Awareness means early detection & saving lives
Every March, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month reminds us of the importance of education, early detection and proactive healthcare. Ovarian cancer is challenging to diagnose early, making campaigns like this essential for raising awareness, promoting early detection, and improving patient outcomes.
This month, we’ve partnered with Mr Janos Balega at the Birmingham Gynaecology Clinic, a nationally renowned gynaecological oncologist specialising in ovarian cancer surgery. With extensive experience in the surgical management of gynaecological cancers, he leads a familial ovarian cancer clinic and has received advanced training in ultra-radical ovarian cancer debulking surgery. Mr. Balega has an outstanding track record in all aspects of ovarian cancer surgery and has even established a masterclass to train surgeons in the UK and worldwide in debulking techniques.
Janos took the time to educate us on everything from symptoms and risk factors to the latest advancements in treatment. He shares expert advice on what every woman should know about ovarian cancer and how awareness can truly save lives!
What are the early warning signs of ovarian cancer that people should look out for?
Unfortunately, there are no specific symptoms for ovarian cancer, but the most common symptoms which may indicate ovarian cancer include:
- Tummy bloating
- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
- Needing to urinate more frequently
- A change in bowel habit
- Pain or tenderness in the lower abdomen or pelvis
If anyone, especially those over 50, experiences persistent symptoms, I strongly recommend seeing a GP or specialist for a clinical examination and a CA125 blood test, a tumour marker test. While not a definitive diagnostic tool, his test can help detect (or rule out!) ovarian cancer, providing crucial guidance for further evaluation and treatment.
As there are no effective screening tests for ovarian cancer, being aware of symptoms and seeking prompt medical evaluation are the best ways to manage the condition. Early detection is crucial, as it significantly improves treatment options and outcomes.
What are the treatment options for ovarian cancer?
There are many effective ways to treat ovarian cancer. These treatment options vary from surgical to medical approaches:
- Cytoreductive or tumour debulking surgery, a specialist surgical procedure used to remove as much of the cancer (tumour) as possible.
- Chemotherapy is a type of systemic medication–meaning it works throughout the body–that is used to slow down, and kill, the growing cancer cells. Chemotherapy affects all cells in the body, but because cancer cells grow so much more quickly than healthy cells, they are more affected by this medication making it an effective treatment option.
- Targeted therapy uses drugs, typically taken as a pill, to specifically block the spread and growth of cancer cells by intercepting specific signals that the cancer uses to progress.
In the UK, specialist ovarian cancer care teams develop tailored treatment plans to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.
How has ovarian cancer treatment improved over the years?
Over the past decade, advancements in debulking (cytoreductive) surgery have significantly improved, allowing us to achieve complete cancer removal in most patients. This approach offers the greatest benefit in treating ovarian cancer, and we take pride in the outstanding results we achieve at our Birmingham clinic.
Another innovative technique, HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy), delivers heated chemotherapy drugs directly during surgery to treat ovarian cancer. This approach has been shown to extend patients’ lives by enhancing the effectiveness of treatment.
At our Birmingham clinic, we’re proud to offer comprehensive cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC.
I have a family history of ovarian cancer. What should I do?
We know that ovarian cancer can have a genetic link, meaning that if a close family member has had the disease, you may be more likely to develop it. In fact, one in five ovarian cancer patients has an inherited genetic connection. Genetic counselling helps identify these links before cancer develops, allowing for proactive measures such as preventive surgery, which can reduce the likelihood of ovarian cancer by up to 98%.
If you have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, it’s important to speak with your GP or a specialist gynaecologist to assess your risk and explore preventative options. Genetic testing, particularly for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, can provide further insight into your risk and inform decision-making.
This underscores the importance of awareness campaigns like Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. With the right education and early intervention, we can significantly reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, even for those with a genetic predisposition
Are there any lifestyle changes that can help reduce the risk of ovarian cancer?
While some risk factors, such as genetics and age cannot be controlled, several lifestyle factors can help reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.
- Following a healthy diet with adequate protein, carbohydrate and healthy fats can help to protect your cells from damage which could potentially lead to cancer
- Maintaining a healthy weight – Obesity is linked to a higher risk of many cancers, including ovarian cancer.
- Engaging in regular physical activity helps to lower cancer risk.
- Quitting smoking – smoking has been linked to an overall increase in cancer risk, including ovarian cancer.
The importance of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month plays a vital role in educating women about symptoms, encouraging early detection, and ensuring patients receive the best possible care with the best possible outcome.
I firmly believe that through raising awareness of symptoms, promoting CA125 tumour marker testing when needed, offering genetic counselling, and guiding patients on inherited risks can have a profound impact on their ovarian cancer experience. Additionally, providing state-of-the-art cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC for those already diagnosed gives women the best chance at effective treatment.
These efforts are essential in the fight against ovarian cancer.
If you’re worried about any symptoms, please don’t wait. Reach out to your GP or an ovarian cancer specialist. Or contact us to make an appointment with a leading consultant like Janos today.
Disclaimer: Throughout this article, we’ve used the term women, but as a medical organisation, we recognise that not all women have ovaries, and that some men and gender nonconforming individuals do. Our goal is to provide inclusive and accurate information while acknowledging the diverse experiences of those affected by ovarian cancer.
