World Ovarian Cancer Day is observed on the 8th of May every year in order to shed some light and raise awareness about one of the most overlooked and deadliest forms of cancer that affects women, that is, ovarian cancer. This day not only serves as a worldwide call for raising awareness about this disease, but also to underscore the importance of early detection, better treatment options, and the continuous need to Support ovarian cancer patients. Even after a series of advancements and developments in the field of modern medicine and technology, Ovarian Cancer still remains one of the most notorious and difficult conditions to be detected in its early stages. This is because it causes very vague symptoms in the earlier stages, and Early signs of ovarian cancer can easily be mistaken for some other, less serious conditions. As a result, most of the women affected by it are diagnosed only when the disease has already progressed to advanced and more dangerous stages. The theme of World Ovarian Cancer Day 2025 is ‘No Women Left Behind’. This theme strongly conveys the idea of uniting the voices, experiences, and global expertise to encourage a more proactive approach in dealing with this disease, ensuring that no woman across the world remains untouched by this movement. It is a call for every woman around the world, encouraging them to listen to their body and pay heed to the symptoms, advocate for themselves, and seek timely medical intervention to defeat this common enemy of humankind.
Let us join hands as we stand in strong solidarity with the Ovarian cancer survivors stories, honour those who lost their lives, and try to drive towards a future where ovarian cancer is no more as big and silent a threat as it is in the present.
What is Ovarian Cancer?
Let us first try to understand what ovarian cancer actually is. It is a form of cancer that begins in the small organs present in the pelvis of a woman, called the ovaries. These organs are responsible for the production of eggs and hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Ovarian cancer occurs when some abnormal cells present in the ovaries start to grow uncontrollably and progress to form a tumor. This cancer can also spread to other parts of the female’s body if it is not detected early enough. Since this disease does not show any specific Ovarian cancer early symptoms, it becomes very difficult to detect earlier. In most cases, it is diagnosed only when the disease has already progressed to more advanced stages. Early detection and intervention are the key to successful treatment, and this is where the role of awareness comes in. Awareness and regular screenings are, hence, of utmost importance.
What are the causes of Ovarian Cancer?
While the exact and specific causes of Ovarian Cancer have still not been pinpointed, there are a few factors that have been identified to be contributing to ovarian cancer in women.
- Genetics and Family History: Women who have a family history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or colorectal cancer, and certain genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, are at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer at some point in their lives.
- Age: Ovarian cancer facts suggest that Women who have entered their menopause or are more than 50 years of age are at an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer as compared to other women.
- Endometriosis: This is a condition in which tissue that is similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It has been linked with an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer in women.
- Infertility: A history of infertility and never conceiving is also shown to increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer.
- Other Cancers: If a woman has had a history of certain other forms of cancer, such as breast cancer and bowel cancer, she is at a higher risk of ovarian cancer.
- Lifestyle: Certain lifestyle choices like smoking, obesity, having a high-fat diet, etc, raise the risk of ovarian cancer.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) also increases the risk of a woman developing ovarian cancer.
What are the symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?
As discussed above, Ovarian cancer early symptoms can be very difficult to detect as they are similar to the symptoms of some other problems that are less serious, including digestive and bowel problems. However, if these symptoms occur repeatedly, a woman should never ignore them. These symptoms include:
- Chronic Bloating: If a woman feels persistent tightness, swelling, or a feeling of being full in the stomach, that does not change or improve even after proper dietary changes and keeps coming back over time, she must consult a gynecologist to rule out the possibility of ovarian cancer.
- Abdominal Pain: Continuous pain or discomfort in the abdomen or the pelvis should also not be taken lightly and investigated properly.
- Change in diet: If a woman has started to feel full even after having small amounts of food, is struggling to finish her meals, and is experiencing a loss in appetite, she should make sure to visit a gynecologist.
- Unexplained loss or gain of weight: Unexplained or sudden weight loss or weight gain should also be investigated further, especially when accompanied by other symptoms mentioned above.
