Ovarian cancer is the term used to refer to the different types of cancers that arise from cells of the ovary. 8th May is observed as World Ovarian Cancer Day and it is dedicated to spread awareness.
Almost a fourth of a million women around the world are diagnosed with ovarian cancer annually, and it is responsible for as many as 140,000 deaths per annum. It is the most common cancer in India with 8% in every 100,000 women being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The survival rate too is the lowest in ovarian cancer.
Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer:
The symptoms of ovarian cancer are often misdiagnosed as they are common symptoms that may also be experienced when suffering from other less severe illnesses such as gastrointestinal complaints. Majority of ovarian cancer patients are diagnosed with the disease only in the advanced stages of the disease and this makes it difficult to treat. Therefore one should be aware of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.
The signs include:
- abdominal swelling or enlargement
- Pelvic pains
- Abdominal fullness
- Early satiety
- Irregular bowel habits
- Fatigue
Risk Factors of Ovarian Cancer :
There are a number of factors that lead to the risk of ovarian cancer in women. They include:
- Age: This is a major risk factor. Women over the age of 55 are at a greater risk of developing ovarian cancer.
- Family history: Women who have a family history with two or more women from the family having ovarian cancer are at a higher risk of developing this type of cancer.
- Genetics: Women who carry abnormalities in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes are also at risk.
- Other factors include late or no pregnancies, having periods at an early age or late menopause.
Ovarian cancer day which falls on the 8th of May every year, is observed to spread the word of awareness. The day first took place in the year 2013 and is dedicated to raising public awareness about the dreadful women’s cancer which has lowest survival rate.
Ovarian cancer has very little awareness and there is no cure for it. On 8th May, several awareness organizations work to spread the message and support the fighters. Join in and spread awareness.
If you know someone suffering from ovarian cancer then refer them to specialists at Apollo Hospitals. The Apollo hospitals group has established 9 dedicated Apollo Cancer Care Hospitals across India that offer comprehensive cancer care. The Apollo Hospitals Cancer Group has over 125 surgical and radiation cancer specialists as well as diagnostic consultants such as gynaecologist or oncologist. The measurable success that the hospitals have achieved in cancer care attract thousands of national and international patients each year who come from over 120 countries.
