• anxiety
• weight fluctuation
• insomnia
• night sweats
• low libido (sex drive)
• headaches
• heart palpitations
• forgetfulness
• hot flushes

Please check the NHS website for more info.

Pre-induced menopause can also increase risk of cardiovascular disorder (heart problems) and osteoporosis (weakened bones). 

It is possible to have Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to help with these side effects and long term risks. HRT isn’t always suitable if women have had breast cancer, but some triple negative breast cancer patients are allowed it. Check with your Oncologist if you are unsure. Here is a handy guide by Newson’s Health ‘HRT the Basics’. 

Speak to your doc in the first instance. The long term impact of an oophorectomy and surgical menopause is extremely difficult for some women. However, sadly ovarian cancer does not have a positive prognosis, with just 5% of women living for 5 years or more.

On a positive note. You have the power and knowledge to live longer which is a gift worth a million years. 

Read our friend Krista’s experience of her hysterectomy and oophorectomy here.