Ovarian cancer, the cause of which is unknown, can originate from different cell types of Ovary. A woman has two ovaries located in the pelvic cavity. These ovaries are responsible for release of Ovum and for release of hormones Estrogen, Progesterone. Most ovarian cancers originate in the ovarian epithelium; usually presentation is as solid masses, spreading to adjacent & distant organs. Ovarian cancer is the second most common diagnosed gynecologic cancer after uterine cancer. It causes more deaths than any other gynecologic cancer. Mostly older women are at highest risk as it is noted that women between 55 and 75 years of age are diagnosed frequently. 

Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecologic cancer after uterine cancer. It causes more deaths than any other gynecologic cancer, also called as “Silent Killer” or “the overlooked disease”.

WARNING SIGNS NOT TO BE MISSED:-

·         Chronic Fatigue

·         Vague abdominal pain

·         Diarrhea or constipation

·         Unexplained weight loss

·         Back pain

·         Persistent indigestion, gas or nausea

SYMPTOMS TO CHECK:-

·         Pelvic discomfort or pain

·         Abdominal pressure, swelling, or bloating

·         Urinary urgency or burning with no infection

·         Changes in menstruation.

·         Ascites or pleural effusion

·         A palpable abdominal mass

Nearly 75 - 85% of patients already have peritoneal spread at the time of the diagnosis, which leads to some complications noted during diagnosis such as abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain and distension, GIT symptoms e.g. nausea, dyspepsia, constipation.

STAGES OF OVARIAN CANCER:

1.   Stage I: - The cancer is limited to the primary organ i.e. the ovaries.

2.   Stage II: - The growth involves one or both ovaries, with pelvic extension.

3.   Stage III: - The cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and other organs or structures within the abdominal cavity like colon, rectum, and peritoneum.

4.   Stage IV: - The cancer has metastasized to distant sites & organs, such as liver, lungs.

UNDERSTANDING RISK FACTOR & HOW TO LOWER THE RISK

GENETIC FACTOR: - Nearly 15% ovarian & breast cancers are linked BRCA1 & BRCA2 mutation, inherited genetically. Genetic tests to evaluate risks should be taken under consideration.

OBESITY: - Obesity causes increased estrogen level, chronic inflammation, thus increased risk of cancer. Women with BMI>30 are at more risk.  Opting for Healthy diet & exercise lowers the risk.

AGE: - Risk increases with aging; common after 60 yrs. Peak rate is at 70 - 74 years age group, ovarian cancer at the older age group carries a poorer prognosis.

GYNECOLOGIC/REPRODUCTIVE HISTORY: - Irregular menstrual cycle, Abortions, complications during child birth, first pregnancy after 35 yrs., age, fertility treatment, Post-menopausal HRT, early menarche & late menopause. Ovulation induction agent increases the risk by 2-3 folds, if taken for more than 12 ovulatory cycles.

Breast Feeding, tubal ligation reduces risk by 30 - 60 %.

FAMILY HISTORY: - Increased by 4% in women with a first degree relative affected by cancer.

TREATMENT PLANNING:-

Factors considered before planning treatment for Ovarian Cancer are:-

ü  the stage and size of the tumors

ü  Age

ü  General health

ü  Future family planning

TREATMENT PROTOCAL FOLLOWED:-

1)   Surgery

2)   Chemotherapy

3)   Radiation Therapy

4)   Biotherapy/Immunotherapy

5)   Targeted Therapy

6)   Few well known & potent herbs mentioned in Ayurveda such as Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Haridra, Amlaki work as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, immuno-boosting agents.

AWARENESS NEED OF THE HOUR:-

Cancer effects Woman in many different ways, affecting her Physical & Mental health, her personal & social Life, financial condition. Stigma surrounding women's health and cancer prevents women from discussing & seeking much needed healthcare services. This delays the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, leading to worse outcomes. When we talk about awareness the most effective tools becomes the knowledge about Warning Signs, Risk Factors & Screening Tests. Improvement in accessing methods of healthcare services is essential to lower the incidence and mortality due cancer in women, thus improving their quality of life. Essentially being aware of early diagnosis through effective screening is vital action for Prevention, Early Detection, and Treatment Procedures after detection, Post-treatment improvement in Quality of Life.