Understanding ovarian cancer: its causes, symptoms, and screening methods Premium

Learn about ovarian cancer, its symptoms, risk factors, and prevention strategies to empower yourself and save lives.

Note: The information in this article is provided as such and is not intended as medical advice. If you have any concerns, please consult your physician.

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological malignancy. It is often called a “silent killer” because its symptoms are non-specific and mimic less serious conditions that lead to late diagnosis and a poor prognosis. In India, ovarian cancer ranks among the top three cancers, contributing to 6.6% of all women’s cancers.

In 2022, India reported 47,333 new ovarian cancer cases and 32,978 deaths. These alarming figures highlight the gravity of the disease. Understanding lesser-known aspects of ovarian cancer can enhance prevention, early detection, and treatment efforts, offering hope to patients and healthcare providers.

Unlike other cancers, ovarian cancer presents vague symptoms such as bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, loss of appetite, feeling full quickly, and an urgent or frequent need to urinate. Other signs include indigestion, constipation, back pain, persistent fatigue, weight loss, and postmenopausal vaginal bleeding. These symptoms are often mistaken for common ailments, leading to late diagnosis. A 2004 study reported women with (malignant) ovarian cancer typically experience these symptoms 20 to 30 times a month, and which are more severe than those without the disease. Unfortunately, because of the overlapping nature of these symptoms with other common ailments, they can be dismissed until the cancer has advanced. Healthcare providers must be vigilant when women report persistent symptoms.

Ovarian cancer is not a uniform disease. It has two main subtypes: type I and type II. Type I tumours are less common, typically diagnosed at an early stage, and have a better prognosis. Type II tumours are more common, more aggressive, usually diagnosed at an advanced stage, and are responsible for most deaths due to ovarian cancer.

The survival rate for patients with ovarian cancer depends on the stage of detection and access to appropriate treatment. Researchers reported in September 2022 that around 20% of patients with advanced ovarian cancer who receive optimal surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy could be disease-free at 10 years and might be considered potentially cured.

Unlike breast or cervical cancer, there are no effective screening tests for ovarian cancer. The CA125 blood test, often included in cancer screening packages, is not recommended for routine screening in women at average risk due to its limited specificity. While CA125 is useful to monitor ovarian cancer after diagnosis, it is less effective at screening asymptomatic women as it can lead to false positives and unnecessary further testing, anxiety, and potentially over-treatment.