The cases of ovarian cancer in women are increasing day by day. Rapid cell growth in the ovaries increases the risk of ovarian cancer. During this time, women have to face the problem of pelvic pain, swelling and frequent passing of urine. Irregular eating habits and unhealthy habits are proving to be the cause of this problem. But many types of questions start arising in the minds of people regarding this disease and they believe in many myths without any information. First of all, let us know what is ovarian cancer and some myths related to it.

What is ovarian cancer?

This cancer starts forming in the ovaries. Due to this, when the rapid cell growth in the ovary destroys the tissues, the condition is called ovarian cancer. Changes in the DNA of cells prove to be the cause of this problem. During this process, healthy cells get damaged and cancer cells remain in the body.

According to the World Health Organization, cases of this cancer are increasing rapidly in women all over the world. Ovarian cancer is the 7th most common cancer found in women. It is the third most common cancer found in Indian women. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, 94 percent of women in whom this disease is identified at the first stage survive for 5 years. At the same time, 70 to 80 percent of the cases are identified only after reaching the last stage. Of these, only 28 percent survive for 5 years.

By identifying the symptoms of ovarian cancer in time, the lives of 80 percent of women can be saved. Image: Adobe Stock

National Cancer Awareness Day 2024

In India, since 2014, every year November 7 is celebrated as National Cancer Awareness Day. Hope, love and strength are our weapons against cancer. Celebrated to spread awareness among the people, this special day focuses on everything from types of cancer and their mortality rates to prevention measures. Besides, the birth anniversary of Marie Curie, the world famous scientist in the field of radioactivity, is also celebrated on this day. Many of the works he did were as useful as radium. Therapies based on them are one of the most effective cancer treatments. Dr. Kumardeep Dutta Choudhary, Director of Medical Oncology at Max Hospital Shalimar Bagh, tells complete information about ovarian cancer.

Know some myths related to ovarian cancer (Ovarian cancer myths)

1. Ovarian cancer affects only older women

According to the American Oncology Institute, there is no doubt that cancer is most common in women aged 50 to 60. But due to changes in lifestyle, women in their 20s and 30s are also falling prey to this problem. Factors like heredity and family history increase the risk of this problem. In such a situation, it is necessary to be aware of ovarian cancer.

Changes in the DNA of cells prove to be the cause of the problem. During this process, healthy cells get damaged and cancer cells remain in the body. Image: Adobe Stock

2. Ovarian cancer risk increases only in women with family history

The risk of ovarian cancer increases due to genetics and family history. But it is not necessary that this problem is found only in those women. This problem starts increasing in people who use hormone replacement therapy. Apart from this, lack of awareness proves to be the reason for increasing this problem. Apart from this, the risk of this problem increases due to obesity, lack of nutrition in the body, consumption of wrong medicines and endometriosis.

3. Ovarian cysts are similar to cancer in the ovary

Ovarian cyst is a common problem. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can form on or inside the ovaries. This causes hormonal imbalance in the body, due to which pimples start forming on the face. Regarding this, Dr. Anjum Ara, Associate Professor at RML Hospital, New Delhi, says that different types of cysts are found in women. Some of them are cancerous and some are non-cancerous. Most cysts are not cancerous. Non-cancerous cysts usually occur in women of reproductive age. But after menopause, the risk of cancer cyst often increases in women.

4. Ovarian cancer does not show symptoms

The symptoms seen in people suffering from this problem are vague. People start associating symptoms like lower abdominal pain and frequent passing of urine with irritable bowel syndrome and premenstrual syndrome. Women suffering from this problem continue to suffer from vaginal swelling, burning sensation, pain in the lower abdomen, difficulty in eating food and loss of appetite. If such symptoms appear, definitely contact a doctor and get tested.

Ovarian cancer develops when cells in this area of the body break down and multiply uncontrollably. Image: Shutterstock

5. Ovarian cancer is an incurable disease

According to the American Cancer Society, in 80 percent of the cases, ovarian cancer is detected only when it reaches the last stage. But despite that, treatment is possible. Actually, how good the results of the treatment will be depends on many things, from lifestyle to diet.