Below is a comprehensive guide covering everything you need to understand about ovarian cancer, including its symptoms, prevention strategies, and methods for diagnosis.
Signs such as irregular menstrual cycles, urinary problems, and difficulty eating can signal ovarian cancer, one of the most dangerous cancers affecting women. Here’s a comprehensive overview of ovarian cancer, including symptoms, prevention advice, and diagnostic methods, provided by our expert Dr. Thejaswini J, Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Columbia Asia Hospital, Sarjapur Road.
What is ovarian cancer
The female reproductive system comprises two ovaries, each about the size of an almond, positioned on either side of the uterus. These ovaries play a crucial role in producing eggs, as well as estrogen and progesterone hormones. Ovarian cancer develops in the ovaries and is often asymptomatic until it advances within the abdomen and pelvis. Detecting ovarian cancer early is vital, as treatment can be more challenging at later stages. Early detection allows for prompt initiation of treatment when the cancer is localized to the ovaries and has not yet spread to the pelvis and abdomen.
Signs of Ovarian Cancer
While early stages of this dangerous illness may not manifest many symptoms, advanced stages often present non-specific symptoms that should not be overlooked. These include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Abdominal bloating
- Pelvic discomfort
- Feeling full quickly after eating
- Constipation
Strategies for Lowering Ovarian Cancer Risk
Below are some straightforward recommendations provided by Dr. Thejaswini J to diminish the risk of ovarian cancer:
1. Embrace Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Numerous studies over the years have converged on a shared finding: breastfeeding, regardless of duration, is associated with a decreased risk of both invasive and borderline ovarian tumors. Women who have breastfed or given birth before the age of 30 face a lower risk of ovarian cancer. One study revealed that for every 12 months of breastfeeding, the risk of ovarian cancer decreased by 4.3% compared to mothers who did not breastfeed.
2. Healthy Lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is paramount for a disease-free body. It’s crucial to abstain from alcohol and tobacco use. Furthermore, avoiding exposure to tobacco is advised not only to mitigate the risk of ovarian cancer but also to lower the risk of various other diseases.
3. Emphasize Diet and Exercise
Physical activity and exercise are crucial for maintaining physical well-being, facilitating weight loss or muscle building, and contributing to overall health. They also aid in warding off chronic diseases and illnesses. Additionally, incorporating nutrition-rich foods into your diet, such as broccoli, ginger, tea, spinach, eggs, carrots, and cucumbers, can significantly reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.
4. Avoid Carcinogenic Substances
Daily use products like talcum powders, makeup, vaginal deodorants, and baby powders contain carcinogens, substances capable of causing cancer. There have been numerous cases where women regularly used carcinogenic products such as baby powder near their genital area, leading to the development of ovarian cancer over time.
5. Consider Oral Contraceptives
Despite their side effects, oral contraceptive pills have emerged as a boon for users by reducing the risk of ovarian cancer. Some researchers have demonstrated that women with a history of taking oral contraceptives face a lower risk of ovarian cancer. The longer the medication is used, the lower the chances of developing ovarian cancer.
Diagnosis
While ovarian cancer can be challenging to detect in its early stages, there are several diagnostic methods and medical tests available. These include abdominal CT scan, ultrasound, blood tests, and transvaginal ultrasound.