Ovarian Cancer Risk Groups
Endometrioid ovarian cancer is most commonly found in people over 50-60 years old, but general ovarian cancer can also be found in children under 20 years old. Genetic factors are involved in about 20% of cases. The risk is higher in women who ovulate continuously without breaks, such as during pregnancy or in those who take contraceptive pills that inhibit ovulation. Therefore, studies have found that women who take contraceptive pills have a lower risk of ovarian cancer compared to those who do not take them.
What Symptoms Indicate a Risk of Ovarian Cancer?
Normally, menstrual pain has two types: pain on the first day or one day before menstruation, which then improves or gets better with exercise, or mild pain that still allows daily activities. However, if the pain persists from the start of menstruation until it ends, or if the pain is severe enough to cause twisting or bending, you should see a doctor immediately. This also applies to those who have previously been diagnosed with this condition.
Characteristics of Ovarian Cancer Development
The endometrium is the lining inside the uterus. As ovulation approaches, the endometrium thickens to prepare for fertilization. If fertilization does not occur each month, the endometrium sheds along with blood, resulting in menstruation. Endometriosis occurs when tissue grows outside the uterus in various areas, such as the ovaries. During menstruation, the endometrial tissue expands. If it is located in areas with nerve supply, such as behind the uterus, it causes menstrual pain and can also lead to infertility, causing concern for parents about the ability to have children.
Ovarian cancer, which can be fatal, often starts from menstrual pain after childbirth. Endometrial tissue growing in the wrong place, if chronically inflamed and untreated, can develop into cancer. Cancer cells cause the lower abdomen to enlarge and cause severe abdominal pain even outside of menstruation, which is a dangerous sign indicating ovarian cancer.
A special characteristic of ovarian cancer is that cancer cells spread rapidly and show few symptoms, making it difficult to detect early. Many patients are diagnosed only after the cancer has spread to the lungs. The exact cause of ovarian cancer is still unknown, but high consumption of animal fats is considered an important contributing factor.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer at Each Stage
Stage 1: The cancer is confined to the ovary and can be treated with surgery. However, it is rarely detected at this stage. Less than 70% of ovarian cancers are diagnosed when the cancer has already reached stage 3 or 4 because early stages usually show no symptoms. Stage 3 is when cancer cells spread into the peritoneal lining and produce fluid, causing rapid abdominal enlargement due to fluid accumulation, characterized by tightness and hardness. Stage 4 is when cancer cells rapidly spread to the lungs.
The number of deaths from ovarian cancer is about 4,000 per year and has increased eightfold over the past 10 years. Endometritis is generally not a serious disease but should not be neglected because if left untreated, it may develop into ovarian cancer.
Ovarian Cancer Treatment
Since cancer is difficult to treat in late stages, prevention or early intervention is crucial. If abnormal symptoms such as severe menstrual pain or a diagnosis of endometriosis occur, one should promptly see a doctor for diagnosis and early treatment.
For ovarian cancer screening, doctors measure the CA125 marker, which is produced by the lining of internal organs such as the pancreas and ovaries. The normal range is 0-35 units per milliliter, but some people may have higher normal values without having cancer. In ovarian cancer patients, the value is usually above 35. However, in stage 1 ovarian cancer, symptoms may not appear, so doctors use CA125 levels to help plan surgery, as the surgical approach differs depending on the suspicion of cancer.
Ways to Reduce the Risk of Ovarian Cancer
Exercise regularly, eat fruits and vegetables consistently, have regular health check-ups, and reduce the intake of animal fats, as high consumption of animal fats is a contributing factor to ovarian cancer.
Phyathai 1 Hospital is committed to quality care for all cancer patients. Patients are referred for diagnosis by specialists in gynecological diseases using modern medical technology. After diagnosis confirms ovarian cancer, the attending physician presents the case to the MDT Cancer committee, a multidisciplinary team consisting of specialists in gynecology, diagnostic radiology, radiation therapy, pathology, and medical oncology. Together, they develop personalized treatment plans that improve patient outcomes and minimize side effects from treatment.
