Ovarian Cancer: 4 Myths Debunked About This Silent Killer

This combination of lack of specific symptoms and neglect of vague symptoms like upset stomach makes early diagnosis extremely difficult, which is why it is considered a silent killer.

EITHERvary Cancer: Ovarian cancer is the third most common cancer in women in India after cervical and breast cancer. According to the World Health Organization, the incidence of ovarian cancer in India is estimated to be around 11.9 cases per 100,000 women. About 85-90% of women with ovarian cancer are over 40 years of age, with a peak incidence between 55 and 65 years. In India, 23,000 to 25,000 new cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed each year. Ovarian cancer is divided into four stages based on the degree of spread. Almost 65-70% of ovarian cancers are diagnosed at an advanced stage (III/IV) in which the cancer has spread outside the pelvis and tumor deposits are found in the abdominal cavity.

Therefore, it is important that women understand the basics of this silent killer and not believe in rumors and fabricated myths.

Ovarian cancer symptoms

There are no specific symptoms for ovarian cancer, therefore most of the time patients present with vague gastrointestinal bloating. indigestion, pain in the abdomen, reduced appetite, constipation, heaviness in the abdomen, etc. Dr. Yogesh Kulkarni, Surgical Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology, Robotic Surgeon, KokilabenDhirubhaiAmbani Hospital Mumbai, exclusively shared with india.com that this combination of lack of specific symptoms and neglecting vague symptoms like upset stomach makes early diagnosis extremely difficult in these cases, which is why it is considered a silent killer.

Risk factors for ovarian carcinoma

• Family history of cancer: Women who have first-degree relatives (mother/sister/daughter) diagnosed with ovarian cancer are at increased risk. Additionally, women with a family history of breast, uterine, colon, or rectal cancer may also be at increased risk of ovarian cancer. If several women in a family have ovarian or breast cancer, especially at a young age, this is considered a strong family history.
• Personal history of cancer: Women with a personal history of breast/colon cancer are at increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
• Sterility: Women who have never been pregnant are at higher risk.
• No lactation: Women who have never breastfed are at higher risk.
• Hormone replacement therapy It has long been shown to increase the risk of ovarian cancer.

Myths and facts about ovarian cancer

Dr. Kulkarani divulged more about ovarian cancer and debunked some of the myths surrounding it.

1. Myth: All women with ovarian cancer have a strong family history.

Made: Only 5-10% of patients with ovarian cancer are due to hereditary factors. The rest of the cases do not have a strong family/personal history of cancer.

2. Myth: Pap smear can detect ovarian cancer

Made: The Pap smear is used to diagnose cervical cancer, however, ovarian cancers are not diagnosed by Pap smears.

3. Myth: Women who have had a hysterectomy do not develop ovarian cancer

Made: During a hysterectomy, a surgeon removes the uterus and usually the cervix. In some cases, the fallopian tubes and ovaries are removed. If one or both ovaries are left intact, ovarian cancer may develop. There is a very small chance of the disease, even when the ovaries are removed.

4. Myth: Elevated CA 125 always indicates ovarian cancer

Made: Cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) is a nonspecific marker that should not be used alone in the diagnosis of ovarian carcinoma. Elevated CA125 levels can be found in many non-cancerous conditions, including fibroids, endometriosis, tuberculosis, and benign ovarian cysts. In addition, many patients with ovarian cancer will have normal CA 125 levels. Therefore, no decision should be based solely on CA 125 levels. More important than CA 125 levels are radiological imaging of the abdomen and pelvis with ultrasound. /magnetic resonance /computed tomography.