Ovarian cancer is
named ‘the silent illness’ because it has an insidious nature and has a variety
of similar symptoms resembling those of benign pathologies.
Ovaries form part of
the female reproductive system and are located in both sides of the uterus
within the abdominal cavity.
According to the
Spanish Association Against Cancer, the highest rates of incidence of ovarian
cancer are recorded in Europe, especially in the United Kingdom, Germany,
Sweden and Spain. The United States of America also have high rates of
incidence.
Countries within Latin
America are also affected by this pathology in a greater or lesser proportion however;
incidences of ovarian cancer are less common in South Asia and Africa.
WARNING SYMPTOMS
Ovarian cancer
presents similar symptoms as those of other benign pathologies, therefore it is
usually diagnosed when it is in its advanced stages. That is why scientific
associations and societies, insist on people looking out for the symptoms detailed
below.
1. Inflammation or abdominal
swelling
2. A feeling of
repletion after meals
3. Loss of appetite
4. Pain or pelvic/abdominal
discomfort
5. Urgency to urinate
and a necessity to do so much more frequently than usual
6. Changes in
intestinal routines
7. Back pain
8. Abnormal vaginal
bleeding
9. Inexplicable weight
loss
10. Extreme tiredness
The National Health Service
(NHS) in UK recommends that if the symptoms persist for more than three weeks,
especially the first five mentioned above, a doctor should be consulted
immediately.
RISK FACTORS
Ovarian cancer is of
an unknown origin, however there are certain factors that can influence its
development such as:
1. Age
It is more frequent in
women older than 50 with only a small percentage of younger women suffering
from this pathology
2. Genetics
Women with mutations
of the genes BRCA1 or BRCA2 have a higher probability of developing ovarian
cancer
3. Genetic
predisposition
The emergence of
ovarian cancer is more frequent in women with a prior family history of breast
cancer, ovarian cancer and colon cancer
4. Substitutive oestrogen
therapy during menopause
5. Menarches or
emergence of the first menstrual cycle in women below the age of 12, and late
menopauses (Over the age of 55)
6. Nulliparity (Being
childless)
7. Overweight
8. Tobacco
DIAGNOSIS
- Blood test
- CT Scan
- Biopsy of the tumour
- Laparoscopy
TREATMENT
- Surgery, chemotherapy, etc.
PREVENTION
Even though there are
no specific measures to prevent ovarian cancer, it has been proven that
moderate physical exercise alongside quitting smoking and drinking alcohol,
contributes to the prevention of all types of cancer and specifically ovarian
cancer. Similarly, maintaining a diet low in saturated fats and rich in fruits
and vegetables, would maintain our bodies in an optimum state of health to
fight this disease.
Dr J. Hurtado Martínez
Medical Director of
HealthSalus
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