Oni Khonsa, an oncologist, said detecting ovarian cancer early by knowing the risk factors and symptoms can help patients get the right treatment and reduce mortality.
“Most of them arrived late, the number of those who arrived early was much more than those who were late,” he said in a webinar titled “AstraZeneca: The 10 Fingers Campaign” held in Jakarta, Saturday (3/12/2022).
quoted Betweenthere are six risk factors that can cause a person to develop ovarian cancer, namely having a history of endometrial cysts, family inheritance with ovarian or breast cancer, genetic mutations, low birth rate, poor lifestyle, and increased ‘age.
Added to these six factors are four signs or symptoms, such as flatulence, decreased appetite, frequent urination, and pelvic or abdominal pain. However, ovarian cancer is not accompanied by symptoms in its early stages.
“If we already have one of the six risk factors, plus there are symptoms of flatulence, maybe diarrhea, we need to get that under control, even if not all of these symptoms will ultimately lead to ovarian cancer,” Dr. Oni said.
Additionally, Oni said it’s important to be aware of every sign and symptom. This is because ovarian cancer is not like cervical cancer which can be detected through a pap smear.
Ovarian cancer is also not only suffered by women who have gone through menopause. Young people also have the same opportunity, especially if there is a close family with a history of cancer.
“If there are no signs it does not mean that you do not get tested, young people are not necessarily safe. Thirdly, there are blood colleagues. We must be vigilant, but not only ovarian cancer, but also breast cancer. It’s a gang,” he said.
Oni also said the lack of public information and knowledge about ovarian cancer is very concerning. However, if diagnosed early, ovarian cancer can be cured and 94% of patients can live more than 5 years after diagnosis.
According to him, when ovarian cancer is still in its early stages, where the cancer is still confined to the ovaries, treatment and treatment have a high chance of success.
“In Indonesia, if you don’t want to be examined because you are afraid of being caught, even if the exam is meant to be caught. If you check from the beginning, the impacts will also be low,” concluded Oni. (ant/rum/iss)
