Imagine that you are a busy working woman with a fast-paced life and minor physical discomforts that are often overlooked. Suddenly, one day, a swollen abdomen, often misunderstood as indigestion or stress, becomes an ongoing phenomenon. When I went to the hospital for an examination, it turned out to be advanced ovarian cancer. This is not alarmism, but the reality of many women. Ovarian cancer, known as the "silent killer", is often diagnosed at an advanced stage because its early symptoms are insidious. Today, let's dive into the problem, be vigilant, and take action.
Overview of Ovarian Cancer: Demystifying the "Silent Killer."
Ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in the female reproductive system. According to the World Health Organization, hundreds of thousands of women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, and many are diagnosed at an advanced stage. The high mortality rate of this type of cancer is mainly due to the fact that it is often asymptomatic in the early stages, or the symptoms are so common that they can be easily ignored.
Pathogenesis and risk factors
The exact cause of ovarian cancer is not fully understood, but research suggests that several factors may increase the risk, including genetic predisposition, nulliparity, menopause later in life, and the use of hormone replacement therapy. Among genetic factors, BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations are the most obvious risk increases, and these two gene mutations are also associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
Global vs. domestic incidence
Globally, the incidence of ovarian cancer varies significantly from region to region. According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer has a higher incidence in Western countries, which may be related to lifestyle and genetic background. In Asia, however, mortality remains a concern due to the higher number of late detections, despite the low incidence.
Diagnostic difficulties
The diagnosis of ovarian cancer is a challenge because there are no specific symptoms in the early stages. Commonly used diagnostic methods include ultrasonography and measurement of the blood marker CA-125, but these methods have limitations. For example, CA-125 may also be elevated in non-cancerous diseases such as pelvic inflammation or uterine fibroids.
Current status of treatment
Treatment of ovarian cancer usually relies on surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery usually tries to remove all visible tumour tissue, while chemotherapy helps kill any remaining cancer cells. In some cases, targeted therapies and immunotherapies have begun to be used to treat advanced or refractory ovarian cancer, showing some promise.
Early warning signs of ovarian cancer: five signs that should not be ignored
Ovarian cancer, a malignant tumor that is often detected at an advanced stage, is often overlooked because of its subtle manifestations. Knowing and being alert to the following five symptoms can help you diagnose them early and greatly increase the success rate of treatment.
Abdominal discomfort and persistent bloating:
Persistent abdominal discomfort and bloating, especially if not accompanied by an obvious cause, can be an early sign of ovarian cancer. This symptom is often mistaken for indigestion or other digestive problems.
Rapid enlargement of the abdomen:
If the abdomen enlarges rapidly without significant weight gain, it may be caused by tumor growth or fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity. This sign is more common in people with ovarian cancer.
Abnormal urination:
A frequent or urgent need to urinate, often accompanied by difficulty or pain, may be the result of ovarian cancer pressing on surrounding organs. These symptoms should not be attributed only to common diseases of the urinary system.
Dyspareunia:
If unusual pain is experienced during sexual intercourse, it may be due to a tumor in the ovaries or pelvic area. These symptoms are often overlooked in the early stages, but are essential for early detection.
Menstrual irregularities and other changes in the reproductive system:
Ovarian cancer can cause irregular menstrual cycles, changes in menstrual flow, or other symptoms of the reproductive system. Any sudden changes in reproductive health should be a cause for concern.
Diagnosis and screening: key steps and recommendations
Early diagnosis of ovarian cancer is crucial, and the following are the current top recommendations for diagnosis and screening:
blood marker tests:
CA-125 is a widely used blood biomarker for the detection of ovarian cancer. Although elevated levels of CA-125 are not specific to ovarian cancer, it is important to help diagnose ovarian cancer when combined with other symptoms and tests.
imaging tests:
Imaging tests, including ultrasound and computed tomography (CT), are key tools in evaluating ovarian abnormalities. Ultrasound can help doctors look at cysts or tumors in the ovaries, while CT scans are used to assess the size, shape, and whether the tumor has spread.
genetic screening and family history assessment:
For women with a family history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or related genetic conditions, it is important to be screened for hereditary cancer genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2. This type of screening helps determine an individual's risk and allows preventive measures to be taken.
Regular check-ups and professional consultations:
High-risk groups, if they have a family history or other risk factors, are advised to have regular physical examinations, and professional consultation and screening according to the doctor's recommendations. Early detection and treatment of ovarian cancer can significantly improve cure and survival rates.