Time to screen for ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is a dangerous gynecological disease with a high mortality rate because of its silent progression, difficult to detect early. Routine ovarian cancer screening is considered an effective solution in early detection and treatment of this disease.

According to statistics, the cure rate for ovarian cancer reaches 90% if the disease is detected and treated at an early stage. However, this rate will gradually decrease if the disease is detected in the later stages. By the time ovarian cancer reaches the metastatic stage, only 20% of patients can be cured.
The fact that the symptoms of ovarian cancer are often not obvious in the early stages. When there are symptoms such as pain in the lower abdomen, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, poor appetite, bloating, ... often the patient just thinks that it is a common digestive disorder, so they do not go to the doctor. . This has caused patients to miss the best time for treatment. When the symptoms of ovarian cancer are clear, then the disease has entered an advanced stage, the likelihood of successful treatment and the chance of survival is extremely low.
Therefore, ovarian cancer screening plays a very important role in detecting the disease early, helping women improve the ability to successfully treat the disease, and minimize the risk of death.

Women at high risk for ovarian cancer should have regular screening. Specifically:
Have a close relative with breast or ovarian cancer. There is an abnormality in a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. There are genes associated with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome). Overweight. Over 50 years old. Never been pregnant. There are warning symptoms of ovarian cancer: Lower abdominal pain, rapid weight loss, loss of appetite, bloating, nausea, ...

Some commonly used methods to screen for ovarian cancer are:
CA 125 test: CA-125 is a protein that has higher blood levels in people with ovarian cancer. Therefore, the CA-125 blood test is often used to screen for ovarian cancer. However, CA 125 levels can be elevated in people with uterine fibroids, cirrhosis of the liver, pelvic infections, endometrial cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer and pancreatic cancer, among others. In addition, CA-125 levels may also be higher than normal in some women as they enter their menstrual cycle. Therefore, when the test shows a high CA-125 index, the doctor will assign the patient to perform other methods. Pelvic ultrasound: uses sound waves to create images of the organs in the pelvis, including the ovaries. The doctor will use an ultrasound probe to check through the vagina or abdominal wall. For ovarian cancer screening, ultrasound helps determine the specific location and size of the tumor. Imaging: computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-rays to assess the extent of the disease and the invasive stage of the tumor in the body.

Women over 50 should be screened. Ovarian cancer screening should be performed about 14 days after the end of the last menstrual period. Do not test for ovarian cancer while you are on medication or being treated for a gynecological infection. Abstain from sexual intercourse 24-58 hours before a cancer test to avoid damage to the cervix and avoid affecting the accuracy of the diagnosis. Absolutely do not use vaginal lubricant because it can obscure abnormal cells before the ovarian cancer screening test.

Vinmec International General Hospital is currently providing a package of screening and early detection of gynecological cancer even when there are no symptoms. Package includes:
Examination and consultation with an obstetrician and gynecologist. Screening for gynecological cancer by tests such as: transvaginal uterine-ovarian ultrasound, cytology by Liqui Prep method, automated system HPV genotype PCR test. With a team of highly qualified and experienced doctors and a system of modern equipment in diagnosing and treating diseases, Vinmec hospital is the ideal address for customers in screening and treatment. Ovarian Cancer.