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Source: Curtis, L. (2023, January 3). What is Ovarian Cancer?. Health. https://www.health.com/ovarian-cancer-overview-6891740
Overview
Overview
Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries, and it is often called the "silent killer" because it usually goes undetected until it has spread within the pelvis and abdomen, making early detection crucial for improving survival rates.
Statistics and Impact
Statistics and Impact
Ovarian cancer affects approximately 1 in 87 women ¹. Currently, the 5-year survival rate for ovarian cancer stands at 50.8%. However, with early detection, this survival rate dramatically increases to 92.5% ². In comparison, the 5-year survival rates for breast cancer and cervical cancer are 91.2% ³ and 67% ⁴, respectively. By enhancing early detection for ovarian cancer, we can significantly close the survival rate gap and offer women a fighting chance against this formidable disease.
Risk Factors ⁵
Risk Factors ⁵
Family history of ovarian cancer
Genetic mutation such as BRCA1/2
Reproductive history factors
Routine Screening for Ovarian Cancer Does Not Exist
Routine Screening for Ovarian Cancer Does Not Exist
Ultrasound ⁶
Ultrasound ⁶
Ultrasound is often used to detect abnormalities in the ovaries, but it has limitations. While it can identify the presence of masses or cysts, it cannot reliably distinguish between benign and malignant growths. This lack of specificity makes ultrasound insufficient as a standalone screening tool for early detection of ovarian cancer.
CA125 ⁷
CA125 ⁷
The CA125 blood test measures the level of the CA125 protein, which can be elevated in women with ovarian cancer. However, it is not specific to ovarian cancer and can also be elevated due to other conditions, such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease. This lack of specificity and sensitivity reduces its effectiveness as a routine screening method for the general population.
Prophylactic Salpingo-Oophorectomy ⁸
Prophylactic Salpingo-Oophorectomy ⁸
For women at high risk of ovarian cancer, such as those with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes) is a preventive option. While this procedure significantly reduces the risk of developing ovarian cancer, it is not suitable for the general population due to its invasive nature and the resultant impact on fertility and hormonal balance.
References
References
[1] Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance. (n.d.). Ovarian Cancer Statistics. OCRA. https://ocrahope.org/get-the-facts/statistics/
[2] Howlader N, Noone AM, Krapcho M, et al. SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2014, National Cancer Institute.2017. https://seer.cancer.gov/csr/1975_2014/
[3] National Institute of Health. (n.d.). Cancer of the breast (female) - cancer stat facts. SEER. https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/breast.html
[4] National Institute of Health. (n.d.). Cervical cancer prognosis and survival rates. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/survival
[5] Ali, Aus Tariq et al. “Epidemiology and risk factors for ovarian cancer.” Przeglad menopauzalny = Menopause review vol. 22,2 (2023): 93-104. doi:10.5114/pm.2023.128661
[6] Stewart, C., Ralyea, C., & Lockwood, S. (2019). Ovarian cancer: An integrated review. Seminars in Oncology Nursing, 35(2), 151–156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soncn.2019.02.001
[7] Charkhchi, Parsa et al. “CA125 and Ovarian Cancer: A Comprehensive Review.” Cancers vol. 12,12 3730. 11 Dec. 2020, doi:10.3390/cancers12123730
[8] Somalwar, S., & Jain, S. (2019). Analysis of prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy at the time of hysterectomy for benign lesions. Journal of Mid-Life Health, 10(1), 29. https://doi.org/10.4103/jmh.jmh_70_18
Page author: Isha Deshmukh
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