Photo Credit: Houston MethodistHealth
Raising Awareness for Ovarian Cancer this September
As September marks Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Houston Methodist Willowbrook gynecologic oncologist Dr. Behrouz Zand is working to educate women on the risks, symptoms, and latest advances in treatment for one of the deadliest gynecologic cancers.
Know the Symptoms: BEAT
Dr. Zand emphasizes that there are currently no reliable screening methods for ovarian cancer, making awareness of symptoms critical. He recommends remembering the acronym BEAT:
- Bloating
- Eating or feeling full quickly
- Appetite changes
- Toilet changes (urinary or bowel)
If these symptoms occur daily for more than three weeks, women should see their doctor.
Risk Factors and Impact
- Hereditary risk: About 1 in 4 cases are hereditary, often tied to the BRCA gene. Women with a family history of ovarian or early-onset breast cancer may be at increased risk.
- Impact: Each year in the U.S., about 20,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and roughly 12,000 die from the disease.
Advances in Treatment and Prevention
The field of gynecologic oncology is moving toward precision medicine, using molecular testing to identify genetic markers and apply targeted therapies alongside chemotherapy. Preventive measures can also make a difference:
- Oral contraceptives may reduce risk.
- Risk-reducing surgeries, such as removing fallopian tubes during hysterectomy, can cut risk by up to 70%.
Dr. Behrouz Zand is a board-certified gynecologic oncologist who trained at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Baylor College of Medicine. He is affiliated with Houston Methodist West, Willowbrook, and The Woodlands hospitals and is a member of the Houston Methodist Dr. Mary and Ron Neal Cancer Center, providing expert, compassionate care for women with gynecologic cancers.
For more information about ovarian cancer and resources available through Houston Methodist, visit:
Source: Houston Methodist
