Warning signs that every woman should know about Ovarian Cancer

By Dr. Vikas Goswami 

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries. Women have two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus. Ovaries produce eggs which helps a woman to become pregnant. Ovary cancer is one of the most common cause of death among women with gynecological cancers. The most common reason for such high mortality is a late diagnosis of this disease. The disease has been labeled as Silent killer as the symptoms don't manifest till the disease has spread considerably or because the symptoms masquerade so much that it is often ignored by the patient and dismissed at the primary care physician. 

Early diagnosis is of utmost importance in ovary cancer cases but unfortunately effective screening policies have not yet been made. So, the awareness is one important tool that is also needed from a woman’s point of view. Ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it has spread within the pelvis and abdomen. 

Let’s look for the following symptoms or warning signals of ovary cancer: 

1. Progressive abdominal bloating or heaviness 
2. Loss of appetite or quickly feeling full when eating 
3. Discomfort in lower abdomen 
4. Pain during sexual activity 
5. Change in bladder or bowel habits such as constipation 
6. Low back pain  

The suspicion for something threatening should be high if / or when to see a doctor:   

1. If the symptoms are new to a lady in the past 1 year    

OR  

2. The symptoms occur for more than 12 times a month   

If you notice such signs in your body you should contact a good specialist doctor and also explain them of suspicion of ovarian cancer. The next logical step in such a case should be a thorough physical examination including a per vaginal examination followed by CA125 level ( it’s a blood test) and a ultrasound of abdomen focusing on the ovaries. Red flag signs on investigations would be an abnormally high CA125 coupled with abnormal mass or fluid in the abdomen.   

RISK FACTORS OF OVARY CANCER

Women with Personal history of: Women with following cancer diagnosed in I/II/III blood relatives: Women earlier diagnosed with: Women with history of gene mutation Breast Cancer Breast cancer diagnosed PCOS – Poly cystic ovarian syndrome / infertility problems The genes known to increase the risk of ovarian cancer are called breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2). Triple negative breast cancer diagnosed Invasive ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer in one or more relatives Smoking Having two or more primary breast cancers Breast, prostate, and/or pancreatic cancer, diagnosed at any age in two or more relatives or male breast cancer.

A point to remember that 9 out of 10 ovarian cancers can be CURED if detected early.