Younger women can also be at the risk of developing Ovarian Cancer

By Dr Rani Bhat, Senior Consultant and Head of Gynaecological Oncology, HCG Cancer Hospital

Recent trend shows arise in ovarian cancer among the younger age group

In the past, ovarian cancer cases were primarily observed in postmenopausal women aged between 50 and 75 years. It was uncommon among women in their premenopausal years. However, the situation has changed in recent years as an alarming number of younger women are being diagnosed with ovarian cancer – one of the gynaecological cancers with the lowest survival rate.

As per GLOBOCAN 2018 reports, more than 700,000 women are ‘living within five years of an ovarian cancer diagnosis (5-year prevalence)’, the study predicts that by 2035 there will be a worldwide increase of 55% in incidence to 371,000 and an increase in deaths of 67% to 254,000. Awareness and early detection of ovarian cancer are of paramount importance in reducing the morbidity and mortality caused due to ovarian cancer. 

Case Studies on Ovarian Cancer

Case studies made on two women from two different age groups had some interesting insights on the primary symptoms of ovarian cancer. These studies have also stressed on the fact that ovarian cancer is as prevalent among younger women as it is among older women.

Arpitha (name changed), a 24-year-old married woman, complained of abdominal pain and heaviness for about 3 months. She also experienced stomach bloating and constipation. However, she neither witnessed reduced appetite or weight loss, which is some of the common symptoms of ovarian cancer. Her clinical examinations were normal without any abnormalities. Later, it was her vaginal examination that revealed a huge pelvic abdominal mass in her abdomen, which indicated ovarian cancer. The size of the palpable revealed that it could possibly be 36cm mass. Accordingly, after multidisciplinary team discussion she underwent surgery followed by chemotherapy, post which the patient is recovered and leading a healthy life.

Not all women present with the classic symptoms of ovarian cancer, and this disease is reported to be asymptomatic in its initial stages. Therefore it is important for women of all age groups to be aware of various symptoms of ovarian cancer and undergo tests in order to detect the tumour growth in its early stages, during which the successful treatment is possible.

Kanika (name changed), a 52-year-old woman, consulted a specialist complaining of abdominal distension and breathlessness for a period of 2 weeks. She was also experiencing loss of appetite, post-meal distension, constipation, weight loss, and rectal bleeding, but had no othermedical comorbidities. Although her initial examinations indicated that her condition was stable, it was her abdominal tests that revealed the formation of ascites (an abnormal buildup of fluid) in her abdomen, signifying ovarian cancer. After thorough analysis and multidisciplinary team discussion, she underwent surgery along with intra-operative hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).Following successful surgery she underwent chemotherapy,and is now recovered.

Kanika presented herself with the classic symptoms of ovarian cancer. However, she being otherwise healthy helped her in the success of her cancer treatment.

Common Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

The most common symptoms of ovarian cancer include abdominal bloating, breathlessness, constipation, loss of appetite, changes in urinary habits and changes in bowel habits. Experiencing any of these signs for most days in a period of 3 weeks is a common sign of ovarian cancer.

Since most of these symptoms are also associated with the generalgastritis, extra care to be taken not to brush these symptoms off as gastritisalone.

Risk Factors Associated with Ovarian Cancer

As established earlier, ovarian cancer is prevalent among women of all age groups. However, it must also be noted that the risk of developing ovarian cancer increases with age. Multiple factors such as genetics, lifestyle, family history and environmental factors contribute to the risk of developing.

Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes trigger tumour formation in the ovaries. Women with a positive family history of ovarian cancer are at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. Obesity is also considered to be a risk factor. Apart from this, women who have never had a kid or never breastfed are at an increased risk of ovarian malignancy.

Ovarian Cancer: Screening and Early Detection

Early detection of ovarian cancer provides the patients with various treatment options and most importantly, a successful clinical outcome. Since ovarian cancer is one of those cancers that become symptomatic in their advanced stages, women are advised opt for regular screening tests that help them discover their ovarian cancers in the early stages and get them treated successfully. Generally, the screening procedure involves testing for the mutated BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes that trigger tumour formation in the ovaries. This screening is of utmost important for those with family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Other screening tests include ultrasound and regular pelvic examinations in general population has not been of great significance.

Most of the ovarian cancer-related deaths are caused due to delayed diagnosis. Many women tend to ignore the symptoms in the early stages and visit the specialist in the advanced stages when cancer would have metastasised. The best clinical outcomes are possible only when the ovarian cancers are detected in their earlier stages, which is possible only through regular screening and early intervention.

Corporate Comm India (CCI Newswire)