Ovarian cancer is the most commonly affecting cancer in women worldwide. The asymptomatic in the early stage will make treating it more complex. Early detection and advanced treatment options help to reduce mortality and increase the survival rate of ovarian cancer patients. In this article, we are going to discuss ovarian cancer and its risk factors in patients.
Unveiling The Silent Threat: A Deep Dive Into Ovarian Cancer
Ovaries are small reproductive organs present on either side of your uterus, which involve the production of eggs for the whole reproductive year of a female. When cancer cells start to grow in ovaries, it is said to be ovarian cancer. Each year, over 1,52,000 women die due to ovarian cancer globally. This shows the prevalence of ovarian cancer and the need to develop advanced treatments for it.
Symptoms Of Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer can be detected by the following symptoms, which are given below:
Individuals may experience pain, swelling, or a feeling of pressure in the abdomen.
Individuals have a sudden or frequent urge to urinate
You may lose your appetite, have trouble eating, or feel full.
Patients may experience the formation of a lump in the pelvic region.
Ovarian cancer patients may have gastrointestinal problems, such as gas, bloating, or constipation.
If you have the above symptoms, consult your gynecologist immediately to prevent the risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Unpacking the Factors Elevating Ovarian Cancer Risk
1. Family history: Individuals may have an increased risk of getting ovarian cancer if they have a family history of it.
2. Genetic factor: Genetics play a major role in increasing the risk of ovarian cancer. For example, inherited changes in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes are involved in increasing the risk of ovarian cancer in patients.
3. Genetic disorder: Conditions like Lynch syndrome can increase the risk of ovarian cancer in patients.
4. Endometriosis: Individuals with endometriosis (growth of tissue outside the uterus) may have an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
5. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Individuals who have undergone HRT are at an increased risk of getting ovarian cancer
6. Obesity: Obesity can increase the risk of ovarian cancer in patients due to the excess production of estrogen hormone.
7. Hormones: Individuals with progesterone deficiency (hormone) may have an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
Empowerment Through Ovarian Cancer Treatments
Various options can treat ovarian cancer; some of the treatments for ovarian cancer are given below:
1. Surgery: Surgery is a process of removing the cancer tissue or complete removal of the organ by the surgeon or gynaecologist. It is the primary option for the patients.
2. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a type of treatment which involves medications to treat the ovarian cancer cells. It can be given before surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) or after surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy) to treat the patient. Carboplatin is an anticancer medicine that helps to treat certain types of ovarian and lung cancer as a single or combined with other medications.
3. Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy involves medications that target the proteins involved in the growth, division, and spread of cancer cells. Medications like olaparib and rucaparib are effective in treating ovarian cancer.
4. Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a special type of medicine that involves boosting the immune system of the body to fight against cancer cells.
5. Radiation therapy: Radiation or radiotherapy is a treatment in which high doses of radiation are used to kill or shrink the cancer cells. It can be used as a combination treatment with chemo or surgery.
Conclusion
Ovarian cancer can be effectively treated by detecting it in the early stages. It is recommended to speak with your doctor or gynecologist without further delay if you have symptoms or risk factors of ovarian cancer. Even though several treatment options can treat ovarian cancer, the appropriate treatment plans can be decided by your doctor only. Early detection and appropriate treatment can reduce the ovarian cancer risk in patients.