Why in the News?
- In India, Ovarian Cancer ranks among top three cancers affecting women, accounting for 6.6% of all female cancer cases.
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- In 2022, India alone reported 47,333 new ovarian cancer cases and 32,978 deaths, emphasizing the critical need for awareness, early detection, and effective treatment.
What is Ovarian Cancer?
| Details | |
| About | Referred to as the “silent killer” due to its subtle symptoms like bloating, pelvic pain, loss of appetite, and frequent urination. Late diagnosis is common. |
| Common Symptoms | • Bloating • Pelvic/abdominal pain • Loss of appetite • Frequent urination • Indigestion, back pain, fatigue, and weight loss |
| Cancer Subtypes | • Type I tumours: Less common, early diagnosis, better prognosis • Type II tumours: More common, aggressive, diagnosed at advanced stages |
| Screening | • No effective screening tests available • CA125 blood test used post-diagnosis but not recommended for routine screening due to limited specificity |
| Genetic Risk Factors | • Linked to mutations in BRCA1/BRCA2 genes, increasing risk by up to 50% • Genetic testing aids in personalized risk management |
| Endometriosis | • Associated with a higher risk of certain ovarian cancers, though overall risk remains low |
| Lifestyle Factors | • Mixed evidence regarding talcum powder usage and its potential link to ovarian cancer • Hair products (dyes, straighteners) may increase risk, though further research is required |
| HRT & Genetic Counselling | • Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is linked to a higher risk of ovarian cancer • Genetic counselling helps at-risk individuals with preventive measures |
