What is Ovarian Cancer? Symptoms, Causes, Stages and Treatment

Have you ever ignored a nagging pain, saying it was because of jet lag, a change in diet, or just the stress of living abroad? A lot of women do this, and sadly, this mistake can be very dangerous when it comes to ovarian cancer. People often call it the silent killer because its early signs are so subtle that they can be mistaken for normal illnesses. In fact, only about 20% of cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed in the early stages, which makes acute awareness not only helpful, but absolutely necessary.

In this blog, we will give you all the information you need about ovarian cancer symptoms. We cover how to find its hard-to-spot symptoms, what causes it, what stages it goes through, and the newest treatment options so that you and your loved ones are safe and well-informed.

What is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries, the female reproductive glands that produce eggs and female hormones. It is not a single disease but rather a group of distinct cancers that develop in different cell types within the ovary. To make a correct diagnosis and give the best treatment, it is important to know these types:

Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

This is by far the most common type, accounting for over 90% of cases. It originates in the cells covering the outer surface of the ovary.

Germ Cell Tumours

These rare tumours begin in the egg-producing cells. They usually affect younger women and often have a better prognosis.

Sex Cord-Stromal Tumours

Another rare group, these tumours develop in the hormone-producing cells of the ovary.

What are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is dangerous because its symptoms are not specific and can be mistaken for less serious illnesses. But it is very important to pay close attention to symptoms that are new, getting worse, or not going away. It is also important to see a doctor if you have any of the following ovarian cancer symptoms for a long time:

• Persistent Bloating: This is not the normal bloating you get after eating; it is a constant, noticeable swelling or fullness in your stomach.
• Pain or Discomfort in the Pelvis or Abdomen: A dull ache, pressure, or cramping that does not go away in your lower abdomen or pelvis.
• Difficulty in Eating: Experiencing a sensation of being full after consuming very little food, or a significant decrease in appetite.
• Frequent Urination: A frequent and constant need to urinate more often or more urgently than usual, with no clear reason like a urinary tract infection.
• Changes in Bowel Habits: You may have constipation, diarrhoea, or other changes in your normal bowel habits.
• Persistent Fatigue: Feeling tired all the time for no reason, even after getting enough rest.
• Back Pain: A new or worsening pain in the lower back that does not seem to be caused by a muscle.
• Unusual Vaginal Bleeding: This is especially important for women who have already gone through menopause. Any new or unusual bleeding should be checked out right away.

When Should You Consult a Doctor?

If any of these symptoms are new, last for a long time, and get worse, please do not wait to see a doctor. These symptoms could mean a lot of different things, but the only way to be sure that you do not have ovarian cancer is to get a full medical checkup.

What Causes Ovarian Cancer? 

Scientists still do not know what causes ovarian cancer, but they have found various things that can make a woman more likely to get it. Knowing the ovarian cancer causes can help you talk to your gynaecologist in a more informed way.

Genetic Factors

• BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations are the biggest risk factors. People often think of them as linked to breast cancer, but they also greatly raise the risk of ovarian cancer. If you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, especially in younger people, you might want to get genetic counselling.
• Another genetic condition, Lynch Syndrome (HNPCC), raises the risk of many cancers, including ovarian cancer.
• If you have a close relative (mother, sister, or daughter) who has had ovarian cancer, your risk goes up even if you do not have any known genetic mutations.

Non-Genetic Risk Factors

• The risk of ovarian cancer goes up as you get older, and most cases happen after menopause.
• Being overweight or obese can make the risk higher.
• Women who have had endometriosis in the past may have a slightly higher risk of getting some kinds of ovarian cancer.
• Women who have never given birth or had their first full-term pregnancy after age 35 may be more likely to get it. On the other hand, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and taking birth control pills have all been linked to a lower risk.
• Post-menopausal hormone therapy (especially oestrogen-only therapy for extended periods) may slightly increase the risk. 

Understanding the Stages of Ovarian Cancer

If a doctor finds ovarian cancer, they will figure out the ovarian cancer stages. Staging shows how far the cancer has spread in the body. The FIGO (International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics) staging system is the most common. For ovarian cancer stages, it goes from Stage I to Stage IV. In general, lower stages mean better outcomes.

