Ovarian cancer is more common in women age over 50, it ranks seventh out of top ten cancers among women in Hong Kong.
There is no specific screening test for ovarian cancer in early or precancerous status, early symptoms of ovarian cancer are also not obvious. Hence, Women often overlook the condition and have diagnosis and treatment delay.
People at high risk of ovarian cancer
- Have never given birth or breastfed
- With close relatives with ovarian cancer
- With ovarian cancer genes, such as: BRCA1, BRCA2, LYNCHⅡ, HNPCC
- Have history of breast cancer
- Have early menarche or late menopause
- Undergone hormone replacement therapy for more than 5 years
Common symptoms of ovarian cancer
- Abdominal pain
- Discomfort or pain at pelvic region
- Persistent stomachache and indigestion
- Weight loss
- Frequent urination
- Changes in bowel habits
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Lower back pain
- Changes in menstrual cycle
- Tiredness
If the above symptoms persist, please seek medical attention from gynaecologists as soon as possible for further examination.
Diagnostic procedures for ovarian cancer
- Blood tests
- Pelvic ultrasound
- Computer tomography
Once a diagnosis is made, patient should closely communicate with gynaecologists so that could recommend appropriate treatment solutions.
