The ovaries, unseen and intangible organs, play a crucial role in a woman’s life, contributing to health and beauty. However, when these ovaries undergo cancerous changes, they can become an “invisible killer.” Despite the low risk of 1.2% for the average woman to develop ovarian cancer, 70% of patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, making it the deadliest among gynecological malignancies. But are there really no traces of this disease?
In fact, the body may have sent out “distress signals” long before, which unfortunately have been overlooked.
The Ovaries: A Vital Female Organ
The ovaries are an integral part of the female reproductive system, symmetrically positioned within the pelvic cavity in the lower abdomen. Besides producing eggs for reproduction, they secrete various hormones and growth factors, such as estrogen, progesterone, and androgens, controlling over 400 sites across nine major systems including bone, immune, reproductive, and nervous systems, thus maintaining women’s health and beauty.
The ovaries are known as “organs that help women stay young and beautiful.” If ovarian function declines, one may experience symptoms like:
1. Menstrual irregularities, low ovulation rates, sexual indifference;
2. Hot flashes, irritability, depression, insomnia;
3. Weight gain, bloated abdomen, sagging buttocks, hourglass figure;
4. Dry skin, loss of elasticity, hair loss, diminished hair luster;
5. Arteriosclerosis, such as myocardial ischemia or infarction;
6. Frequent urination, nocturia, urinary incontinence;
7. Cervical spine disease, rheumatism, arthritis, osteoporosis;
8. Gastric discomfort, loss of appetite, constipation.
The King of Gynecological Cancers – Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer, the “invisible killer,” may develop when cells in one or both ovaries grow uncontrollably. These cancerous cells can also detach and spread to other parts of the body. Every woman is at risk of developing ovarian cancer, with an average of 1 in 72 women likely to encounter it at some point in their lives.
In 2020, there were 55,342 new cases of ovarian cancer in China, equivalent to one diagnosis every 9 minutes, with 37,519 deaths, amounting to one death every 14 minutes.
Since the ovaries are deep within the pelvis, they are neither palpable nor visible. Moreover, ovarian cancer is adept at disguise, often presenting with non-specific digestive or menstrual symptoms, which are easily overlooked, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Ovarian cancer is also dubbed the “king of gynecological cancers,” with 77% to 92% of patients diagnosed at an advanced stage dying within 10 years.
High-Risk Groups to Be Vigilant Against Ovarian Cancer
1. Family history of ovarian cancer
Genetics plays a significant role in ovarian cancer risk. Those with a family history of ovarian, breast, or pancreatic cancer are at higher risk, especially carriers of germline BRCA gene mutations, which require proper genetic counseling and management.
2. Early menarche or late menopause
Ovaries affected by hormonal environments increase the risk for women with early menarche or late menopause (menstruating before age 12, menopausing after age 55), as they ovulate for a longer duration, increasing the risk of ovarian epithelial damage.
3. Women who have never given birth
For pregnant and breastfeeding women, ovaries cease ovulation, allowing them to rest and repair. In contrast, women who have never given birth have ovaries that work continuously every month, like relentless machines, increasing the risk of DNA damage and thus the risk of ovarian cancer.
4. Other high-risk factors for ovarian cancer
Obesity, history of endometriosis, high-fat diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, staying up late, and long-term use of ovulation-inducing drugs are all associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
Signs of Ovarian Cancer to Watch For!
Early ovarian cancer often presents with non-specific digestive or menstrual symptoms, such as:
● Abdominal bloating
● Implicit or dull pain in the waist and abdomen
● Loss of appetite
● Frequent urination, urgency
● Menstrual irregularities
● Increased or decreased bowel movements
While these symptoms are non-specific and many women experience them occasionally, it does not mean they have ovarian cancer. However, it is still important to seek timely medical examinations.
Preventing Ovarian Cancer: Key Steps to Take
1. Regular check-ups
Annual check-ups focusing on gynecological examinations and ultrasounds to monitor the ovaries for tumors and their size and blood flow are essential for early detection and treatment.
Those with a family history of cancer, including ovarian, breast, and colorectal cancers, should pay more attention to regular check-ups and seek genetic counseling when necessary, leading to possible medical interventions.
2. Maintain healthy lifestyle habits
Adopting a healthy routine includes sleeping early, eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables and fruits, avoiding high-fat foods, engaging in moderate exercise to prevent obesity, and quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, including secondhand and thirdhand smoke exposure.
3. Avoid self-medicating
Medications such as contraceptives, menstrual regulation drugs, and sex hormones should be used under professional medical guidance to ensure safety and effectiveness.
4. Prophylactic salpingectomy
For women with a family history of ovarian, fallopian tube, peritoneal, or breast cancer who have been assessed by a doctor and found to carry gene mutations after genetic counseling and BRCA gene testing, prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy may be considered after childbearing is complete and the pros and cons have been fully discussed with a doctor to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.