Ovarian cancer, a silent killer: expert warns persistent bloating and pelvic pain could be early signs

Ovarian cancer is known as a “silent killer” and can be difficult to detect early because vague symptoms like mild pelvic or abdominal pain, bloating and changes in eating habits can easily be confused with other ailments.

Some of the common symptoms of stomach flu include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps and abdominal pain. (Image: Freepik)

New Delhi: Ovarian cancer is one of the three leading cancers in women and the top 10 cancers in India. The incidence is approximately 5-8 cases per 1 lakh women. The mortality rate stands at 5 per 1 lakh women.

Traditionally, ovarian cancer was only linked to older women, but in recent years a worrying trend has emerged with an increase in incidence among younger women in India. Women often do not experience the common symptoms of ovarian cancer.

Dr Niti Raizada Senior Director – Medical Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Fortis Hospitals, Bangalore shared with News9“Ovarian cancer is known as a ‘silent killer’ and can be difficult to detect early because vague symptoms like mild pelvic or abdominal pain, bloating and changes in eating habits can easily be mistaken for ovarian cancer. other conditions.
Risk factors include age, family history of ovarian cancer or certain other cancers, and genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2.

“Early detection is crucial to improve outcomes. If you experience persistent bloating, pelvic pain, difficulty eating, or unusual vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause, seek medical attention. These symptoms do not necessarily mean that you have ovarian cancer, but early detection is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Also be sure to discuss your family history with a qualified oncologist.

Women with early menstruation (before age 12) and late menopause (after age 50), women who do not have children and are not breastfed are at high risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Spotting the first signs of ovarian cancer

Dr LP Bhaskar Bhuvan-Consultant Medical Oncologist, Hemato-Oncologist and Stem Cell Transplantation Physician, HCG Cancer Centre, Visakhapatnam said News9, “The usual symptoms are abdominal distension, abdominal discomfort, constipation and poor oral ingestion. The majority of cases are present at the locally advanced stage (42 percent), at the early stage 28 percent and another 30 percent at the metastatic stage. Evaluation requires a contrast-enhanced CT scan or PET-CT scan and biopsy to confirm staging and diagnosis. Management requires surgery to shrink the tumor and chemotherapy.

Recent advances such as BRCA gene testing and HRD testing and the use of targeted therapies like bevacizumab and PARP inhibitors have revolutionized treatment outcomes. All patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer should be screened for BRCA 1 and 2 genes, which make up 15 to 20 percent of the genetic makeup. Women carrying the BRCA1 and 2 genes are at high risk of developing ovarian cancer, up to 40 to 60 percent over their lifetime. Therefore, they were advised to carry out prophylactic ovarian removal, which prevents ovarian cancer in 96 percent of cases. Unfortunately, there are no standard recommendations for screening as there are for other gynecologic cancers. Therefore, genetic counseling and timely approach will help carriers and patients achieve better survival outcomes.