Early Symptoms Of Ovarian Cancer Revealed
Ovarian cancer is often referred to as a “silent killer” because it frequently remains undetected until it has reached an advanced stage. However, a recent study suggests that in some cases of aggressive ovarian cancer, early symptoms can provide an opportunity for earlier diagnosis and improved outcomes. Researchers have found that a “symptom-triggered testing” approach can lead to more effective treatments and better prognoses.
In the study conducted by British researchers, women who experienced symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and early satiety were referred for further testing. This protocol, which has been standard in the U.K. since 2011, includes a blood test for the CA125 protein, a marker for ovarian cancer, and an abdominal ultrasound. If results are positive, patients are quickly referred for specialist review and possible surgery.
The study, published on August 13 in the International Journal of Gynaecological Cancer, analyzed data from 1,741 women across 24 hospitals in Britain. Of these, 119 women (7%) were diagnosed with high-grade serous ovarian cancer, the most aggressive form. Despite symptoms, the majority of these women (94%) did not experience significant disruption to their daily lives. Notably, a quarter of the patients were diagnosed at stages 1 or 2, indicating earlier detection.
The research revealed that in 43 of the 119 patients (36%), the cancer was still confined to the pelvic region. Another 29% had moderate spread to the lower abdomen, and 27% had extensive spread to other organs. Remarkably, three-quarters of the patients underwent successful surgeries to remove almost all visible cancerous tissue, with only 8% having tumors deemed inoperable.
The study underscores the value of symptom-based testing, demonstrating that it can lead to earlier diagnoses and more effective surgical interventions. Dr. Sudha Sundar, the study’s senior author, emphasized that these findings challenge the belief that ovarian cancer is always at an advanced stage once symptoms are detected.
Discussion about this post