Stage I

The cancer is only in one or both of the ovaries or fallopian tubes. This is the first and most treatable stage.

Stage II

The cancer has spread to other organs in the pelvis, such as the uterus, bladder, and rectum, in addition to the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Stage III

The cancer has spread to the abdomen (peritoneum) or to lymph nodes in the abdomen or groin.

Stage IV

The cancer has spread to organs that are far away, like the lungs or liver.

The Treatment Approaches for Ovarian Cancer

Most of the time, the treatment for ovarian cancer involves a team of specialists, such as gynaecological oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and others. The treatment plan is very specific to each person, based on the type and stage of cancer, the patient's general health, and their own preferences. Some common treatment for ovarian cancer are:

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is usually the first thing that is done. The goal is to remove as much of the tumour as possible, which is called "debulking." This could mean taking out the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and nearby lymph nodes or other tissues that are affected.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses strong drugs to kill cancer cells all over the body. It can be given through an IV (into a vein) or directly into the abdomen (intraperitoneally). Chemotherapy is often given before surgery to shrink bigger tumours or after surgery to kill any cancer cells that are still there.

Targeted Therapy

These new drugs are made to attack specific weaknesses in cancer cells. They usually cause fewer side effects than regular chemotherapy. Some examples are PARP inhibitors (for some genetic mutations) and anti-angiogenesis drugs (which stop blood vessels from growing and starve tumours).

Hormone Therapy

For some rare types of ovarian cancer, hormone therapy may be used to stop hormones from making the cancer grow.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy (using high-energy beams to kill cancer cells) is not as common for ovarian cancer, but it may be used in some cases to target leftover tumour sites or ease symptoms.

To figure out the best treatment for ovarian cancer for your specific situation, it is important to talk openly and honestly with your healthcare team about all of your options, including clinical trials.

The Way Forward

Even though ovarian cancer is known for being a silent killer, you can fight against it effectively with early detection and comprehensive ovarian cancer treatment. The key is to be more aware of its subtle signs and to take charge of your health. For the growing NRI community, who face unique challenges and opportunities across borders, staying healthy and up-to-date is more important than ever. The best things you can do to win this battle are to pay attention to your body, get medical help when you need it, and know what puts you at risk.

While you work towards your goals and take care of your families on different continents, think about how important it is to have a good health insurance policy. If you are an NRI, having full health insurance in India can make a huge difference. It makes sure that you and your family can get good medical care without having to worry about high costs, especially for serious illnesses like cancer. This foresight not only gives you peace of mind, but it also makes sure that your dependent family members back home continue to get the care they need. Take care of yourself now; don't wait for an emergency. Explore our plans today and safeguard yourself and your family. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can a Pap test find ovarian cancer?

No, a Pap test is not meant to find ovarian cancer; it is meant to find cervical cancer. There is currently no screening test that everyone can get for ovarian cancer.

What does the CA125 blood test mean for ovarian cancer?

Women with ovarian cancer may have higher levels of the protein CA125 in their blood. It is a good blood tests for ovarian cancer, especially for keeping an eye on treatment and recurrence, but it is not a definitive diagnostic test on its own because other health conditions can also cause high levels. It is often used with imaging scans and a doctor's examination.

What should I do if my family has a history of ovarian cancer?

It is a good idea to talk to your doctor about genetic counselling and testing if you have two or more close relatives (mother, sister, daughter) who have had ovarian or breast cancer or if there is a strong family history of these cancers at a young age.

How fast do the signs of ovarian cancer get worse?

The way symptoms of ovarian cancer get worse can be very different. In some cases, symptoms may show up out of nowhere and get worse quickly over the course of a few weeks or months. In some cases, they may be subtle and last for a long time before getting worse. The most important thing is to notice any new, ongoing, or worsening symptoms.

What changes to my lifestyle could lower my risk?

Even though no one thing can guarantee prevention, staying at a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and getting regular exercise are all good for your health and may help lower your risk of cancer. Taking birth control pills has also been linked to a lower risk of ovarian cancer.