Don't let these lifestyle habits harm you! It may be the switch for ovarian cancer

In daily life, many women are accustomed to abdominal distension and indigestion, and often do not think that they may be related to gynecological diseases. However, the symptoms of ovarian cancer are not typical, and may manifest as abdominal distension, abdominal mass, indigestion, or even abnormal vaginal bleeding, frequent urination, etc. When diagnosed, ovarian cancer has often developed to the late stage and the prognosis is poor. In order to improve the early detection of the disease, it is recommended that women over 40 years old undergo regular gynecological examinations, especially those with a family history of the disease. Understanding the risk factors and symptoms of ovarian cancer and actively undergoing examinations are important steps to protect your health.

Many women rarely think of gynecological problems when they feel bloating or indigestion. However, early symptoms of ovarian cancer may include these atypical manifestations, such as bloating, abdominal mass, indigestion, and even abnormal vaginal bleeding or frequent urination, nocturia and other symptoms in a few cases. Due to the lack of typical symptoms, many patients are already in the late stage when they are diagnosed, resulting in a poor prognosis and difficult treatment. Data show that the 5-year survival rate of ovarian cancer is only 30%-40%.

Risk factors for ovarian cancer

The high-risk age group for ovarian cancer is mainly concentrated between 40 and 80 years old. The main causes of ovarian cancer include the following aspects:

Genetic inheritance: Gene mutations in the family can significantly increase the risk of ovarian cancer.

Environmental factors: such as exposure to asbestos, talc, high doses of lactose and fat-rich foods.

Hormone therapy: Improper estrogen and progesterone therapy in menopausal women may lead to ovarian cancer.

Long-term ovulation: When the ovaries are in an ovulation state for a long time, it is easy to produce cumulative damage effects, which may eventually induce ovarian cancer.

Common inspection methods

When ovarian cancer is suspected, several tests are used to diagnose it:

Ultrasound: Check whether the ovaries have abnormal solid echoes, nipple-like nodules or ascites.

Tumor marker testing: such as CA125, HE4 and CA199.

Laparoscopic exploration: A minimally invasive examination that can directly observe changes in the ovaries.

Imaging examination: CT and MRI can further understand the internal ovarian and lymph node metastasis.

Ascites cytology: The diagnosis can be confirmed by examining the tumor cells in the ascites.

Prognostic factors of ovarian cancer

Prognosis is influenced by many factors:

Age: Older women have a worse prognosis.

Disease stage: Patients diagnosed at an early stage have a better prognosis.

Treatment mode: Patients who complete surgery and a full course of chemotherapy well have a better prognosis.

Tumor type and histologic grade: Certain types of tumors are associated with a worse prognosis.

The size of the residual tumor after surgery: Patients with larger residual tumors have a worse prognosis.

Prevention Tips

To improve the early detection rate of ovarian cancer, it is recommended that women over 35 years old undergo gynecological examinations every year, and those with high family risk should undergo physical examinations every six months. If you have breast cancer or gastrointestinal cancer, you should be strictly followed up. Once a solid ovarian mass or rapidly enlarging cyst is found, surgery is required in a timely manner.

On the road to protecting your own health, understanding relevant knowledge and actively undergoing physical examinations are the best choices every woman can make for herself.