“When a cancer appears on one of the two ovaries, the cancerous cells are at first few in number and located in the outer layer of the ovary (at the level of the epithelium). It develops from an initially normal cell which transforms and multiplies in an anarchic way, until it forms a mass called a malignant tumor”, describes the National Cancer Institute.
This disease can be favored by presence of a genetic abnormality hereditary such as a mutation of the BRCA 1 or 2 genes, or more rarely of one of the Lynch syndrome genes. The genetic anomaly is responsible for 15 to 20% of high-grade ovarian cancers. The presence of several breast and/or ovarian cancers within a family is also a risk factor.
Other risk factors, such as the absence of pregnancyl’obesity or the late menopauseincrease the risk of developing ovarian cancer.
A news study conducted on 300 women by Imperial College London (UK) and funded by Cancer Research UK has proven that women who regularly buy certain medications should consult. Purchases of over-the-counter medications might help detect earlier cases of ovarian cancer.
These would be the pain medication and l’indigestion. In the cases of ovarian cancer diagnosed, the researchers find that the patients were of g high consumers of these drugs eight months beforeon average.
It is obviously not the drugs that are in question. But they would be revealing several symptoms which may indicate ovarian cancer. The stomach pain and bloating are, in fact, common symptoms generated by this cancer.
“The cancer symptoms we look for are very common, but for some women they might be the first signs something more serious,” said Dr. James Flanagan, lead author of the study.
Ovarian cancer: the symptoms to recognize in order to detect it in time
“As we know thatearly diagnosis of ovarian cancer is essential for improve chances of survivalwe hope this research can lead to earlier detection of symptoms and improve treatment options for patients,” says Dr. Flanagan.
The early symptoms of ovarian cancer include a loss of appetite, stomach pain and bloating, leading some patients to take more painkillers and drugs to improve digestion. Digestive disorders do not worry at first sight, because these are symptoms that concern many people. Women therefore have little reason to believe that these pains are not trivial.
However, for this reason, many ovarian cancers are diagnosed too late. The cancer has then already spread and the chances of survival are reduced.
Ovarian cancer: what are the symptoms?
In addition to digestive disorders, the detection of a ovarian mass during gynecological follow-up, abdominal or pelvic pain (in the area of the small pelvis), a abnormal increase in the size of the abdomenthem bleeding et vaginal dischargethem false urges to have a bowel movementthe pressing desires ofurinate or shortness of breath are also symptoms of ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer: “I had reflux for 18 months before being diagnosed”
Fiona Murphya patient with ovarian cancer, who participated in the study, was diagnosed in 2008. “I lived with Gaviscon for 18 months” before being diagnosed, she shares. Gaviscon is a drug intended to relieve gastric reflux.
“I might have had a faster diagnosis with less surgery”
“If it had been associated with ovarian cancer, I would have had a faster diagnosisfar fewer surgeries and better fertility options,” she said.
Indeed, researchers estimate that survival rates are much higher for people diagnosed at an early stage (93% versus 13%).
On average, participants with ovarian cancer began to recognize their symptoms regarding four and a half months before diagnosis.