- Changes in bowel movements: Ovarian Cancer can also give rise to symptoms that feel like a change in bowel movements, resulting in diarrhea, constipation, or a feeling of not being able to fully empty the bowel.
- Painful sex: If a woman has been facing back pain and painful sex in general, she must make sure to visit the gynecologist.
- Fatigue: A constant feeling of being tired that does not improve with taking adequate amounts of rest should also be investigated further with the gynecologist.
How can Ovarian Cancer be diagnosed early?
Ovarian cancer awareness campaign revolves around these steps In order to diagnose and detect ovarian cancer early:
- Being aware of the symptoms: Persistent symptoms that might appear normal, such as constant bloating, fatigue, and weight loss, etc, should not be ignored and must be consulted with a gynecologist. This can lead to an early diagnosis of ovarian cancer before it spreads to other parts of the body.
- Regular Doctor Visits: Women, especially those in high-risk groups, should monitor their own health regularly and make sure to pay regular visits to the gynecologist in order to make sure that ovarian cancer and other conditions can be detected in their early stages so as to ensure a safe and effective treatment journey.
What are the treatment options available for Ovarian Cancer?
There are various approaches developed, thanks to the advancements in modern medicine and technology, in order to treat ovarian cancer. Some of these approaches include:
- Surgery: With the advancements in technology and the advent of robotic surgeries, it is mostly the first option considered for Ovarian cancer treatment. It involves the removal of as many cancerous cells or tissues as possible. Based on the severity of the case, doctors might go for highly advanced, minimally invasive, and tremendously accurate robotic surgeries to remove one or both ovaries, fallopian tubes, and even the uterus and lymph nodes to remove the cancerous cells from the body.
- Chemotherapy: It is a treatment option that involves the use of strong medicine that kills the cancer cells. Mostly used after the surgery, this treatment can be administered over a course of a few weeks or months.
- Other treatment options like Targeted therapy, Hormone Therapy and Radiation therapy can also be used as per the particular requirements of the case and the condition of the patient.
What are the early symptoms of ovarian cancer?
The Early signs of ovarian cancer can be vague and very nonspecific. They can be similar to the symptoms of certain other conditions that are not that serious. These symptoms include persistent bloating, abdominal pain, fatigue, changes in bowel habits, sudden weight loss or weight gain, etc.
How can I support World Ovarian Cancer Day?
In order to support World Ovarian Cancer Day, a person can join the Ovarian cancer awareness campaign, and make sure to raise awareness, donate to relevant organizations, and encourage early detection of the disease.
How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?
After a woman visits the gynecologist after experiencing Early signs of ovarian cancer, the diagnosis process involves certain tests like a pelvic exam and imaging tests like CT scans or ultrasound to assess the condition of the surrounding tissues. If cancer is suspected, cancer antigen tests and biopsies might be followed.
Is ovarian cancer curable?
Ovarian Cancer is not always curable. However, with early detection and timely medical intervention, the chances of survival of the patient can be improved significantly. The success of the Ovarian cancer treatment depends on a wide range of factors, including the stage and type of cancer, and the response of the patient to the treatment.
Is ovarian cancer genetic?
Yes, Ovarian Cancer can have a genetic component in some cases, but mostly, it is not the primary cause. Out of all the cases of ovarian cancer, 10-15% of them can be traced back to genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2. Women having these genetic mutations must be extra cautious and attentive towards Ovarian cancer early symptoms to catch hold of this disease in its earliest stages, if it ever occurs.
If you are looking for the best gynecologist in Mohali or the best ovarian cancer specialist in Chandigarh, Sohana Hospital might just be the right option for you. Sohana Hospital Mohali is home to the World’s Most Advanced Cutting-Edge technology and North India’s most trusted and experienced Cancer specialists who provide the most comprehensive and holistic treatment for all kinds of cancer with the most patient-centric and compassionate approach. With our expertise and your will, cancer can be conquered. Let us join hands in making a future free from Ovarian Cancer!