New Delhi: Ovarian cancer is one of the top 3 female cancers and re the top 10 cancers in India. The incidence is around 5 to 8 cases per 1 lakh women. The mortality rate accounts for 5 per 1 lakh women.
Traditionally ovarian cancer was linked to only older women but in recent years there is worrying trend has emerged with rise in incidences among the younger females in India. Often women miss out the common symptoms of ovarian cancer.
Dr Niti Raizada Senior Director – Medical Oncology and Hemato Oncology, Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru shared with News9, “Ovarian cancer is known as a “silent killer” and can be difficult to detect early because vague symptoms like mild pelvic or abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in eating habits can be easily mistaken for other conditions.
Risk factors include age, family history of ovarian or certain other cancers, and genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2.”
“Early detection is crucial for improving outcomes. If you experience persistent bloating, pelvic pain, difficulty eating, or unusual vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause, consult a doctor. These symptoms don’t necessarily mean you have ovarian cancer, but getting checked early is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Also, make sure that you discuss your family history with a trained oncologist.”
Women with early menarche (before age 12 years) and late menopause (after 50 years of age), women not having children and not being breastfed are at high risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Spotting the early signs of ovarian cancer
Dr L.P Bhaskar Bhuvan-Consultant Medical Oncologist, Hemato Oncologist & Stem Cell Transplant Physician, HCG Cancer Centre, Visakhapatnam told News9, “The usual presenting symptoms are abdominal distension, abdominal discomfort, constipation, and poor oral intake. The majority of the cases are present in the locally advanced stage (42 per cent), the early stage 28 per cent and another 30 per cent in the metastatic stage. The evaluation requires a Contrast CT scan or PET CT scan and a biopsy for confirmation of the staging and diagnosis. The management requires surgery of the tumour debulking and chemotherapy.”
Recent advances like testing for BRCA gene and HRD testing and using targeted therapy like bevacizumab and PARP inhibitors have revolutionised the treatment outcomes. All patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancers should be screened for BRCA 1 and 2 genes which account for 15 to 20 per cent of genetic inheritance. Women with BRCA1 and 2 gene carriers are at high risk of developing ovarian cancers up to 40 to 60 per cent in their lifetime. Hence, they were advised for prophylactic ovary removal which prevents ovary cancers in 96 per cent conditions. Unfortunately, there are no standard recommendations for screening like other gynaecological cancers. Hence genetic counselling and a timely approach will help the carriers and patients for better survival outcomes.”
Ovarian cancer is known as a “silent killer” and can be difficult to detect early because vague symptoms like mild pelvic or abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in eating habits can be easily mistaken for other conditions. Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
