Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms, Signs, and Risk Factors

People have called ovarian cancer the “silent killer” for a long time because its early signs are often vague and can be confused with regular stomach or menstrual problems. But it is one of the most aggressive gynecological cancers, killing thousands of people around the world every year. Ovarian cancer is dangerous not only because of how it works, but also because it doesn’t make a sound. A lot of the time, women don’t notice or misread the first signs, and by the time they get a diagnosis, the disease may have already gotten worse. Onco-Life Cancer Centre’s article is a complete guide to spotting the early signs of ovarian cancer, learning about its causes, and figuring out if you or someone you care about is at risk. In this case, knowledge really does save lives.

What is Cancer of the Ovaries?

When cells in the ovaries grow out of control, ovarian cancer begins. The ovaries are small, almond-shaped organs that are on either side of the uterus. They make eggs and female hormones like progesterone and estrogen. There are many kinds of ovarian cancer, but the most common is epithelial ovarian cancer, which starts on the outside of the ovary. Germ cell tumors (which affect younger women) and stromal tumors are two more types.

Early Signs of Ovarian Cancer

One of the hardest things about ovarian cancer symptoms is that they are often mild and easy to ignore, especially in the beginning. But being in touch with your body can make a big difference. Some common signs are:

• Constant bloating Not just some discomfort here and there, but a belly that stays swollen.
• Pain in the abdomen or pelvis Persistent pain or pressure in the lower abdomen.
• Changes in how you go to the bathroom Including constipation or diarrhea, which are often wrongly blamed on diet.
• Not wanting to eat or feeling full quickly A major warning sign that something might be pushing on the stomach.
• Frequent or urgent urination Having to pee more often or suddenly, even if you don’t have a urinary tract infection.
• Tiredness Feeling very tired for no reason.
• Pain in the back or losing weight for no reason Especially if it keeps happening and you don’t change your lifestyle.

When to See a Doctor:

If these symptoms happen more than 12 times a month and last for weeks, you should see your gynecologist or oncologist.

What Science Says About the Causes of Ovarian Cancer

There isn’t just one cause of ovarian cancer. Instead, research shows that a mix of genetic, hormonal, and lifestyle factors can increase the risk.

1. Genetics and Family History If your mother, sister, or grandmother has ovarian or breast cancer, your risk goes up.
Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are major causes. People with a family history should get genetic counseling.
2. Age Most of the time, women over 50 get them. After menopause, the risk goes up a lot.
3. History of Reproduction Women who have never been pregnant are at a higher risk. Early menstruation or late menopause prolongs estrogen exposure and elevates risk.
4. Hormone Treatment Long-term use of postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may slightly increase the risk.
5. Endometriosis This condition, in which tissue akin to the uterine lining proliferates outside the uterus, has been associated with an elevated risk of clear cell and endometrioid ovarian cancers.
6. Things That Affect Your Lifestyle Risk may be higher for people who smoke, eat a lot of fat, are overweight, or don’t move around much. Keep in mind that a lot of women who have risk factors never get ovarian cancer, and a lot of women who have ovarian cancer don’t have any known risk factors.

How Do Doctors Find Out If Someone Has Ovarian Cancer

1. Examining the Pelvis The first step, but not very good at finding things early.
2. Ultrasound Transvaginal ultrasound can find growths on the ovaries that aren’t normal.
3. Blood Test for CA-125 High levels of CA-125 may mean ovarian cancer, but they can also go up because of other problems, such as fibroids or endometriosis.
4. CT or MRI Scans Used to see if the disease has spread or to help plan surgery.
5. A Biopsy During surgery, taking samples of tissue confirms the presence of cancer and identifies its type. Sadly, there is no sure way to test for ovarian cancer, like mammograms for breast cancer or Pap smears for cervical cancer. That’s why it’s so important to know what the symptoms are.

Onco-Life Cancer Center: Caring for You Close to Home

Onco-Life Cancer Centre is the best place to go if you need a “cancer hospital near me.” We have advanced centers in Talegaon, Satara, Wagholi, and Chiplun. Here is what we offer:

• Gynecologic oncologists who are experts
• PET-CT scans, ultrasounds, and full diagnostic services
• Chemotherapy suites, radiation oncology, and surgery — all in one place
• Financial help and advice under the MJPJAY scheme for eligible patients
• Women-centric care that includes emotional and nutritional support

We think that you should treat the person, not just the illness.

Ways to Treat Ovarian Cancer

The stage, type, and general health of the patient will determine the treatment. The best results come from working with a team of people from different fields.

1. Surgery Most patients get this treatment first. Depending on how far the cancer has spread, this may mean removing one or both ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the uterus, or the lymph nodes.
2. Chemotherapy Usually given after surgery to kill any cancer cells that are still there. Platinum-based chemotherapy, such as carboplatin, is prevalent.
3. Targeted Therapy For patients with BRCA mutations, drugs like PARP inhibitors (like olaparib) work especially well.
4. Hormonal and Immunotherapy Still being studied for ovarian cancer, but it looks good in some cases.

Can You Stop Ovarian Cancer from Happening?

There is no sure way to stop ovarian cancer, but there are steps you can take to lower your risk.

Ways to Lower Your Risk:

• Taking Birth Control Pills Using birth control pills for a long time (5 years or more) is linked to a lower risk.
• Hysterectomy or Tubal Ligation These procedures can lower the risk for women who are already at high risk.
• A Healthy Way of Life Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, stay at a healthy weight, and work out regularly.
• Regular Visits to the Gynecologist Even after menopause, don’t skip your yearly check-ups.
• Think About Getting Genetic Testing Especially if you have a strong family history.

Real Talk: Why Women Don’t Get Help Right Away

A lot of women don’t pay attention to the signs of ovarian cancer because:

• They don’t want to talk about problems with their bowels or pelvis.
• They think it’s just changes that happen with age or with the menstrual cycle.
• They put their family’s needs ahead of their own health.

But you can’t choose your health. If something seems wrong, get it checked out. You don’t have to be in pain or in trouble to get help.

The MJPJAY Scheme Helps with Early Detection and Access

The Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY) helps women who qualify get free cancer care in Maharashtra. This program includes the Onco-Life Cancer Centre as an approved provider. Many women also want to know about the early detection of breast and ovarian cancer:

Cost of mammography tests in Pune:

At Onco-Life, we offer mammography and ultrasound services at low prices and sometimes even covered by insurance, so everyone can get them.

Last Words: Let’s Not Talk Quietly About Ovarian Cancer Anymore

Too many women are in pain because we don’t talk about ovarian cancer enough. That cycle needs to end. If you have persistent bloating, pelvic pain, or just a nagging feeling that something isn’t right, pay attention to your body. We don’t just treat ovarian cancer at Onco-Life Cancer Centre; we also listen, support, and walk with you every step of the way. Finding things early saves lives. Being aware gives women power.