Ovarian Cancer: The Challenge of Early Detection
Every May 8, the world raises its voice in the fight against one of the most lethal and silent gynecological diseases: ovarian cancer .
This is a day that not only seeks to pay tribute to those facing this difficult battle, but also to raise awareness , promote health education , and demand access to effective treatments .
According to 2022 data from the World Health Organization ( WHO ) published in Globocan , ovarian cancer ranks eighth among the most common types of cancer in women .
This worrying situation is largely due to the fact that it is often diagnosed in advanced stages. In the Dominican Republic , for example, nearly 167 women were diagnosed that same year, and more than 60% died from the disease .
May thus becomes a key month for breaking the silence surrounding this disease . The main obstacle remains late diagnosis : most cases are detected in stages III or IV, when the cancer has already spread beyond the ovaries. This significantly reduces the chances of survival .
The initial symptoms are usually nonspecific and frequent in the daily lives of many women : abdominal swelling, early feeling of satiety, pelvic pain, fatigue or intestinal changes such as constipation.
Precisely for this reason, they are often not immediately associated with a serious health problem.
Therefore, education and awareness play a fundamental role. Recognizing these warning signs and seeking medical attention promptly can make the difference between life and death.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer . Among the most important are:
- Advanced age
- Inherited genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 and BRCA2)
- Endometriosis
- Long-term hormonal therapies after menopause
- Obesity
Although there is no specific test to definitively detect this disease , tools such as transvaginal ultrasound and CA-125 marker analysis can support the diagnosis , especially in women with a family or genetic history.
Fortunately, science has brought a glimmer of hope to those facing this disease . In recent years, treatments have advanced significantly thanks to research and the development of targeted therapies .
One of the most notable advances is PARP inhibitors, innovative therapies that block an enzyme used by cancer cells to repair themselves, thereby slowing their growth.
These therapies , when combined with chemotherapy and surgery, are improving both the survival rate and the quality of life of patients.
As Jordana Zalcman, GSK's Medical Manager for Central America and the Caribbean, states: "The fight against ovarian cancer requires a comprehensive approach that combines education , prevention, early diagnosis , and access to innovative therapies . Every action we take today can save a life tomorrow."
A social commitment to women 's healthThe fight against ovarian cancer goes far beyond the clinical setting. It requires a collective response: from public policies to the family environment. It is vital to ensure equitable access to effective treatments , promote awareness campaigns, and strengthen continuing medical education.
Investing in more inclusive and gender- sensitive health systems not only saves lives, but also vindicates every woman's right to dignified, informed, and timely care.
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