World Ovarian Cancer Day 2024: Ovarian cancer affects the ovaries. According to the Mayo Clinic, ovarian cancer treatment usually involves surgery and chemotherapy. Every year, May 8 is marked as World Ovarian Cancer Day to raise awareness about this condition.
When ovarian cancer first develops, it might not cause any noticeable symptoms. For timely treatment, early diagnosis is extremely important. According to Dr Garima Sawhney, Senior Gynaecologist and Co-founder, Pristyn Care, detecting ovarian cancer early remains a significant challenge, as there isn’t a single urine test that reliably detects it in its early stages.
“Currently, doctors mainly rely on imaging tests like ultrasounds and CT scans, alongside blood tests that analyze specific proteins like CA-125, which can be elevated in cases of ovarian cancer. However, these tests aren’t foolproof and may miss the disease when it’s just beginning,” Dr. Sawhney told Financial Express.com.
Because ovarian cancer often doesn’t present clear signs in its early stages, it’s essential to be vigilant about potential symptoms such as abdominal bloating, pelvic pain, and changes in urinary habits, she revealed.
Regular check-ups and open discussions with doctors are vital for monitoring and managing ovarian cancer risk factors effectively, she added.
How ovarian cancer is diagnosed?
Tests and procedures used to diagnose ovarian cancer include:
- Pelvic exam
- Imaging tests
- Blood tests
- Surgery
- Genetic testing
“The stages of ovarian cancer range from 1 to 4, which are often indicated with Roman numerals I to IV. The lowest stage indicates that the cancer is confined to the ovaries. By stage 4, the cancer has spread to distant areas of the body,” Mayo Clinic states.
