Stage 1a ovarian cancer does not affect life expectancy

Stage 1a ovarian cancer is usually discovered early, with a high survival rate and good treatment effects, but whether it affects life expectancy depends on the individual situation of the patient, such as whether the treatment plan is timely, postoperative recovery and physical health. Through timely surgery, chemotherapy, a reasonable diet, regular check-ups and other measures, the long-term survival rate of most patients is guaranteed.

1. What is stage 1a ovarian cancer?

Stage 1a ovarian cancer refers to cancerous cells confined to one ovary and not spreading outside the ovary or to other tissues and organs. Since cancer does not spread or metastasize significantly in the early stages, the difficulty of treatment is lower than in the later stages. At the same time, this stage is often asymptomatic and is usually discovered during a health check-up or for other reasons. Early diagnosis can significantly improve the treatment effect and increase the patient's long-term survival rate.

2. Why is the survival rate of stage 1a ovarian cancer higher?

The main reason for the higher survival rate of stage 1a ovarian cancer is that the tumor is confined to the inside of the ovary, without extensive invasion or metastasis, and the lesion control effect is better than in the late stage. Surgical resection of the lesion is the key to treatment, and combined with postoperative chemotherapy, it can further reduce the chance of recurrence. Studies have shown that after standardized treatment, the 5-year survival rate of stage 1a ovarian cancer patients has increased significantly, reaching 90%-95%. However, if not treated in time, the disease may gradually progress to a higher stage, and survival time and quality will also be significantly affected.

3. How is stage 1a ovarian cancer treated?

The principle of treating stage 1a ovarian cancer is to remove the lesion as early as possible, supplemented by appropriate chemotherapy or disease monitoring to prevent recurrence. The following are common treatment options:

-Surgery:

Patients with stage 1a can choose unilateral oophorectomy or total hysterectomy (if they are near menopause or do not plan to have children). The goal of the surgery is to completely remove the tumor. During the operation, the doctor will also take samples of other abdominal tissues to determine whether the cancer cells have spread.

- Chemotherapy:

Most stage 1a patients do not require chemotherapy after surgery, but if there is a high-risk type (such as a low degree of tumor differentiation or high degree of malignancy), a chemotherapy regimen with platinum drugs (such as carboplatin and cisplatin) as the core can be selected for adjuvant treatment.

-Regular follow-up:

After treatment, patients need to undergo regular checkups as directed by their doctor, such as checking blood tumor markers (such as CA125) and imaging tests (ultrasound or CT) every 3-6 months to monitor for recurrence.

4. How to promote postoperative recovery and reduce the risk of recurrence?

The patient's life adjustment after treatment is also critical:

-Diet adjustment: Eat more foods rich in antioxidants, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains, and reduce high-fat and greasy foods. Pay attention to supplementing protein (such as lean meat and fish) to promote wound healing.

-Adhere to moderate exercise: After recovery, you can do appropriate aerobic exercise, such as walking and yoga, to enhance your body's immunity while avoiding overwork.

-Psychological counseling: Some patients may experience anxiety due to cancer diagnosis or treatment pressure. They should communicate with their family members and professional psychological counselors and pay attention to their mental health.

For patients with stage 1a ovarian cancer, early detection and active treatment are key, and the life expectancy and quality of life of most patients can be significantly guaranteed. Through regular follow-up examinations and strict recovery according to the doctor's instructions, it is entirely possible to achieve a long-term healthy life. Genetic high-risk groups are recommended to have regular physical examinations to seize the opportunity for early diagnosis and treatment.