This gynecological cancer is one of the most dangerous because it can be diagnosed late
Although not the most common type of cancer among women, ovarian cancer is considered one of the most dangerous, as more than 70% of cases are diagnosed in advanced stages, when treatment success may be limited.
According to the ACCO Institute (Association for the Fight against Ovarian Cancer), it is essential to raise awareness among women about the prevention and diagnosis of the disease. In 2022, more than 7,300 cases of ovarian cancer and more than 4,000 deaths resulting from this type of neoplasm were recorded. The age group with the highest number of diagnoses is between 55 and 64 years old.
The symptoms can be confusing
Initial symptoms, when present, are generally nonspecific and may include:
- Persistent abdominal swelling
- Early feeling of satiety
- Unexplained weight loss
- Changes in urinary frequency or bowel habits
Symptoms are often confused with gastrointestinal problems or other conditions, which can delay the correct diagnosis.
“If diagnosed in the early stages, ovarian cancer can be successfully treated with surgery and the chances of survival increase significantly. Therefore, it is crucial that women pay attention to the signs and seek medical attention if they experience any unusual symptoms,” she explains Fernando de Lima, president of ACCO. In May, the institute conducted an intense awareness campaign on the disease, dedicated to raising awareness of this tumor.
The initial confusion caused by the symptoms has also been the experience of Juliana Carelli, who created the blog “Super Juliana against ovarian cancer” and shares her challenging journey from diagnosis at age 29 to remission 13 years ago.
“The first signs were intense abdominal pain and a feeling of discomfort, initially misdiagnosed as food poisoning and constipation,” he recalls.
The lack of effective screening tests is considered a major challenge in the fight against the disease. Although breast cancer can be identified through mammography and cervical cancer through Pap smear, there is not yet a widely available and effective tool to diagnose ovarian cancer early.
What helps reduce risk
While there is no 100% guaranteed way to prevent ovarian cancer, ACCO says some measures can help reduce your risk:
1. Knowledge of family history
Women with a family history of ovarian or breast cancer are at increased risk. Consulting a geneticist can help determine the presence of mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, which may affect your prevention strategy.
2. Regular checks
Although there is no effective screening test for ovarian cancer, queries Regular gynecological exams can help detect any abnormalities in the ovaries or pelvic region.
3. Use of oral contraceptives
Studies indicate that long-term use of oral contraceptives may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. However, this is a decision that should be made with the advice of your doctor, taking into account your individual risks and benefits.
4. Healthy lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can help reduce the risk of many diseases, including cancer.
Recent progress
Currently, the medical community is investing in the research and development of biomarkers and advanced imaging technologies, such as transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, for early diagnosis of the disease.
Advances in treatment have also been significant, improving patients’ prognosis and quality of life. “More precise surgeries and the introduction of targeted therapies and PARP inhibitors are examples of innovations that have prolonged survival and reduced relapses,” underlines Luísa Marcella Martins, specialist in gynecological oncology. These are drugs that act on specific pathological mechanisms, preserving healthy cells.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
