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Ovarian cancer is one of the most serious cancers affecting women, often called a “silent disease” because symptoms can be vague or easily mistaken for something else. But the more we talk about it, the more aware we become and that awareness can genuinely help save lives.
Let's take a closer look at what ovarian cancer is, what to look out for, who's more likely to get it, and how it can be treated.
What Exactly Is Ovarian Cancer?
The cancer specialist in Faridabad explains that ovarian cancer starts in the ovaries two small glands tucked inside the lower abdomen that produce eggs and hormones. Most cases involve what's called epithelial ovarian cancer, which begins in the outer layer of the ovary. Other types, like germ cell or stromal tumours, are less common.
What makes ovarian cancer tricky is that it often develops quietly. The ovaries sit deep in the body, and early symptoms tend to be vague. That's why many people only discover it when it's already more advanced.
Spotting the Early Signs
A big challenge with ovarian cancer is that the early warning signs can feel like everyday issues bloating, indigestion, or a slightly upset stomach. But if they stick around, don't just brush them off.
Here are a few things to keep an eye on:
Feeling bloated or swollen in the tummy
Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvis
Needing to wee more often or more urgently
Feeling full very quickly when eating
Unusual tiredness
Changes in digestion (like constipation)
Pain in the back
Irregular periods or spotting after menopause
If any of these feel new, out of place, or happen often, it's worth getting checked. It might be nothing, but it's always better to be sure.
Who's More at Risk?
As it has been observed at the cancer hospital in Delhi, one cannot pin point to a single reason for increasing the risk. Some women are more likely to develop ovarian cancer due to a mix of factors. These include:
Age – the risk increases as you get older, particularly after 50
Family history – if close relatives have had ovarian, breast, or bowel cancer, your risk may be higher
Inherited genes – BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are known to increase cancer risk
Reproductive history – not having children or never having been pregnant may raise your chances
Endometriosis – this condition, which causes tissue similar to the womb lining to grow elsewhere, has been linked to ovarian cancer
Hormone replacement therapy – especially when used long-term
If you fall into any of these categories, it might be worth discussing regular cancer screening options with your doctor, especially if you have a strong family history.
How Is It Diagnosed?
There's no single test that guarantees early detection of ovarian cancer. Diagnosis usually involves a few steps:
Pelvic exam – where a doctor checks for any lumps or swelling
Ultrasound scan – to look at the ovaries in more detail
Blood test – especially the CA-125 test, which checks for a protein sometimes raised in ovarian cancer
CT or MRI scans – to see how far cancer may have spread
Biopsy – taking a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis
Doctors often use these tests to determine the cancer stage. Staging helps understand how far the cancer has spread from Stage 1 (early and localised) to Stage 4 (advanced and spread to other parts of the body).
Treatment Options That Make a Difference
Once diagnosed, treatment will depend on the cancer stage, overall health, and type of tumour. In many cases, a combination of methods is used.
Surgery
Surgery is usually the first step, with the goal of removing as much of the cancer as possible. This might include one or both ovaries, the fallopian tubes, womb, and nearby tissues if needed. For younger women with early-stage cancer, it may be possible to preserve fertility.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses strong medicine to kill cancer cells. It's commonly given after surgery, either through a drip into the vein or directly into the abdomen. Chemotherapy helps reduce the risk of cancer returning and treats any cells that might have spread.
Radiation Therapy
Though less commonly used for ovarian cancer, radiation therapy can be helpful in certain cases, especially to treat specific areas where cancer has returned or to relieve symptoms like pain.
Targeted & Hormonal Treatments
Some newer treatments at a cancer hospital work by targeting the specific weaknesses of cancer cells. These include PARP inhibitors, particularly for those with BRCA mutations. In some slower-growing cancers, hormone therapy may also play a role.
Is Prevention Possible?
There's no guaranteed way to prevent ovarian cancer, but a few steps may help lower your risk:
Using the contraceptive pill for several years has been shown to reduce risk
Having children before the age of 30 may offer some protection
Breastfeeding has also been linked to a lower risk
In high-risk cases, preventive surgery to remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes might be an option
If you have a strong family history, a genetics consultation can help you weigh your choices and consider cancer screening options more seriously.
Moving Forward: What You Can Do Now
Ovarian cancer isn't something many people talk about but it should be. The earlier it's spotted, the easier it is to treat. If you've got symptoms that don't feel normal for your body, or if there's a strong history of cancer in your family, it's worth having that conversation with the medical experts at Park Hospital.
The most powerful thing you can do is stay tuned in to how you feel and trust your instincts when something's off. You know your body better than anyone else.
Also read: Top 10 Early Signs of Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore
FAQs
1. What increases the risk of ovarian cancer?
Factors like age (especially after 50), a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, inherited gene mutations (BRCA1 or BRCA2), endometriosis, and never having been pregnant can raise the risk. Long-term use of hormone replacement therapy or fertility treatment may also play a role.
2. How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?
It often starts with a pelvic exam, followed by imaging tests like transvaginal ultrasound or CT scans. A blood test for CA-125 (a tumour marker) is commonly used, though it's not always reliable on its own. The final diagnosis is usually confirmed after surgery and biopsy.
3. At what age is ovarian cancer most common?
It's most common in women over 50, particularly after menopause. However, it can occur earlier, especially in those with genetic risk factors.
4. Can ovarian cancer be detected early?
Early detection is difficult because symptoms are vague and there's no reliable screening test. Most cases are found at an advanced stage. That said, regular check-ups and being alert to changes like persistent bloating or pelvic pain can help.
5. What is the survival rate of ovarian cancer?
Survival depends heavily on the stage at diagnosis. If caught early (stage I), the 5-year survival rate can be over 90%. For advanced stages, it drops significantly. However, newer treatments are improving outcomes.
