Ovarian Cancer Treatment
Cancer doesn't have to define you!
Ovarian cancer is the 8th most commonly affecting cancer in women worldwide. This was the most common enemy from older to younger women, affecting their overall and reproductive health. Each and every woman who is diagnosed with ovarian cancer needs effective treatment to overcome this, and for that, we need a personalized and advanced treatment that is easily accessible to everyone. Today, we are going to know more about ovarian cancer and its treatment options in this blog. Continue to read to gain more information.
Know About Ovarian Cancer
Ovaries are small reproductive organs present on either side of your uterus, which involve the production of eggs for the whole reproductive year of a female. When cancer cells start to grow and multiply in ovaries, it is said to be ovarian cancer. Each year, over 1,52,000 women die due to ovarian cancer globally. This shows the prevalence of ovarian cancer and the need to develop advanced treatments for it.
Understanding Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
Ovarian cancer can be assessed by the following symptoms, which are given below:
- Bloating
- Pelvic pain
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling the urge to urinate
- Indigestion
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Back pain
- Sudden weight loss
- Vaginal bleeding (even after menopause)
If you have the above symptoms, consult your gynecologist immediately to prevent the risk of ovarian cancer. Even treating ovarian cancer is simple if we find it in the early stage.
Early Detection: Defeat Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer can be treated easily if we have detected it in its early stage. Some of the detection methods for ovarian cancer are given below:
- Physical Examination: Your doctor or gynecologist will do a pelvic examination to assess ovarian cancer.
- Imaging Tests: Imaging techniques like transvaginal ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, or PET scan can help visualize the ovaries and detect any abnormalities in them.
- Blood Tests: Your doctor may recommend you do the blood test to confirm the ovarian cancer in your body
- Biopsy: Tissue samples can be collected from the patient's ovary to identify the cancer cells in them.
- Genetic Testing: Genetic testing can be advised for patients who have a family history of ovarian cancer (multigene panel).
Empowerment Through Ovarian Cancer Treatments
Ovarian cancer can be treated by various options, but it is important to engage with your health provider to get a personalized treatment for ovarian cancer. Some of the treatments for ovarian cancer are given below:
1. Surgery:
Surgery is the primary option for ovarian cancer; it can be done by a gynecologist or surgeon, which involves the removal of cancer tissue from the affected place or the complete removal of the organ (uterus, both fallopian tubes, and both ovaries).
2. Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is a type of treatment in which ovarian cancer can be treated by using chemo-drugs (e.g., carboplatin, cisplatin). It can be given before surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) to shrink the tumor or after surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy) to remove the residual cancer cells. Sometimes, it is also given to reduce the recurrence of ovarian cancer.
3. Targeted therapy:
Targeted therapy involves drugs that target the proteins involved in the growth, division, and spread of cancer cells. Drugs like PARP inhibitors are effective in treating ovarian cancer cells (e.g., olaparib, niraparib, and rucaparib). Target therapy acts as a personalized treatment and is used to treat advanced stages of ovarian cancer.
4. Immunotherapy:
Immunotherapy is a specialized treatment which boosts our own immune system to fight against cancer cells. Immunotherapy drugs like bevacizumab, mirvetuximab soravtansine, dostarlimab, and pembrolizumab are effective in treating ovarian cancer. It is used to treat stage 1 and above cases of ovarian cancer and also to reduce the recurrence of it.
5. Hormone therapy:
It is a type of treatment that blocks or modifies the hormones that are involved in the growth of ovarian cancer. It acts as a hormone supplement for women who are in the menopause stage. This treatment is not a primary option due to its adverse effect on patients.
6. Radiation therapy:
Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) uses high doses of radiation to kill or shrink the cancer cells. It may be used as an adjuvant (after surgery) or combination therapy with chemo or surgery.
Even though several options can cure ovarian cancer, your doctor or gynecologist will decide the appropriate treatment based on your health history and stage of cancer.
Leading the Way: Advancing Ovarian Cancer Treatment
Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) is a surgical option used in ovarian cancer, which involves the removal of the tumor and any nearby tissue around the cancer cells. This surgery is followed by chemotherapy (adjuvant chemotherapy) to reduce the recurrence of ovarian cancer and to treat the advanced stage.
Anti-angiogenic therapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of a new blood vessel that was supplied to cancer cells, leading to shrinkage of the cancer cell.
Survival Rate Of Ovarian Cancer Patient
The survival rate of ovarian cancer individuals is directly related to the stage at which they are diagnosed with the cancer. The overall survival rate (5 years) of ovarian cancer patients for stage 4 cases is 11%, and it is 88% for stage 1 patients. Always remember that survival rates are statistical estimates and cannot predict an individual's outcome. So, it is recommended to be cautious and follow your doctor's advice in each and every step of the cancer fight.
Wrap It Up
Ovarian cancer is a prevalent cancer among women; we need to take a proactive step to protect our loved ones from this. Early detection and appropriate treatment at the right time can help to improve the survival rate and protect ovarian cancer fighters promptly. Research and development help to improve the treatment options and overcome the adverse effects caused by ovarian cancer treatment. Let's spread the importance of early detection and protect our female warriors from this dangerous enemy.
Fighting ovarian cancer is fighting for every woman's right to have a healthier future!
