Ovarian Cancer

Early-stage ovarian cancer may not have symptoms, and in later stages, symptoms become more noticeable. Here are some signs that may be associated with ovarian cancer:

• Abdominal bloating or a feeling of pressure: The presence of a tumour may cause a sensation of fullness in the abdomen.
• Abdominal or pelvic pain: Long-term mild or moderate pain may be present.
• Digestive symptoms: Including indigestion, diarrhoea, or constipation.
• Loss of appetite: Possibly related to the tumour affecting gastrointestinal function.
• Frequent urination: Ovarian tumours may affect the urinary system, leading to increased frequency.
• Menstrual changes: Irregular menstrual cycles or other menstrual variations.
• Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss may be one of the symptoms.
• Fatigue: Prolonged feelings of fatigue may be part of the body's response.

Most ovarian cancers do not have specific causes, but several risk factors that may contribute to the development of ovarian cancer have been identified in medicine:

• Genetic Factors:
  - Carrying mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.
  - Lynch syndrome.
• Hormonal and Ovulatory Factors:
  Menstrual cycle patterns are significantly related to ovarian cancer. Early menarche (before the age of 12), late childbirth, nulliparity, and infertility increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
• Age: Women of any age have the chance of developing ovarian cancer, but the highest incidence occurs between the ages of 55 and 64.
• Family History: Even without carrying gene mutations, having a family member who previously had ovarian cancer increases the risk. Women with a first-degree relative (e.g., grandmother, mother, daughter, or sister) who had ovarian cancer have a lifelong chance of 5% (compared to the average risk of 4% in other women).
• Obesity: Several studies have found an association between obesity and ovarian cancer. A 2009 study showed that obesity increased the risk of ovarian cancer by nearly 80% in postmenopausal women who had never taken hormones.
• Environmental Factors: Substances like asbestos, travelling from the vagina to the ovaries, expose the abdominal and pelvic cavities to carcinogens, leading to the development of ovarian cancer.
• Hormone Replacement Therapy: The use of hormone replacement therapy increases the risk of ovarian cancer in women.

The spread of ovarian cancer typically occurs through malignant cells directly invading other organ tissues within the abdominal cavity, such as the surfaces of the peritoneum, omentum, and intestines, as well as the surfaces of the bladder and diaphragm. Other spreading mechanisms include dissemination through the bloodstream and lymphatic system.