Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms, Preventative Measures and Treatment Options
Ovarian cancer, which is one of the deadliest issues confronting women today, is in fact a silent killer, thus women need to be taught to be cautious of the symptoms, as they are so common that most go undetected and in turn untreated.
Reproductive health care for women is the most important part of their overall wellbeing. Enabling women to make the right decision for their reproductive health empowers them to lead better lives. It is important to approach the topic of female reproductive health in a holistic manner because it impacts their decision to control their lives, and when and if to have children.
Ovarian cancer
The ovaries are two small glands located on both sides of the uterus in biological women and form an integral part of their reproductive system. They produce the female hormones progesterone and estrogen and release the ‘egg’ every month before menstruation begins.
Ovaries thus play a very vital role in deciding facets of female body traits like breast development, body hair, and body shape. Even though these organs play an indispensable role in the reproductive life of a woman right from puberty till menopause, discourse around ovarian health is very limited.
Women might have to deal with several problems like hormonal issues, cysts etc. right from their puberty, which in most cases when treated at the right time do not cause further complications, however for the same to happen we need to increase awareness about the importance of reproductive health. In the diseases of the ovary, ovarian cancer is one of the dreaded and sinister issues which a woman faces.
Ovarian cancer, which is one of the deadliest issues confronting women today, is in fact a “silent killer”, thus women need to be taught to be cautious of the symptoms, as they are so common that most go undetected and in turn untreated.
Ovarian cancer symptoms
The symptoms for ovarian cancer range from pain or discomfort in the pelvic region, constipation, weight loss to bloating in the lower belly. All of which are very common symptoms for a host of other illnesses. Women with a family history of ovarian cancer should go for yearly check-ups and screenings.
The two genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, have been found to cause both ovarian and breast cancer and thus those with a family history of either cancer should get a gene test done to help them adopt preventative measures well in advance.
Lifestyle choices also play an important role in helping prevent onset of cancer. Modern lifestyle has many pitfalls, and it has a resounding impact on women’s health in the form of early onset of breast cancer, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome etc.
Ovarian cancer Preventative Measures
Overweight and obese individuals have increased chances albeit small of developing ovarian cancer, thus it is advisable to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle right from puberty. Individuals who have undergone postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy also run the risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Oral contraception is often cited as a solid measure against ovarian cancer. However, not all bodies take well to oral contraceptives so one should always consult their physician before going on the pill.
Ovarian cancer treatment options
In treatment of ovarian cancer, what plays a deciding role is early detection, and for that awareness needs to be spread in women. However, not everyone is comfortable or open to discussing their menstrual or ovarian health, and thus the topic must be broached with sensitivity and understanding.
Going for yearly screenings and check-ups once women start menstruating is very important and forms the first form of defense not just against ovarian cancer but also a host of other ailments of the female reproductive system.
The female body is incredibly resilient and complicated. It can bring a new life to this world through birth of a progeny. There should be a concerted effort to understand women’s bodies better and the knowledge from that should be used to empower women and their close ones to help them make better choices for their health.
[The writer, Dr. Ninad Katdare, is Consultant - Surgical Oncology, HCG ICS Khubchandani Cancer Centre, Colaba, Mumbai.]
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