Uncovering the mystery of ovarian cancer: recent developments in prevention and treatment

Unmasking the mystery of ovarian cancer: The latest advances in prevention and treatment of ovarian cancer are very serious malignant tumours of the female reproductive system, with increasing incidence and mortality rates worldwide. Despite the achievements of modern medicine in cancer treatment, early detection and effective treatment of ovarian cancer continue to face considerable difficulties. This paper will provide a comprehensive picture of the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of ovarian cancer, which pose a threat to women ‘ s health.I. Causes of ovarian cancerThe exact cause of ovarian cancer is not yet fully known, but studies suggest that the following factors may increase the risk of morbidity:Genetic factors: About 10-15 per cent of ovarian cancer patients have family genetic background, and the mutation of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes is the most common of genetic factors.2. Age: Most ovarian cancer occurs over 50 years of age, especially among post-menopausal women.Reproductive factors: Women with fewer or never pregnancies are at higher risk of ovarian cancer.Hormonal therapy: Long-term hormone substitution therapy (HRT) may increase the incidence of disease.II. Symptoms of ovarian cancerEarly symptoms of ovarian cancer are often not visible and can easily be ignored or misdiagnosed as other diseases. Common symptoms include:1. Abdominal discomfort: Continued abdominal swelling, abdominal pain or a feeling of oppression.2. Indigestion: Decline in appetite, indigestion, constipation or diarrhea.Symptoms of the urology system: urination frequency, urgency or urination difficulty.4. Symptoms of the whole body: fatigue, loss of weight or increased abdominal condition for unknown reasons.Diagnosis of ovarian cancerEarly diagnosis is key to improving ovarian cancer curing. Common diagnostic methods include:1. Gynaecology examination pelvic examination: ovary abnormality detected.2. Visual examinations: Video examinations such as ultrasound, CT and MRI can help detect ovaries.3. Blood testing: CA-125 is a commonly used tumor marker with limited specificity and sensitivity.4. Organization of a biopsy: A pathological examination of tissue samples obtained through surgery or puncture is the gold standard for determining ovarian cancer.IV. Prevention of ovarian cancerAlthough ovarian cancer prevention measures are limited, the following measures can reduce the incidence of disease:1. Periodic medical examinations: women, especially those with family history, shall undergo regular gynaecological and video examinations.Contraception: The risk of ovarian cancer is significantly reduced by the long-term use of oral contraceptives.Fertility programmes: Early childbearing and breastfeeding, with some protective effect on ovarian cancer.4. Healthy lifestyle: maintaining healthy eating habits, adequate exercise and avoiding unnecessary hormonal therapy.V. Treatment of ovarian cancerThe treatment of ovarian cancer is usually based on a combination of surgical, chemotherapy and target-oriented treatment programmes.1. Surgery: The main treatment for ovarian cancer is to minimize cancer cells by removing tumours and tired tissues.2. Chemotherapy: general post-operative chemotherapy to eliminate remaining cancer cells. Commonly used chemotherapy drugs include platinum and violet.Targeting treatment: In recent years, significant progress has been made in target-oriented treatment, such as the application of PARP inhibitors to patients with BRCA mutations.4. Immunization treatment: Although still in the research phase, immunization treatment shows good prospects for some ovarian cancer patients.Early diagnosis and effective treatment of ovarian cancer are key to improving the survival of patients. It is our hope that this paper will lead to increased attention to ovarian cancer, especially among high-risk groups, and to regular screening and medical examinations. At the same time, progressive medical research has given new hope to ovarian cancer patients.ReferencesSenior, R.L., Miller, K.D., & Jemal, A. (2020). Cancer Statistics, 2020. CA: A Chancer Journal for Clinicians, 70(1), 7-30. National Census Institute. (2021). Malignant ovary tumours