Ovarian cancer is one type of cancer that strikes women all over the world, so much so that it is responsible for around 3% of cancers of women, reported OvarianCancer.org. Sometimes called the "silent killer," it is often diagnosed in its late stage what with its vague symptoms that can be attributed to other ailments.

But researchers from the University of Guelph have discovered a potential breakthrough in treating ovarian cancer in its late stage where survival rates are bleak.

Jim Petrik, professor at the university's Department of Biomedical Sciences, along with PHD student Nicole Campbell, have discovered that a peptide, ABT-898, that is derived from the thrombospondin molecule, which can shrink an established late-stage tumor. Not only does it shrink the tumor, it also prunes dysfunctional blood vessels in the tumor while leaving healthy vessels intact.

Pruning is important because chemotherapy relies on the tumor's blood vessels to transport the tumor-fighting drugs. This way, the ABT-898 peptide essentially enhances chemotherapy, thereby improving survival rates because cancer cells do not have time to adapt to this sort of treatment because of the efficient delivery.

With this increased efficiency also means that doctors can administer lower amounts of chemotherapy, reducing the side effects of the treatment.

Petrik and Campbell hope that their research will lead to human trials to ultimately develop a therapy that targets the cancer.

Since ovarian cancer is often diagnosed in its late stage, what are the symptoms that can be mistaken for other ailments? According to MedicineNet.com, the signs are:

- Pressure or pain in the abdomen, pelvis, back, or legs

- Swollen or bloated abdomen

- Nausea, indigestion, gas, constipation, or diarrhea

- Tired feeling

- Shortness of breath

- Need to urinate often

- Unusual vaginal bleeding, or bleeding after menopause

Since ovarian cancer is so dangerous for women, there are some things that they can do to lower their risk for this disease. According to Steven Vasilev, MD, of About.com, women can do the following to lower their chances:

1. A diet rich with flavonoids, which are antioxidants, offers protections to the disease. Flavonoids can be found in plants, fruits, vegetables, and tea.

2. Choose foods that have Omega-3, and avoid fast-food, high fat foods.

3. A synthetic type of vitamin A, called fenretidine, may protect women from not only ovarian cancer, but also breast cancer.

4. Pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen have shown to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.