The most popular forms of cancer known to an average woman are the breast and cervical cancer. These cancers are responsible for the death of millions of women all over the world. It is of little wonder that not much attention is paid to other forms of cancer. Specifically, ovarian cancer-which is just as deadly. 

Let’s put this to test; how much do you know about ovarian cancer? Not much? No worries, we’re here to help! 

Ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the ovary begin to multiply out of control and form a tumour. If left untreated, the tumour can spread to other parts of the body.

Ovarian Cancer Figures

1. Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer deaths in women.
2. It is also the tenth most common cancer among women in the United States.
3. We have fewer cases in Nigeria, as women with ovarian cancer are below 100,000.
4. The good news is that the rate of ovarian cancer diagnosis has slowly declined over the past 20 years.
5. Ovarian Cancer has four stages: stage I, II, III and IV. 
6. There are more than 30 types of ovarian cancer.
7. If diagnosed in the early stages, there is a 94 per cent chance of surviving for at least 5 more years. 

Facts about Ovarian Cancer

Just like every other type of cancer, Ovarian cancer has its facts and figures. Let’s look into some of them:

1. Ovarian cancer is not a single disease. It is a diverse group of cancers that respond to different treatments based on their molecular characteristics. Treatment also depends on other health conditions, such as diabetes or heart problems, that a woman might have. Treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.
2. Risk factors for developing ovarian cancer include family history, older age, reproductive history, and obesity.
3. Early symptoms may include pain in the pelvis, lower abdomen, the lower part of the body or back pain. Indigestion or heartburn, feeling full rapidly when eating, more frequent and urgent urination, pain during sexual intercourse are also present. Others early symptoms include changes in bowel habits, such as constipation, nausea, weight loss, breathlessness, tiredness, loss of appetite.
4. Having children, breastfeeding and taking the oral contraceptive pill for a number of years can reduce a woman’s risk of developing Ovarian Cancer.
5. Taking birth control pills decreases your risk of Ovarian Cancer.
6. Removing your fallopian tubes can also decrease your risk.

When diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer, it is very important to work with a specialist. As a matter of fact, all potential surgical patients should meet with a gynaecological oncologist, if possible.

Still, got questions or need further clarification? Please drop it in the comment box or chat with our oncologists and psychologists directly. We would love to hear from you.

Until the next time. Remember that: “Ovarian Cancer is absolutely curable, the earlier we fight against it, the better for everyone“.

Loads of Love

xo xo

Oncopadi cares