5 myths of ovarian cancer you believed to be true

Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide, including in India. The World Health Organization estimates that there are 11.9 instances of ovarian cancer for every 100,000 females in India. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), there were an estimated 33,447 new cases of ovarian cancer in India in 2020, accounting for 2.3% of all new cancer cases in the country.
Despite the shocking numbers, there are various misconceptions about this fatal disease. Here are a few facts that women should know:

Fact: Dr. Mandeep Singh Malhotra, Director- Surgical Oncology, CK Birla Hospital (R), Delhi says, “It has become a common belief that only older women can be affected by ovarian cancer. While ovarian cancer is more common in women over the age of 50, it can affect women of all ages, including young adults and teenagers. The peak age of ovarian cancer in India, as in most other countries, is between 45 and 65 years of age. However, ovarian cancer can occur at any age, including in younger women.”
It is important to note that the incidence of ovarian cancer increases with age, with the majority of cases occurring in women over the age of 50. In India, as in other parts of the world, the incidence of ovarian cancer is lower in younger women and increases steadily with age.

Fact: Pap tests are not used for screening for ovarian cancer; their purpose is only to detect cervical cancer. Ovarian cancer does not have a reliable screening test for the general population. Currently, there is no routine test that can detect ovarian cancer at an early stage. Many female patients identify this cancer when the disease has progressed to surrounding tissues and organs. Along with a thorough pelvic exam, the two most commonly used diagnostics for ovarian cancer are transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) and the CA-125 blood test, which can detect the cancer when it has reached its later stages. If you feel any symptoms, it is important to get a regular or annual pelvic exam done for early detection. Regular gynecology check-ups and awareness of symptoms such as abdominal bloating, pelvic pain, and difficulty eating or feeling full quickly can help with early detection and prompt treatment.

Fact: This is a common misconception among people. There is a difference between ovarian cancer and ovarian cysts. The majority of ovarian cysts are benign and harmless. Many cysts that form during the normal menstrual cycle, known as functional cysts, are non-cancerous and resolve on their own without any medical intervention. Several benign cysts can also form around the ovaries; these cysts typically go away on their own. On the other hand, ovarian cancer develops on the outside of the cells. It could show up in cells that make oestrogen, progesterone, or eggs, as well as in the fallopian tubes.

Fact: “While some cases of ovarian cancer are hereditary, the majority occur sporadically, meaning they do not have a known genetic cause. Only about 10-15% of ovarian cancers are linked to inherited gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2. It is essential to understand that anyone can develop ovarian cancer, regardless of their family history. Age, endometriosis, smoking, and advanced pregnancy are the main risk factors for ovarian cancer. Risk factors for ovarian cancer include a family history of the disease, certain genetic mutations, early age of menarche and late menopause, infertility or never having given birth, use of hormonal therapy, and certain lifestyle factors such as obesity and smoking,” says Dr. Malhotra.

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Regular checkups play a major role in detecting the early signs of ovarian cancer. Additionally, women having a strong family history of this fatal disease should be more vigilant.