Ovarian cancer is a serious disease in which abnormal cells grow in the ovaries, multiply quickly, and can invade and destroy healthy body tissue. It is also known as the ‘silent killer’ as it is difficult to detect in early stages when it is most treatable.
Ovarian cancer symptoms are often mistaken for digestive issues, leading many women to overlook them. The lack of dependable screening tests makes early detection difficult, which is a key reason why survival rates haven’t improved much.
In response to this health concern, Dr. Rama Joshi, a leading Gynecologic Oncologist and Robotic Surgery Specialist, shed light on 8th May, on World Ovarian Cancer Day. Her focus was on raising awareness about ovarian cancer, one of the deadliest gynecologic cancers among women.
Understanding Ovarian Cancer: Early Detection Saves Lives
Dr. Rama Joshi highlights the critical need to detect ovarian cancer at an early stage, when it shows vague symptoms that can be mistaken for common gastrointestinal issues. She also advised women to be aware of warning signs such as pelvic pain, frequent urination, persistent bloating, and difficulty eating.
She explained that routine checkups every 3 to 6 months are necessary to detect ovarian cancer at an early stage.
Women with a family history of ovarian cancer should consider genetic testing and consult medical professionals regularly, she added.
Moreover, Dr. Joshi also focused on cervical cancer prevention, stressing the importance of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination as a powerful tool for individuals below 18 years of age. This vaccination also prevents genital warts, a common sexually transmitted infection.
PCOS and PCOD Management
Dr. Joshi also briefly discussed Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD), a common hormonal disorder affecting millions of women. She emphasized that a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and medical management is vital to managing PCOD and PCOS.
She highlighted that these conditions are not life-threatening, but if left unmanaged, they can lead to long-term complications such as infertility, diabetes, and endometrial cancer. Routine gynecological checkups are necessary for women of all ages for early detection and prevention.
HIPEC and PIPAC: Advancements in Cancer Surgery
Dr. Joshi also sheds light on two advanced surgical techniques used to treat peritoneal carcinomatosis, a common complication of ovarian cancer:
- HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy): It involves open surgery with heated chemotherapy delivered directly into the abdominal cavity. This allows for higher drug concentration with fewer side effects.
- PIPAC (Pressurized IntraPeritoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy): It is a minimally invasive laparoscopic approach in which chemotherapy is aerosolized and sprayed into the abdomen. The pressurized aerosol allows for deeper penetration and more uniform distribution of chemotherapy.
These techniques are a game-changer in treating advanced-stage cancers and offer new hope to patients who previously had limited options.
Empowering Women Through Awareness
In her closing remarks, Dr. Rama Joshi encouraged women to take charge of their health, emphasizing the importance of not ignoring any warning signs their bodies may be giving and never skipping routine screenings. We are grateful to Dr. Joshi for addressing our concerns and providing valuable insights into ovarian cancer. Through her expertise and advocacy, she continues to empower women with knowledge, encourages them to listen to their bodies, and take proactive steps towards a healthier future.
