70% of Ova.rian Can.cer Cases Are Diagnosed at a Late Stage: Women Over 40 Should Seek Medical Attention Immediately If These Symptoms Appear

This is not a rumor—it is a harsh reality.

Have you ever thought that frequent bloating and indigestion were simply caused by overeating or digestive problems, only to later discover at the hospital that the real issue might be your ovaries? This is the “silent” nature of ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer is often called the “invisible killer” of gynecology because 90% of patients are diagnosed in the middle or late stages, making treatment extremely difficult and survival rates very low.

Even more alarming: 70% of patients are already in the late stage when diagnosed, 70% will relapse within three years after standard treatment, and nearly 70% will not survive beyond five years. This is not speculation—it is a devastating fact.

Why is ovarian cancer so “silent”?

The ovaries are located deep within the pelvic cavity. Early symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, indigestion, and loss of appetite closely resemble common gastrointestinal issues and are easily overlooked. Many women even assume they are simply gaining weight—until their waistline steadily increases, a classic sign of ovarian cancer often mistaken for simple obesity.

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Women Over 40, Watch for These Warning Signs

While ovarian cancer is more common in postmenopausal women, cases among younger women are also on the rise. If you experience the following, stay alert:

1. Early menstruation (<12 years old) or late menopause (>55 years old).

2. Persistent bloating, frequent urination, or an enlarging waistline lasting more than 2 weeks.

3. A family history of ovarian or breast cancer.

4. Long-term use of hormone therapy.

Though these symptoms may seem common, ovarian cancer symptoms have unique traits: they are new, persistent, and worsen over time.

For women over 40, it is essential to have annual gynecological exams, including transvaginal ultrasounds and tumor marker tests (such as CA-125). These are the keys to early detection.

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Who Is at Higher Risk of Ovarian Cancer?

Understanding high-risk groups can help with prevention and earlier diagnosis. Women at higher risk include:

1. Age factor: Risk rises significantly in women over 50, especially postmenopausal women.

2. Family history: A family history of ovarian, breast, or endometrial cancer increases risk.

3. Genetic mutations: Carriers of BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations (like Angelina Jolie, who had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed as a preventive measure).

4. Reproductive history: Women who have never given birth, face infertility, or have ovulation disorders.

5. Hormonal factors: Early menstruation and late menopause increase ovulation frequency and risk.

6. Endometriosis patients: Have a significantly higher risk.

7. Unhealthy lifestyle: High-fat diets, smoking, and obesity may also increase risk.

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Prevention Is Better Than Cure: Practical Tips to Lower Risk

While ovarian cancer cannot be completely prevented, the risk can be significantly reduced:

1. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Full-term pregnancy and breastfeeding lower ovulation frequency, reducing cancer risk. Each additional month of breastfeeding cuts risk by about 2%.

2. Oral contraceptives: Long-term use of short-acting oral contraceptives may reduce risk by 30–50%, with protective effects lasting years.

3. Preventive surgery: For extremely high-risk groups (e.g., BRCA mutation carriers), prophylactic removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes may be considered. Studies show many high-grade serous ovarian cancers actually begin in the fallopian tubes.

4. Healthy lifestyle: A balanced diet, regular exercise, weight management, and avoiding smoking all help reduce risk.

5. Regular check-ups: Even without symptoms, annual gynecological exams and ultrasounds remain essential.

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Preventing and treating ovarian cancer is not something achieved overnight—it requires consistent daily action. Women’s health is not just about words, but about real, proactive choices.

Starting today, listen to your body’s signals—especially persistent bloating and frequent urination. After age 40, schedule annual gynecological exams. Maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep.