Ovarian Cancer Awareness Series - Part 2: Detection and Screening

In the first post of this series, we talked about the key factors causing Ovarian Cancer. Here we talk about its detection and screening mechanisms.

Heterogeneity of the disease has meant scientists being unable to holistically determine the early events and genesis of ovarian cancers, but analysis suggests that almost 90% of cases identified at Stage 1 have been curable whereas Stage IV detection reduces the chance of survival to 70%. The non-specific or non-unique symptoms mostly lead to late diagnosis.

In the mid-1990s, discovery of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes causing breast and ovarian cancer risk opened up further research and over the years their links to the cancers have been established. Additionally, the Lynch Syndrome associated with MLH1 or MSH2 is also linked with increased risk of ovarian cancer.

While early detection is the key to saving lives, due to the lack of obvious signs, scientists have looked into other methods of detecting ovarian cancer in its earliest stages, such as testing for one or more biomarkers, frequently in conjunction with imaging technology. Testing for biomarkers like CA-125 and HE-4 before surgery helps plan treatment and predict prognosis. Higher CA-125 levels often mean a more severe condition and lower survival rates. Surgical pathology (removal of tissues) is also often used to determine the diagnosis, stage, and prognosis of the disease. Analysis of biomarkers often provide oncologists with information to determine if surgery is the best option for a specific patient.

Surgical removal or modification of gynecological tract components, such as the fallopian tubes (salpingectomy), ovaries (oophorectomy), uterus (hysterectomy), and procedures like tubal ligation are a part of most strategies aimed at preventing or addressing ovarian cancer.

References:

1. Alvarez, Ronald D., Beth Y. Karlan, and Jerome F. Strauss. “‘Ovarian Cancers: Evolving Paradigms in Research and Care.’” Gynecologic Oncology 141, no. 3 (June 1, 2016): 413–15

2. Bast, Robert C., Chae Young Han, Zhen Lu, and Karen H. Lu. “Next Steps in the Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer.” Communications Medicine 1, no. 1 (October 5, 2021)

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The information contained in this article are for informational purposes only. Content in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.
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