Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Dec 9: Ovarian cancer, often called the “silent killer,” continues to be one of the most dangerous threats to women’s health, largely because it is detected late. Globally, it is the eighth most common cancer in women, with over 3.14 lac new cases recorded in 2020. In India too, it remains the third most common cancer affecting women, with an age-adjusted incidence rate of around 6.8 per 1 lac women.
Health experts say most cases are diagnosed in the age group of 50 to 65, though younger women are not entirely exempt. What makes ovarian cancer particularly difficult to spot is that its early symptoms blend almost seamlessly into everyday discomforts like bloating, indigestion, or mild back pain, causing nearly two-thirds of patients to be diagnosed only at an advanced stage.
In an exclusive discussion with TOI, Senior Gynaecologist and IVF specialist Dr Vaishali Sharma and Senior Oncologist Dr Mandeep Singh Malhotra, Co-founder of Art of Healing Cancer, cautioned that one of the most misleading signs is pain resembling menstrual cramps.
They note that women are familiar with their monthly patterns — the dull ache, heaviness and bloating that signal PMS. Because these symptoms are so routine, many fail to recognise when something feels “different.”
Symptoms that often go unnoticed
Doctors highlight persistent bloating as one of the earliest red flags — the kind that continues even after the menstrual cycle ends. Clothes begin to feel tighter despite no weight gain, and many women quickly blame poor digestion or stress.
Another subtle warning sign is unpredictable pelvic heaviness. Unlike regular period cramps that follow a predictable pattern, ovarian cancer discomfort may appear suddenly in the middle of the cycle, sometimes as a dragging sensation on one side.
Early ovarian cancer may also alter appetite. Women may feel full unusually fast or lose their appetite altogether — symptoms so minor that they rarely mention them unless specifically asked.
Frequent urination is another sign that often gets dismissed as increased water intake. When the ovaries enlarge or develop cysts, they press against the bladder, causing frequent urges with minimal output.
Some women may experience changes in their menstrual pattern — heavier bleeding, spotting between cycles or cramps that feel unusually sharp or prolonged. Stress or hormonal imbalance is often blamed, allowing the warning signs to slip by unnoticed.
When to seek medical advice
Experts emphasise that a single symptom does not mean cancer. But when these changes persist for several weeks, or when period-like pain feels distinctly unusual, it is essential to consult a doctor. A pelvic examination, ultrasound and a CA-125 blood test can help identify problems early. These tests are simple but can be life-saving when done on time.
The key message
Doctors underline that women need not panic over routine cramps, but neither should they ignore their body’s repeated signals. Most causes are harmless, but recognising early, persistent and unusual symptoms can make a crucial difference. Early detection, they say, remains the strongest defence against a disease that often hides in silence.