Ovarian cancer, never heretofore a public health concern otherwise, is now crying out for radical steps. It became clear only very recently that about 7 per 100,000 Indian women develop ovarian cancer annually. This horrific statistic, as worked out by doctors and indeed substantiated by ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) too, is an outstanding item of public concern which has been in the closet for millennia.
Let’s see why ovarian cancer is so lethal, why it happens, and why early detection and knowledge are our best remedies.
What Is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries, female structures that make eggs and hormones. The disease happens when cells within the ovaries begin to grow very quickly and form benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumours.
There are certain forms of ovarian cancer, but the most prevalent one is epithelial ovarian cancer and it is responsible for around 90% of cases.
How Prevalent is it in India?
India has a moderate to high prevalence of ovarian cancer in comparison to other nations. ICMR figures as below:
Incidence Rate: 6.8 cases per 100,000 women
Number of Cases annually (estimated for the year 2025): Almost 50,000
Death Rate: One of the higher South Central Asian nations
More seriously, well over 70% are Stage III or advanced, lowering the survival rate by a very large percentage.
Why is it the “Silent Killer”?
Ovarian cancer is also a “silent killer” because the signs are vague, non-specific, and easily dismissed. They most often are termed normal menstrual or gastrointestinal discomfort by most women.
Early Signs Are
General bloating or swelling of the abdomen
Abdominal or pelvic pain
Too full too soon or loss of appetite
Need to have frequent bowel movements.
Loss of weight without any apparent reason
Weakness
Irregular periods
Constipation and/or diarrhoea
Some other diseases also have these symptoms i.e., IBS or cramps, so they do not get diagnosed until the disease is well established.
Who is at Risk?
Any woman can get ovarian cancer, but some things increase the risk:
Age: Ovarian cancers most frequently occur in women 50 years and older.
Family History: Risk is increased if there is a family history of ovarian or breast cancer.
BRCA1/BRCA2 Mutations: Inherited mutation of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene significantly increases risk.
Nulliparity: Risk increased in nulliparous women.
Obesity: Higher BMI and higher risk of cancer.
Endometriosis: Women with endometriosis are possibly at higher risk.
Long-term Hormone Replacement Therapy: Particularly after menopause.
Diagnosis: Timing is Everything
Early diagnosis is the reason why survival has got better. Worst of all, the misleading character of symptoms does allow for securing a diagnosis as high as 70% on at least one occasion when treatment becomes complicated and of lesser effect.
Commonly employed for making diagnoses:
Pelvic Exam
Transvaginal Ultrasound
CA-125 Blood Test (usually raised marker in ovarian cancer)
CT/MRI Scans
Biopsy for absolute confirmation of diagnosis
Doctors also recommend symptom-free or symptomatic women with familial ovarian or breast cancer for routine genetic testing and counselling.
Treatment Modalities
Treatment is determined based on the cancer stage at diagnosis, patient condition, and presence or absence of metastasis. General treatment modalities are discussed below:
Surgery
Biology is the initial treatment. It is the removal of both or either of the ovaries and often the uterus and nodes that are closest.
Chemotherapy
Employ aggressive medicines to kill cancer cells. Often employed following surgery to kill remaining cells.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted drugs such as PARP inhibitors (such as Olaparib) target BRCA-mutated cancer cells.
Radiation Therapy
It is less frequently utilized but, in some cases, mightn’t be prescribed.
Immunotherapy
New treatment that stimulates the body’s immune system to combat cancer.
Pelvic lymph node surgical resection in a 2024 AIIMS trial enhanced survival in stage III ovarian cancer.
Prevention: Can Ovarian Cancer Be Prevented?
There is no pill to be taken to prevent ovarian cancer, but its development can be dramatically reduced by:
Oral Contraceptives: Continuous use resulted in a protective effect.
Pregnancy and Lactation: Both provide negative feedback on ovulation cycles, lowering risk.
Healthy Lifestyle: Regular exercise, a good diet, and average weight all lower overall risk for cancer.
Genetic Counseling: Most important in those with a cancer family history. Prophylactic oophorectomy in certain very high-risk individuals may be recommended.
Emotional and Social Impact
Along with physical well-being, ovarian cancer also impacts mental, emotional, and financial well-being. The socially unaware and stigmatized majority delay seeking medical attention until it is too late. Support group meetings, psychotherapy, and counselling are part of the healing process.
Financial loss is also incurred by patients if they are diagnosed late in life. Prompt attention must be given to government-sponsored schemes to treat gynecologic cancers.
What Can You Do?
Listen to Your Body: Do not ignore regular pelvic or abdominal pain.
Regular Check-ups: Particularly if you are above 40 years old or have a cancer history in your family.
Spread the Word: Spread the word. Awareness saves lives.
Support NGOs: Support hands with bodies like the Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA) and the Indian Cancer Society that provide support and information.
Conclusion
Ovarian cancer may well not be quite so internationally well-known as breast or cervical cancer, but it is no less deadly. Found in almost 7 out of every lakh Indian women, it is a sly yet actual threat for which more priority must be given in public health policy as in personal awareness.
By providing populations with the right balance of early discovery, nutrition, life, and information, we can optimize survival rates and enable women to survive more and live better.
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