Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Ovarian cancer is one of the most challenging and complex forms of cancer in women. It often goes undetected in its early stages, making diagnosis and treatment difficult. Globally, it ranks as the eighth most common cancer in women, with over 300,000 new cases each year. In India, the numbers are steadily rising, making it a leading gynecologic cancer. As early symptoms are often subtle, many women are diagnosed at advanced stages, highlighting the critical need for awareness and early detection.

Observed each September, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is dedicated to promoting education, awareness, and research on ovarian cancer, with the goal of improving early detection and treatment outcomes. During this month, survivors, advocates, and healthcare professionals unite to share information on ovarian cancer symptoms, risk factors, and available treatments.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, an internationally acclaimed surgical oncologist in India with extensive experience in treating gynecologic cancers, emphasizes the importance of early detection and regular screening in improving patient outcomes. “Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed too late, which is why awareness and education are key to saving lives,” he says.

At MACS Clinic, Dr. Nayak and his team manage ovarian cancer patients using a comprehensive approach. Their focus is on combining advanced treatment options with supportive care, tailoring each plan to meet the medical and emotional needs of every patient.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is observed every September to increase awareness about ovarian cancer, a serious gynecologic cancer affecting thousands of women globally. The month highlights the importance of recognizing ovarian cancer symptoms, promotes early detection, and supports women undergoing treatment. The teal ribbon, a symbol of ovarian cancer awareness, is widely used to show solidarity and raise public attention for research and funding.

Beyond awareness, this month focuses on educating women about early warning signs, encouraging regular check-ups, and dispelling misconceptions about ovarian cancer. Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month also provides support for patients and their families, emphasizing the value of knowledge, prevention, and timely action.

Ovarian cancer often goes overlooked since its symptoms are subtle and look like minor illnesses. As many women are diagnosed at later stages, treatment is often more complex and outcomes less favorable. Despite this, ovarian cancer receives comparatively less research funding than other cancers, slowing progress in early detection and treatment. By increasing awareness and supporting research, we can diagnose more, treat better, and ultimately survive.

We will now see the basics of ovarian cancer, plus its impact on women’s health.

Ovarian cancer starts in the ovaries, the small, almond-shaped organs responsible for producing eggs and hormones like estrogen and progesterone. It is a type of gynecologic cancer and can develop in different parts of the ovary, including the surface, the tissue that holds the ovary together, or the cells that produce eggs.

The symptoms of ovarian cancer are often vague and are easily confused with less severe conditions; this is a major challenge. Many women get diagnosed at a later stage, as they disregard such gradual signs, which include bloating and pelvic pain, along with changes to appetite, in addition to urinary issues. Detecting early, therefore, is important for improved outcomes.

Are you aware of ovarian cancer’s signs? Identifying early symptoms facilitates early detection.

For women, recognizing the early warning signs of ovarian cancer is important. These symptoms may be associated with many other conditions. It is important to consult with a doctor if they persist. Look out for these common symptoms of ovarian cancer:

* Abdomen swells or bloating persists

* Pain located in the abdomen or pelvis

* Feeling full quickly or difficulty with eating

* Urgent or frequent need for urination

* Unexplained gain or loss of weight

* Fatigue and lower back pain

* Bowel habits can change into constipation or diarrhea.

Let’s discuss the factors that increase your chances of developing this disease.

Several factors can increase the risk of ovarian cancer. Some of the most common risk factors include:

• Age: Women over the age of 50, particularly those post-menopause, are at higher risk.
• Family history: Family history raises risks, especially for women whose close relatives, such as mother, sister, or daughter, are affected. Ovarian cancer is more likely in these women.
• Genetic mutations: Ovarian cancer risk increases significantly with genetic mutations. Specifically, mutations in either of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes do occur.
• Hormonal factors: The risk increase may be from prolonged fertility treatments or from hormone replacement therapy use.
• Overweight women: Obesity may cause a slightly increased ovarian cancer risk in them.

For assessing the likelihood of developing ovarian cancer, understanding your family history as well as genetic risk is required.

