Why You Shouldn’t Skip Your Annual Gynecological Exam – Atacama News

Risk factors for this disease include smoking, use of hormone replacement therapy and dietary elements, family history, Lynch syndrome, continuous ovulation cycles, and the presence of endometriosis.

Ovarian cancer is ranked as the fourth most common gynecological cancer in the world after breast, cervical, and endometrial cancers. It ranks third in mortality, making it one of the most lethal gynecological cancers. In Chile, both incidence and age-adjusted mortality rates mirror those of South America, ranking fourth in incidence and third in mortality nationally.

This type of cancer is known for its “non-specific clinical features.” According to experts, this means that its symptoms are usually vague and easily confused with other less serious conditions, leading to it being diagnosed at a late stage. Some of these include bloating or distension of the abdomen, abdominal or pelvic pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, and unexplained weight changes. Because of this, it is recommended to have more frequent preventive medical check-ups.

“Unlike other types of cancer, such as breast or cervical cancer, there is currently no effective and widespread screening program (understood as a preventive medical process used to detect diseases at early stages in people who do not have symptoms) for ovarian cancer in the general population. This is due to several reasons: the lack of sensitive and specific tests, as well as the non-specificity of the symptoms,” explained Sergio Jara, an academician in obstetrics at the University of San Sebastian.

Risk factors for ovarian cancer are divided into two categories: modifiable and non-modifiable. Modifiable factors include smoking, use of hormone replacement therapy, and diet. Non-modifiable factors include heredity, mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, family history, Lynch syndrome, continuous ovulation cycles, and the presence of endometriosis.

Given the variables, the USS Faculty of Health Sciences professor added that “it is vital to educate about the symptoms and risk factors of ovarian cancer. The best strategy remains monitoring for symptoms and regular annual gynaecological examinations, especially for women in high-risk groups. Early detection can make a big difference in the prognosis and treatment of this disease.”

The two tests most commonly used to detect ovarian cancer are transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) and the CA-125 blood test, in addition to a complete pelvic examination, which is the most recommended because it can detect other cancers that can affect ovarian cancer in women.

Photo courtesy of: oncosalud.pe