CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress / ITDC News Bhopal : Ovarian cancer is the third most common type of cancer among women in India. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the age-adjusted incidence rate of ovarian cancer in India is estimated to be around 6.8 per 1,00,000 women.
Ovarian cancer happens when cells in the ovaries start growing out of control. They grow fast and can harm healthy tissue.
However, due to the lack of widespread screening programs and the asymptomatic nature of the disease, many cases of ovarian cancer are not diagnosed until they have reached an advanced stage.
Dr Babita Bansal Singh, Senior Consultant, Radiation Oncology, Andromeda Cancer Hospital, Sonipat, said that the risk of ovarian cancer rises with age.
Other risk factors include obesity, a history of ovarian cancer in the family, never being pregnant and endometriosis.
The symptoms of ovarian cancer include sudden or frequent urges to urinate, the sensation of pressure, swelling or pain in the pelvic or abdominal region, having trouble eating or feeling full quickly, feeling of a tumour or lump in the lower abdomen, digestive issues like bloating, constipation, or gas, sudden unexplained weight loss or gain.
But despite these symptoms, the detection and diagnosis of ovarian cancer isn’t widespread and ovarian cancer has been called a “silent killer.”
Dr Priyanka Suhag, Consultant, Dept of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, said that this is because symptoms are often detected when the cancer has advanced.
“Ovarian cancer is often called the silent killer because it typically does not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As a result, many cases are not diagnosed until the disease has reached an advanced stage,” said Dr Suhag.
She added that understanding the reasons behind “asymptomatic ovarian cancer” is crucial for early detection and improved outcomes.
Dr Singh said that the rise in ovarian cancer in India is because of several reasons.