Celebrity matchmaker Amber Kelleher-Andrews dies after cancer battle; What is Ovarian Cancer and what are the early signs?

Amber Kelleher-Andrews, a well-known matchmaker for celebrities and public figures, has died after her battle with cancer. She died on Sunday, April 13, at her home in Montecito, California, according to an in memoriam shared by Kelleher International.

Kelleher-Andrews passed away peacefully, surrounded by family. She was 56.

Kelleher-Andrews, who was also a former model and actress, was a well-known relationship consultant on shows like Good Morning America, Today, and 20/20.


John Berg, her business partner and co-CEO at the matchmaking company, confirmed that her cause of death was cancer. The mother of three young children and married for 25 years, was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer in 2017. According to news reports, even though the cancer went into remission within three months, it later returned even stronger than the first time.


What is ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the ovaries, the female reproductive organs responsible for producing eggs and hormones like estrogen. In ovarian cancer, normal cells in the ovaries undergo changes, leading to uncontrolled growth and formation of a tumor.

There are different types of ovarian cancer, with epithelial ovarian cancer being the most common, arising from the surface cells of the ovaries.



How common is ovarian cancer?

Although ovarian cancer is relatively uncommon, a significant concern for women due to its high mortality rate. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer is approximately 1 in 78 for women. While not as common as some other cancers, like breast or endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer is a leading cause of death among gynecological cancers.

As per the World Cancer Research Fund, ovarian cancer is the 18th most common cancer worldwide and the 8th most common cancer in women. There were 324,603 new cases of ovarian cancer in 2022. It is the leading cause of death in women diagnosed with gynecological cancers, and it also ranks as the 5th most frequent cause of death from any cancer in women in the United States and the 8th worldwide.


Causes of ovarian cancer:

Ovarian cancer is not caused by a single factor, but rather a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors that increase the risk of developing the disease. These include age, family history, genetics, reproductive history, obesity, and certain medical conditions.

Here's a more detailed look:

Age: The risk of ovarian cancer increases with age, particularly after 50, with most cases diagnosed in women over 65.

Family history: Having a family history of ovarian, breast, or bowel cancer increases the risk, especially if it's a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter).

Genetics: Inherited mutations in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 significantly increase the risk of ovarian cancer.

Reproductive history: Factors like never having children or having children later in life, early onset of menstruation, and late menopause can slightly increase the risk.

Obesity: Being overweight or obese is linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer, particularly after menopause.

Endometriosis: This condition, where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus is associated with a higher risk of ovarian cancer.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Long-term use of estrogen-only HRT after menopause can slightly increase the risk.

Other factors: Smoking, certain medical conditions like diabetes, and exposure to some environmental agents (like talc or pesticides) may also increase the risk, though research is ongoing.


Early symptoms of ovarian cancer:

Ovarian cancer symptoms can be vague and may not appear until the disease is advanced, and the early symptoms can be subtle and easily mistaken for other conditions. Common early symptoms include persistent bloating, feeling full quickly, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel or urinary habits.

Take a look.

Persistent bloating: A feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen that doesn't go away even after eating a small meal or after a few days.

Feeling full quickly: Becoming full sooner than usual when eating, even with small amounts of food.

Abdominal pain or discomfort: Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvic region, which may be chronic, periodic, and similar to menstrual cramps or stomach aches.

Changes in bowel or urinary habits: Increased frequency of urination, a sudden urge to urinate, constipation, or changes in bowel habits like diarrhea.

Unexplained weight loss or gain: Unintentional weight loss or gain without any changes in diet or exercise.

Fatigue or tiredness: Feeling unusually tired or exhausted, especially if it's persistent and unrelated to other factors.

Pain during sex: Painful intercourse, also known as dyspareunia, can be an early sign, particularly if it's new or worsening.

Irregular bleeding or menstrual changes: Changes in menstrual cycles, such as heavier bleeding, irregular bleeding, or bleeding after menopause, should be checked by a doctor.


Treatment of ovarian cancer:

Ovarian cancer treatment typically involves a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery is often the first step, aiming to remove the tumor and any affected reproductive organs, and to stage the cancer.

Chemotherapy, using drugs to kill cancer cells, is often used after surgery, or in some cases, before, to shrink the tumor. Targeted therapies, which aim to attack cancer cells specifically, and hormone therapy, which blocks hormone growth factors, may also be used.

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