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1. What is ovarian cancer?

   There are an estimated 100 different types of ovarian cancer tumors. However, 85 to 95 percent of ovarian cancer patients have an epithelial tumor, which begins in the surface tissue of the ovary (epithelium).

2. What causes ovarian cancer?

   The specific cause of ovarian cancer is unknown. But there are some common risk factors, including your personal and family history and never having a pregnancy.

3. What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?

   Ovarian cancer is often referred to as the "silent killer" because symptoms are easily mistaken as other conditions; by the time they're associated with ovarian cancer, the disease has already spread through a woman's abdomen and beyond. Regardless, symptoms include: A feeling of being bloated, vague abdominal and pelvic discomfort, gastrointestinal symptoms such as gas and constipation, back pain and fatigue.

4. What kinds of tests will my health care professional order?

   It depends on your health, age and history. Remember, sometimes diagnosing a disease is a matter of ruling other things out first, so you may have to go through a number of different tests so your health care professional can make a firm diagnosis. One of the first might be a Pap smear. After that, you may have a CA-125 blood test, abdominal or transvaginal ultrasound, a CAT scan, a lower GI series (barium enema) and/or an intravenous pyelogram.

5. What are the treatment options for ovarian cancer?

   Treatments vary depending on the stage of disease, your age and your overall health condition. The primary treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

6. How can I find out if I have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes and what if I do?

   First, realize that everyone has these genes. They are designed to help prevent the over-production of cells. Only nine percent of women have a mutation in one or both of these genes. If you have a defect in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, it means that you may have a 15 percent to 60 percent chance of getting ovarian cancer. If you have a history of ovarian cancer in your family, you can seek the help of a qualified genetic counselor to conduct an extensive genetic/medical history and obtain advice about whether or not to proceed with the test. Finally, if either of these genes is defective, it doesn't mean you'll get cancer. Plus, you can take preventive steps such as having your ovaries removed to significantly reduce your risk. Seek advice from your health care professional on how to proceed.

7. My father had colon cancer and I heard that, not only am I a candidate for the same disease, but that my chances for ovarian cancer are increased as well. Is that true?

   Yes. Hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer is caused by a defect in certain genes. This defect reduces your body's ability to repair damage to its DNA, and results in very high risks for colon, endometrial (the lining of the uterus) and ovarian cancers. Again, if this form of cancer is in your family, you may want to consider genetic counseling and testing.

8. Why am I supposed to avoid talcum powder?

   Some studies suggest that when women put talcum powder directly on the genital area, or even on sanitary napkins, it increases the risk of ovarian cancer. You might want to substitute a cornstarch-based product to be safe.