According to the National Cancer Registry of India, the incidence of ovarian cancer among Indian women is steadily increasing. Ovarian cancer is often called ‘the silent cancer’ because symptoms are often misdiagnosed, leading to a late-stage diagnosis. In India, unfortunately, the level of awareness of ovarian cancer is also very low.

It is, therefore, important to understand ovarian cancer and its symptoms. Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries. Generally, ovarian tumours are named according to the type of cells the tumours originate from.

There are three main types of ovarian tumours — epithelial tumours (starting from the cells that cover the outer surface of the ovary), germ cell tumours (starting from cells that produce the eggs), and stromal tumours (starting from connective tissue cells that hold the ovary together and produce female hormones.

There are certain factors that may increase the risk of this illness:

- Family history of ovarian or breast cancer

- Old age

- Number of menstrual cycles — Early menarche or late menopause

- Pregnancy history — Nullparity or having a first child after the age of 30

- Fertility drugs

- High fat diet

- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

- Obesity

– Smoking and alcohol use

- Genetic mutations

When you consider these risk factors, realise that there are some that you do have control over and some that you do not. For example, having a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, older age, genetic mutations or early menarche are factors that you do not have control over. Whereas, obesity, smoking and alcohol use, or consuming a high fat diet are things that you do have control over.

So, take control! Watch your diet, make sure you get regular exercise. What is also important is that you go for regular health check-ups and cancer screenings. These will help in early detection. Early detection of cancer results in higher success rates of treatment with good outcomes. 

The symptoms of ovarian cancer are:

- Abdominal/pelvic discomfort or pressure

- Back or leg pain

- Bloating

– Changes in bowel function or urinary frequency

– Fatigue

- Gastrointestinal symptoms

These symptoms can also be found in various other conditions or could be mild in nature. If they persist, it is important that they be discussed with a doctor.  A visit to an oncologist would also be helpful. There are various tests that can be conducted in order to get a definitive diagnosis. A combination of methods can be used for this purpose. The usual tests are a pelvic exam, a transvaginal ultrasonography, a CT scan, a CA-125 blood test, and laproscopy.

Treatment of ovarian cancer consists of surgery, chemotherapy, and, in some cases, radiation therapy.

Ladies, it is extremely important to be aware, educated, and well informed. We need to listen to our body… it has a way of telling us that something is wrong. Don’t ignore symptoms.

Be an advocate for yourself as you are the best authority on your body!

- Prashanti Cancer Care MissionFor further queries, you can call 26333049 or our helpline at 9881332211