4 symptomes that can improve the diagnosis of ovarian cancer by Shahrin Ahmed

Shahrin Ahmed, Medical Specialist at the Canadian Cancer Society, shared a post on X:

“The detection of ovarian cancer is challenging. Diagnosis can be improved by focusing on these 4 symptoms –

It’s common for ovarian cancers to be discovered when they are already advanced and challenging to treat. Due to their vagueness and similarity to other conditions, symptoms may be hard to identify.

A recent study suggests that ovarian cancer can be detected early in its progression. Bloating, abdominal pain, needing to pee frequently, and feeling full quickly were among the four specific symptoms observed in women in the study.
This means that even the most severe forms of ovarian cancer can be detected in their early stages.

The survival rate is reduced to 72% if the cancer spreads to nearby lymph nodes. The rate for diagnosing cancer that has metastasized and spread to distant sites is only 31%. The evidence is divided on whether early detection of ovarian cancer leads to better survival rates. A UK trial that screened more than 200,000 women was unsuccessful in reducing deaths.

The researchers took 2,596 women from 24 UK hospitals between June 2015 and July 2022. The task of monitoring for these four symptoms was given to them:

• Women frequently use the term bloating to describe persistent abdominal distension.
• Having a full feeling shortly after starting to eat and/or losing your appetite.
• Pain in the pelvis or abdominal area can be similar to indigestion.
• Urinating urgently or more frequently.

According to the study, this method is superior to general screening for those with no symptoms in detecting ovarian cancer. The fast-track pathway had 12% of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. High-grade serous ovarian cancer was diagnosed in 6.8% of fast-tracked patients. 90% of ovarian cancer deaths are caused by this cancer, which is the most aggressive form.

Surgery was the mainstay of the majority (95%) and chemotherapy was the mainstay of three quarters (77%). In six out of ten women (61%), complete cytoreduction, or removal of all cancer cells, was achieved.

Detection of ovarian cancer is improved by early testing and referral for symptoms. Although the study didn’t track survival rates, this could also improve outcomes. It emphasizes the importance of public awareness of symptoms.

The symptoms of ovarian cancer are still unknown to many women. Early detection and treatment may be aided by their recognition. Saving many lives can be achieved through this method. The awareness of ovarian cancer can be enhanced by supporting one another and sharing information.”

Source: Shahrin Ahmed/X