Why Early Detection Is Critical
Ovarian cancer has a 5-year survival rate of over 90% when diagnosed at stage I, but drops to around 30% at stage IV. Unfortunately, 75% of cases are diagnosed at advanced stages because symptoms are subtle and non-specific. Knowing the warning signs is essential.
Symptoms to Watch For
Persistent bloating or abdominal swelling not related to meals. Pelvic or lower abdominal pain that does not resolve. Difficulty eating or feeling full very quickly. Frequent or urgent urination. Changes in bowel habits. Unexplained fatigue or weight changes. Back pain.
These symptoms are individually common and benign, but when they are new, persistent (occurring more than 12 days per month) and represent a change from normal, they warrant medical evaluation.
Diagnostic Tests
Transvaginal ultrasound: The most sensitive imaging tool for detecting pelvic masses. Simple, non-invasive and widely available. CA-125 blood test: A tumour marker elevated in most ovarian cancers. Not specific enough for population screening but valuable in symptomatic women. HE4 marker: More specific than CA-125 and useful in combination (ROMA score). CT/MRI scan: To characterise detected masses and assess for spread. Biopsy: Definitive diagnosis requires tissue pathology.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations (up to 44% lifetime risk). Family history of ovarian or breast cancer. Lynch syndrome. Women who have never been pregnant. Hormone replacement therapy use. Age over 50.
Screening Recommendations
There is currently no effective population screening programme for ovarian cancer. However, women with BRCA mutations or strong family history should be followed in specialised gynaecological oncology programmes with annual transvaginal ultrasound and CA-125. Genetic counselling is recommended.
Do you have symptoms concerning for ovarian cancer? At Quenet Torrent Institute we offer rapid evaluation, expert diagnosis and advanced surgical treatment. Request a consultation.