Ovarian Cancer: What You Need to Know
Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the ovaries, the paired female reproductive organs that produce eggs and hormones. Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the commonest cancers of women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), and it can affect women of any age. However, it is more common in older women and those with a family history or genetic mutation that increases their risk.
According to a study by the International Journal of Cancer, almost 18 000 cases and 13 000 deaths from ovarian cancer were estimated to have occurred in the sub-Saharan African (SSA) region in 2020, constituting 2.2% of all cancer cases (both sexes), with the disease ranking the fourth most frequent neoplasm in women.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer can be hard to detect in its early stages, because it often does not cause any noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may be vague or similar to other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome or urinary tract infection. Some of the possible signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer include:
- Abdominal bloating or swelling
- Feeling full quickly after eating
- Weight loss or gain
- Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Vaginal bleeding or abnormal periods
- Unexplained back pain
If you have any of these symptoms that persist or worsen, you should see your doctor for a checkup. Your doctor may perform a physical exam, blood tests, ultrasound, CT scan, or biopsy to diagnose ovarian cancer. The diagnosis will also include the stage and type of the cancer, which will help determine the best treatment options. Or rather, you can talk to us.
Types of Ovarian Cancer
There are different types of ovarian cancer, depending on which cells in or near the ovaries become abnormal and form tumours. The most common type is epithelial ovarian cancer, which affects the cells that cover the surface of the ovaries. Other types include stromal tumours, which affect the cells that produce hormones, and germ cell tumours, which affect the cells that produce eggs.
How to Treat Ovarian Cancer
The treatment for ovarian cancer usually involves surgery and chemotherapy, or a combination of both. Surgery may remove one or both ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the uterus, nearby lymph nodes, and other organs or tissues affected by the cancer. Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that kills cancer cells or stops them from growing. Chemotherapy can be given intravenously (through a vein) or intraperitoneally (directly into the abdomen). Sometimes, targeted therapy or immunotherapy may also be used to treat ovarian cancer. These are newer types of treatments that use drugs or substances that specifically target certain features of the cancer cells or boost the body's immune system to fight the cancer.
The prognosis for ovarian cancer depends on several factors, such as the stage and type of the cancer, the response to treatment, and the overall health of the patient.
In general, ovarian cancer has a better chance of being cured if it is found and treated early, before it spreads to other parts of the body. However, even if ovarian cancer is advanced or recurrent, there are still treatments that can help control the disease and improve the quality of life of the patient.
Ovarian cancer can be a challenging condition to cope with, both physically and emotionally. It is important to have a strong support system of family, friends, healthcare providers, and other people who understand what you are going through.
Remember that you are not alone in this journey, and there is always hope for a better outcome.
Book a medical consultation with us. We are a solid team of women-only medical doctors, and we understand how you feel.