Tennis legend Chris Evert’s battle with ovarian cancer has brought renewed attention to this devastating disease and the challenges of early detection. Evert’s proactive approach to her health, driven by her sister’s death from ovarian cancer, has been instrumental in her survival.
This article delves into her journey, the realities of ovarian cancer detection, and what women can do to manage their risk.
Chris Evert’s Journey: A Story of Vigilance and Survival
Chris Evert’s personal battle with ovarian cancer began with a fear for her own health after her sister succumbed to the disease. In 2022, Evert was diagnosed with stage 1 ovarian cancer, caught early through vigilant testing.
Although the cancer returned, it was again detected at stage 1, allowing for successful treatment. Now 69, Evert is cancer-free for the second time.
Her story underscores the importance of early detection, even though there are no approved methods for early screening of ovarian cancer.
The Harsh Reality: No Early Detection for Ovarian Cancer
Despite the focus on early detection in Evert’s story, experts highlight a critical issue: there is no approved screening for ovarian cancer. Sarah DeFeo, Chief Program Officer at the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA), states, “There is no method of early detection.” Ovarian cancer is a rare disease with a lifetime risk of one in 87, making routine screenings impractical for the general population.
Ineffective Screening Methods
Dr. Gillian Hanley, an associate professor at the University of British Columbia and member of OCRA’s scientific advisory committee, explains that all attempted screening methods have failed to reduce mortality rates.
Standard surveillance methods, such as the CA-125 blood test and transvaginal ultrasound, are imprecise and not recommended for women without symptoms or high-risk factors.
Also read: How the Mediterranean Diet Can Lower Mortality Risk for Women: Key Insights
The Importance of Genetic Testing
For women concerned about ovarian cancer, genetic testing is a critical tool. Evert’s decision to undergo genetic testing after her sister’s death revealed she carried the BRCA-1 gene mutation, leading to a preventative hysterectomy and removal of her ovaries and fallopian tubes.
This surgery ultimately revealed her stage 1 ovarian cancer. DeFeo emphasizes, “The real story is about the importance of knowing your risk and about risk management.”
Why Ovarian Cancer is Hard to Detect Early
A significant clinical trial in the UK followed 200,000 women over 20 years and concluded that current screening and symptom awareness methods do not save lives. The study found no evidence that screening methods, such as ultrasound and CA-125 tests, effectively reduce mortality rates. Dr. Usha Menon, the lead investigator, stated, “We cannot recommend ovarian cancer screening for the general population using these methods”.
DeFeo explains, “Ovarian cancer needs to be caught much earlier to impact mortality.” Unfortunately, the technology to achieve this does not yet exist. Most ovarian cancer cases originate in the fallopian tubes, which are challenging to access and biopsy.
Preventative Measures: Salpingectomy
OCRA recommends the preventative removal of fallopian tubes (salpingectomy) for women undergoing pelvic surgeries, such as hysterectomies or endometriosis treatments. This recommendation, endorsed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), applies to all women, not just those with high genetic risk.
Genetic Testing: A Proactive Approach
Genetic testing is more accessible than ever, with many insurance plans covering the cost. DeFeo advises women to examine their family history for signs of hereditary cancer risk, such as breast or ovarian cancer on either side of the family.
“Getting a BRCA test is a very good idea if there’s a history of these cancers,” says Dr. Hanley. Prophylactic surgeries may be recommended for those who test positive.
Evert’s case illustrates the importance of genetic testing and preventative measures. Her cancer was only diagnosed through the removal and analysis of her fallopian tubes, a process that would not occur without a known genetic risk.
Hope for the Future
While no effective screening method for ovarian cancer currently exists, researchers remain hopeful. “With advancing technology and better understanding, we may one day develop a screening method that works,” says Hanley. Until then, genetic testing and preventative surgeries remain the best strategies for managing ovarian cancer risk.
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