Among women’s health problems, ovarian cancer is often considered a “invisible killer”. Because of their early symptoms, many women are at an advanced stage at the time of their diagnosis, which reduces the survival rate of ovarian cancer significantly. So what exactly is ovarian cancer? How do we prevent and detect early detection? Let’s get to the point.
ovarian cancer refers to malignant tumours occurring in ovaries, which are important organs of the female reproductive system and are responsible for producing eggs and female hormones. According to the type of cancer, ovarian cancer can be classified into several categories, including upper ovarian cancer, embryonic ovarian cancer and sexual mesothelioma. Of these, upper ovarian cancer is the most common, accounting for about 90 per cent of all ovarian cancer cases. The exact causes of ovarian cancer are not yet clear, but some risk factors are considered relevant to their occurrence, including age, family history, genetic factors (e.g. the mutation of the BRCA1 and BRCA2), reproductive history, menstruation cycle and lifestyle.
Early symptoms of ovarian cancer are often not visible, and women may experience abdominal swelling, abdominal pain, urination, reduced appetite, etc., which can easily be mistaken for common indigestion or poor physiology, leading to patients missing the best treatment. As tumours develop, symptoms can increase, even in the form of a sharp decrease in body weight and fatigue. Early detection of ovarian cancer has been a major challenge for the medical community due to the lack of effective screening methods.
Currently, screening methods for ovarian cancer include, inter alia, ultrasound examinations and oncological markers (e.g. CA-125). Ultrasound is an innovated visual examination that helps doctors to observe changes in ovarian morphology and structure; CA-125 is a protein that is usually elevated in ovarian cancer patients and can be used as an indicator of assisted diagnosis through blood testing. However, these screening methods are not fully reliable, ultrasound tests do not determine the nature of the disease when it is detected, and the rise of CA-125 may also be associated with other benign pathologies or physiological conditions. There are therefore some limitations to the current means of screening.
So, how do we respond to ovarian cancer? First, it is important to understand their own risk factors. If you are at risk of family history or genetic mutation, it is recommended that professional gynaecological examinations and screenings be conducted on a regular basis. Early detection and treatment are key to improving survival rates.
Second, lifestyle change is also an important part of preventing ovarian cancer. Maintaining healthy weight, a balanced diet and a proper amount of movement reduces the risk of ovarian cancer. Studies have shown that diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fat help to maintain health while avoiding excessive red meat and processed foods. In addition, maintaining moderate exercise, such as a medium-intensity exercise of at least 150 minutes per week, increases physical immunity and reduces cancer risk.
At the same time, regular medical check-ups are an important element. Health can be increased by maintaining good communication with doctors, understanding their health status and identifying potential problems in a timely manner. Women in particular, after the age of 50, recommend that a full gynaecology examination, including pelvic and ultrasound examinations, be conducted annually to ensure health.
Summary
Let us be clear that, although ovarian cancer is a serious disease, it can significantly reduce the incidence of disease and its hazards by understanding risks, taking appropriate precautions and conducting regular inspections. It is hoped that every woman will take care of her health, develop good habits, undergo periodic medical examinations and achieve the goal of a healthy life at an early date. Through the dissemination of scientific knowledge, we can jointly protect women’s health so that ovarian cancer is no longer a “hidden killer”.
