The Importance of Genetic Testing and Regular Check-Ups for Ovarian Cancer Prevention

If a family member has BRCA mutation, genetic testing is recommended
Even if you are not in the high-risk group, check up every year after age 30

May 8 is the World Coalition for Ovarian Cancer (WOCD). ‘World Ovarian Cancer Day’am. According to the National Cancer Registry, the incidence of ovarian cancer per 100,000 people is 6.5, which is lower than other gynecological cancers. However, ovarian cancer has the lowest survival rate among gynecological cancers. It usually occurs between the ages of 40 and 70. Recently, it is rapidly increasing among young women in their 30s, so young people should not be relievedam.

The ovary is an indispensable organ for women, such as egg formation and secretion of various hormones. but It is located deep in the pelvis and does not show symptoms easily even if it is sick. Even if this causes cancer There are no clear early symptoms, and the symptoms that appear as the tumor grows are also easy to pass lightly as indigestion, abdominal distension, and abdominal pain. Patients diagnosed at an early stage are most often found incidentally during routine obstetrics and gynecological examinations.

Fortunately, several risk factors are known that increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer. thus If you check if you are in the high-risk group and manage your health, you can prevent ovarian cancer sufficientlycan do.

First is family history. A parent or close relative has a history of ovarian cancerThis may increase the risk of ovarian cancer. The second is your medical history. If you have a genetic mutation such as BRCA1/2 or Lynch syndrome, or if you have a past history of uterine cancer or colorectal cancerall. In addition If you have never given birth or have trouble getting pregnantThey are also known to be at high risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Professor Cho Hyeon-woong of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Korea Daeguro Hospital said, “The reason for the recent increase in ovarian cancer in young women has not been clarified. The decrease in the number of women who are pregnant or giving birth, eating habits of consuming high-fat and high-calorie foods, and obesity“It is known that the risk of ovarian cancer increases even if you do not become pregnant or give birth and continuously ovulate,” he explained.

Ovarian cancer has few early symptoms, so it is often discovered late. If diagnosed in the first stage, the 5-year survival rate is about 90%, but in the case of the third stage, it is very low, about 30%. In this, experts Regular screening even if you are not in the high-risk groupshould be received, and at this time If a lump is found in the ovary, be sure to see a gynecologist and additional testsplease

The basic treatment of ovarian cancer is to remove all possible tumors through open surgery, regardless of the stage, and then chemotherapy. However, in the early stage, if there is no chemotherapy, if the patient is unmarried, or if there is a pregnancy plan, only one ovary may be removed and follow-up observation may be performed.

ovarian cancer is It can recur even after treatment, so constant management is required.do. Recently, it has been reported that if complete resection of the tumor is possible in case of recurrence of ovarian cancer, surgery followed by chemotherapy has a higher survival rate than chemotherapy without surgery. In addition, tests for anticancer drug resistance and genetic mutations can be performed through recurrent tumor tissue during surgery, which can be helpful for future anticancer treatment.

Professor Song Hee-kyung of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Incheon St. In patients with BRCA gene mutations, targeted therapy called PARP inhibitors are showing good effects and are receiving health insurance benefits, which is of great help to ovarian cancer patients.is becoming,” he said. “However, there are also studies that show that patients who relapse after treatment with pap inhibitors are more resistant to current chemical anticancer drugs. After consulting with your doctor, you should carefully plan your treatment. do,” he added.

As ovarian cancer is a silent cancer, regular screening efforts should not be neglected. especially If you have a vaginal ultrasound once a year from your late 30s and have any doubts, such as a family history, it is good to have a pelvic ultrasound and blood test (CA-125) periodically to check the condition of your uterus and ovaries.

Women at high risk of ovarian cancer need a stronger contrast. Professor Hyun-Woong Cho said, “If you have a BRCA mutation, the risk of cancer such as breast cancer and ovarian cancer increases, so ovarian and tubal resection can be considered.”▲If there is a family history ▲If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer or breast cancer with a high risk of BRCA mutation ▲If your parents have BRCA mutation, it is recommended to get a BRCA test and consult with your doctor to actively prevent ovarian cancer”he emphasized.

Regular check-ups are essential after ovarian cancer treatment. Professor Song Hee-kyung said, “Considering the condition of the disease, Regular checkups are recommended at intervals of 3 to 6 months or 6 months to 1 yearHe said, “If you are tested continuously for 5 years and there is no recurrence, it is usually considered cured, but Depending on the patient, there are cases in which a checkup is required once a year even after that, so it is necessary to pay attention to health management while constantly consulting with the attending physician. do,” he advised.

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