Ovarian cancer is on the rise in women across the world. In India, 2.3% of overall Ovarian cases were detected in 2020. Despite the staggering increase in the number of ovarian cancer patients, there is always a chance that the patient can survive and also live a good life after appropriate treatment. However, there are a few myths that are so deeply rooted in the minds of women that they simply consider them to be factual and true. Here we are busting such myths.
Only older women are affected by ovarian cancer
The common belief is that this cancer affects mostly older women. Although statistics show that women between the age group of 45 to 65 years are more at risk of ovarian cancer, it can also affect younger women and age is not the limiting factor when it comes to this type of cancer.
A pap test is recommended for detecting ovarian cancer
A pap test is recommended for detecting cervical cancer and not ovarian cancer. There is no reliable screening test as of now for diagnosing ovarian cancer and that is why the disease is diagnosed only when it has spread to other organs and tissues. However, some tests like thorough pelvic examination, transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS), and CA-125 blood test can detect cancer but only when it is at an advanced stage.
Ovarian cysts are a type of ovarian cancer
Ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer are different. Most of the time these cysts are harmless and benign and develop during normal menstrual cycle. A few ovarian cysts that sometimes develop around the ovaries are more often harmless and go away after some time without any medication. On the other hand, ovarian cancer symptoms form outside the cells that produce progesterone, eggs, or oestrogen and inside the fallopian tubes.
There are no early symptoms of ovarian cancer
It is not at all true. According to health experts, there can be several symptoms of ovarian cancer in a woman but since they are non-specific they are often misdiagnosed. Some of the red flags can be changes in urination or bowel habits, swelling or bloating of the abdomen, constipation , pain during intercourse, and abdominal or pelvic pain.
Ovarian cancer is hereditary
There are a few types of ovarian cancer that are hereditary however the majority of these types of cancer are not caused due to genetic causes. The main risk factors are endometriosis, age, smoking, overweight, and drinking.
(Disclaimer: This piece of article is for basic information purposes only. It's always advisable to consult a doctor for any type of health issue.)