Let’s explore how cancer progresses and the different types you should be aware of.

Ovarian cancer can be classified into different stages. These stages aid in determining cancer spread extent and appropriate treatment choices. Ovarian cancer’s stages involve these phases:

• Stage 1: Cancer remains only within the ovaries.
• Stage 2: Cancer has spread to the pelvic region but not beyond.
• Stage 3: The cancer spread into the lymph nodes or the abdomen.
• Stage 4: Distant organs such as the liver or lungs have cancer spread toward them.

The types of ovarian cancer include:

• Epithelial ovarian cancer: It is the most common type originating from the outer layer of the ovary.
• Germ cell ovarian cancer: Arises from the cells that produce eggs.
• Stromal ovarian cancer: Starts in the hormone-producing tissue that holds the ovary together.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak explains that “accurate diagnosis and staging are critical because each ovarian cancer type needs a unique treatment”.

Are there ways to catch ovarian cancer early? Let’s discuss the screening options and methods that can help detect the disease in its early stages.

Early diagnosis is crucial for improving survival rates. For the diagnosis of ovarian cancer, some common methods, including these, are used:

• Pelvic exam: A bimanual physical examination where the doctor places one hand inside the vagina and the other on the abdomen to gently check for any enlargement or irregularities in the ovaries and nearby structures.
• Ultrasound: A procedure for detecting abnormalities creates an image of the ovaries using sound waves.

• CA-125 blood test: This test measures the level of a protein that is often higher in females with ovarian cancer.
• CT scan or MRI: Cancer spread signs are searched using imaging techniques.
• Biopsy: A sample of tissue may be taken for further analysis.

Awareness and early symptom recognition are important since a reliable ovarian cancer screening test is currently unavailable for asymptomatic women.

Wondering about ovarian cancer treatment options? Let’s discuss the treatments and survival rates at different stages.

Ovarian cancer treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and sometimes radiation therapy. The exact treatment plan depends on the stage and type of cancer.

• Surgery: The main treatment for ovarian cancer, involving the removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and sometimes other affected tissues.

• Chemotherapy: Often used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.

• Radiation therapy: In certain cases, radiation may be used to treat cancer cells in specific areas.

The survival rate for ovarian cancer depends mainly on the stage at diagnosis. When caught early (stage 1), the five-year survival rate is higher, but it drops significantly for those diagnosed at stage 3 or 4. The overall five-year survival rate for ovarian cancer is approximately 47%.

Want to help raise gynecologic cancer awareness? Let’s discover easy ways to support the cause and make a difference.

You can support Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in several ways:

• Wear the teal ribbon: Show your support by wearing the teal ribbon, which symbolizes ovarian cancer awareness.
• Donate to ovarian cancer research: Contribute to organizations that fund research to find better treatments and a cure for ovarian cancer.
• Share information: Spread awareness about ovarian cancer by sharing information on social media or with friends and family.
• Volunteer: Participate in awareness campaigns or support groups to offer encouragement to those affected by the disease.

Even small steps, such as sharing information, supporting awareness events, or encouraging loved ones to get regular check-ups, can contribute to greater awareness and early detection of ovarian cancer.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in India serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of recognizing ovarian cancer symptoms, understanding risk factors, and promoting early detection. With subtle signs that are often overlooked, awareness, regular screenings, and support play a vital role in improving outcomes for women.

At MACS Clinic, Dr. Sandeep Nayak and his team of oncologists are dedicated to providing comprehensive care, advanced treatment options, and guidance to those affected by ovarian cancer. Being aware of symptoms, understanding risk factors, and seeking timely medical advice can play an important role in early diagnosis and better outcomes for ovarian cancer.

Reference links:

https://www.aacr.org/patients-caregivers/awareness-months/ovarian-cancer-awareness-month/

https://ocrahope.org/news/ovarian-cancer-awareness-month-2/

Disclaimer: The information shared in this content is provided for educational purposes only and should not be used for promotional purposes.