Why Ovarian Cancer Is Often Diagnosed Late And What We Can Do About It

Last Updated:May 08, 2025, 12:02 IST

Ovarian cancer is called a silent killer, one has to remember that it is a disease that often whispers, and one should be careful enough to understand and listen to that whisper.

Some of the symptoms of ovarian cancer include bloating sensation, feeling too full too early, abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, feeling of need to pass urine too frequently, and difficulty in passing motions

Ovarian cancer is often referred to as a cancer that whispers. It is important to remember that while it may not be silent, its subtlety can make it easily overlooked. This type of cancer is commonly diagnosed in its advanced stages, primarily due to the vague symptoms that individuals tend to neglect additionally, the lack of reliable screening methods further hinders early detection. However, recent breakthroughs in cancer detection and innovative treatment strategies offer new hope for women.

Dr. Sampada Dessai, Consultant, Gynecological Cancer and Robotic Surgeon, P. D. Hinduja Hospital & MRC, Mahim shares all you need to know:

Though Ovarian cancer is called a silent killer, one has to remember that it is a disease that often whispers, and one should be careful enough to understand and listen to that whisper.

Some of the symptoms of ovarian cancer include bloating sensation, feeling too full too early, abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, feeling of need to pass urine too frequently, and difficulty in passing motions. Now these symptoms a woman may experience one or the other time in their life. However, if any of these symptoms is persistently present or come too frequently one should see a doctor to see for its cause. We also lack an effective screening test that can detect this cancer in the precancerous stage or in the early stage.

10-15 % of this cancer may run in families.

Available screening tests, such as sonography to look for ovaries or blood tests like CA 125 at regular intervals, can help detect this cancer early. Also, disease prevention strategies like using some drugs or some risk-reducing surgeries can decrease one’s risk if one is genetically at high risk of developing this cancer.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, eating healthy food, regular exercise, being aware of the body, noticing the symptoms early, and taking action on it will help one to detect this disease early. Prevention followed by early detection is the key for increasing the success rate of cancer treatment.

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