Cancer does not always cause noticeable symptoms at the beginning. That is one reason knowing your personal risk and keeping up with regular healthcare appointments matters. Ovarian and prostate cancers are different diseases, but both can benefit from conversations with a healthcare provider about family history, symptoms, and whether screening or additional testing may be appropriate.
According to data from the Texas Cancer Registry and the National Cancer Institute (NCI), ovarian cancer represents about 1.5% to 2% of all female cancer diagnoses in El Paso County, averaging between 30 and 45 new cases annually.
Approximately 20 to 25 women in El Paso County die from ovarian cancer each year.
The American Cancer Society estimates that about 21,010 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and 12,450 will die from the disease in 2026. For prostate cancer, the organization estimates about 333,830 new cases and 36,320 deaths in the United States this year.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer can be difficult to identify early because symptoms may be mild or resemble other common health problems. The National Cancer Institute notes that early ovarian cancer may not cause symptoms, and when symptoms do appear, the cancer is often more advanced.
Symptoms can include abdominal or pelvic pain, bloating, trouble eating or feeling full quickly, and urinary symptoms. Changes that are new, persistent, or different from what is normal for you are worth discussing with a healthcare provider.
Having a close family member with ovarian cancer can increase risk, as can inherited changes in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2. If ovarian or breast cancer has affected several members of your family, talk with your provider about whether genetic counseling may be appropriate.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the United States, other than skin cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. Risk increases with age, and family history and certain inherited genetic changes can also increase a person’s risk.
In El Paso County, approximately 320 to 380 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year.
Some men with prostate cancer have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include changes in urination, blood in the urine or semen, or pelvic or back pain. These symptoms can also be caused by conditions that are not cancer, which is why they should be evaluated rather than assumed to be prostate cancer.
Screening
Screening is not the same for everyone. For prostate cancer, the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test may be used, but it is not recommended as a routine screening test for every man. The National Cancer Institute recommends discussing the potential benefits and harms of PSA screening with a healthcare provider, particularly because screening can sometimes lead to false-positive results or detection of cancers that may never cause problems.
There is also no standard screening test recommended for women at average risk who have no symptoms of ovarian cancer. The NCI notes that currently available screening approaches can produce false-positive or false-negative results and have not been shown to reduce the chance of dying from ovarian cancer.
That does not mean people should ignore these cancers. It means screening decisions should be based on individual risk, symptoms, age, family history, and a conversation with a healthcare provider.
At University Medical Center of El Paso, patients have access to healthcare services across El Paso, including primary and specialty care. Talking with your healthcare provider about your symptoms, family history, and individual risk can help determine what care or testing may be appropriate for you. Early conversations can be an important part of taking an active role in your health.
It is important to monitor your health regularly to prevent, detect, and manage potential risks. At UMC, our health professionals are here to support your overall well-being. Call (915) 521-7979 today to schedule an appointment or visit umcelpaso.org to learn more.
