Key to early detection of ovarian cancer may be fallopian tubes

Tennis legend Chris Evert, known for his 18-time Grand Slam success, recently made headlines for revealing he was diagnosed with early-stage ovarian cancer and helping others by sharing his personal experience news

According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer in women, causing more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system

Early detection of breast cancer is possible thanks in large part to screening methods, including mammograms, self-breast exams and annual doctor visits

Why detection is important

Detecting cancer early often provides more treatment options and gives patients the best chance for a good outcome

However, there is currently no formal ovarian cancer screening equivalent to a Pap smear for uterine cancer, which can detect early-stage cancer or even precancerous cells

Those who know they have a family history of a higher genetic risk are one step ahead and can take action to understand that they may have a mutation or genetic error and get screened regularly

Additional screening methods can help, and ongoing research at Penn Medicine hopes to detect this cancer early by looking beyond the ovary

Research Effective Early Diagnosis

Penn Medicine's Ovarian Cancer Research Center (OCRC) is a catalyst for comprehensive and interdisciplinary research in ovarian cancer

In the past, most doctors and scientists naturally assumed that ovarian cancer developed in the ovaries

The first thing to understand is the statistics damage itself

"Experts have studied the ovary for a long time in hopes of finding answers to assist in the early diagnosis and detection of ovarian cancer, so knowing that these tumors start in the fallopian tube opens up a lot of possibilities for prevention and detection, and it can have a huge impact on the standard of care for these patients.

Evert shared that her family history of ovarian cancer was the reason she sought genetic testing

Both men and women have the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which play a role in the control and prevention of cancer

"It's important for people with a family history of cancer to be tested

Although mutations in these genes increase risk, anyone with ovaries is at risk of developing ovarian cancer

For those with a family history, as in Evert's case, you can seek help from a genetic counselor who can help evaluate your family history and testing criteria

No one can accurately predict whether a person will develop cancer
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But understanding the factors that increase risk may create opportunities for prevention or more effective treatments
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