- Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynaecological malignancy, often referred to as a “silent killer” due to its vague symptoms, such as bloating, pelvic pain, and loss of appetite, which are often mistaken for less serious conditions.
- In India, it ranks among the top three cancers in women.
- Ovarian cancer has two main subtypes: Type I -less common, early-stage diagnosis, better prognosis and Type II is more common, aggressive, advanced-stage diagnosis, higher mortality.
- Survival rates depend on early detection and treatment.
- Unlike breast or cervical cancer, there are no reliable screening tests for ovarian cancer.
- The CA125 blood test, while useful for monitoring after diagnosis, is not effective for routine screening.
- Genetic factors play a significant role, with mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes increasing the risk of ovarian cancer.
- Genetic testing can help manage risk through surveillance and preventive measures.
Dig Deeper: Read about NexCAR19 for the treatment of cancer.
