Which Factors Are Key To Improve Chances Of Ovarian Cancer Survival?

Did you know that by 2050, the global annual deaths due to ovarian cancer are expected to increase by 70%? As per the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition, data shows that 32,978 deaths due to ovarian cancer were reported in India in 2022. While this cancer implies a growth of abnormal cells in the ovaries, recent research indicates that a significant portion of these cancers likely originate from the fallopian tubes (a pair of tubes that carry the eggs from the ovaries to the uterus). Most ovarian cancers begin either in the surface cells of the ovary or the eggs.

Taking control of ovarian cancer with early detection and increased awareness

This type of cancer commonly affects women over 50. Despite being one of the deadliest gynaecological cancers, there's growing hope due to technological advancements in treatment. Presently, when caught at stage 1 (i.e. when ovarian cancer has not spread to other parts of the body), conventional treatments like surgery and chemotherapy can potentially cure up to 90% of patients. While symptoms tend to appear later in the disease, ongoing research aims to discover better screening methods

Ovarian cancer is the fifth most frequent cause of death in women. To improve the chances of surviving ovarian cancer, it's really important to catch it early. Early detection means treatment can start sooner, which leads to better outcomes and higher survival rates.

A big part of catching ovarian cancer early is making sure everyone knows what to look for. Women should be aware of symptoms like bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, feeling full quickly, and urinary problems. If you notice any of these symptoms and they don't go away, it's important to see a doctor right away.

Thanks to new technology and research, doctors are now better equipped to detect ovarian cancer early. These advancements help diagnose the cancer sooner, making it easier to treat and increasing the chances of survival.

Detecting ovarian cancer through screening tests

Doctors use several methods to diagnose ovarian cancer and figure out its type and stage. These methods include physical pelvic exams, blood tests like the CA-125 test, and imaging techniques. During a pelvic exam, the doctor feels the ovaries and nearby tissues to check for any abnormalities, such as lumps or enlarged ovaries. They might also do a blood test for CA-125, a protein that can be higher in women with ovarian cancer. Imaging tests, such as ultrasounds or CT scans, can provide detailed pictures of the ovaries to help identify any issues. Imaging techniques such as transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) can also help with detection.

Doctors might also use a CT scan to check the location of the tumour and to determine if it has spread to other tissues. While traditional CT scans may not show ovarian tumours clearly, newer techniques such as Photon Counting CT offer precise imaging, which helps in diagnosis. This technology is changing cancer care by providing high-quality images and helping healthcare providers spot tumours accurately and monitor them.

MRI scans are also used along with other tests during the diagnostic process. In some cases, PET/CT scans are used to help diagnose ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer. These scans measure how much glucose (a type of sugar) a tumour uses. Fast-growing cells use more glucose and show up brighter on the scan. This brightness may indicate the presence of cancer before it's spotted by other methods.

The recent availability of sophisticated AI-powered imaging analysis can aid radiologists in finding small lesions or changes that might be missed by the human eye, leading to early detection. These AI algorithms are trained on large sets of ovarian cancer scans to spot suspicious patterns.

Doctors, researchers, advocacy groups, and policymakers need to work together to create effective early detection strategies. This means making sure all women have access to screening and diagnostic services. By focusing on early detection and investing in research, a big difference can be made in improving the outlook and survival rates. Working together, we can save more lives and offer better care to those affected by this disease.

Authored by Hariharan Subramanian, Managing Director, Siemens Healthcare Private Limited.