Ovarian cancer, the silent disease that can be anticipated with routine check-ups

Every May 8 the World Ovarian Cancer Day, date intended to raise awareness of this disease which, as it is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage because it does not have specific symptoms, It represents the second deadliest gynecological tumor, both in the world and in Argentina.

It is a disease that affects approximately 240,000 women worldwide each year, 125,000 of whom die from this pathology.

Although it is not one of the most frequent cancers, it turns out to be one of the most critical in the gynecological field. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in Argentina in 2018, 2,330 cases were presented, an alarming number. In addition, in 2017, 1228 deaths were recorded due to this pathology.

This disease develops when cancer cells are found in the tissue of one or both ovaries, however, its detection is not easy and depends on the symptoms that begin to appear. If it is detected at an early stage, the possibility of combating it is much easier, so it is vitally important to be very aware when performing routine tests., since this preventive practice will be the key to its treatment.

While one of the main risk factors for ovarian cancer is age (most come from menopause), family history (mother, grandmother or sister with ovarian or breast cancer and father or brother who has or has had prostate or pancreatic cancer), obesity and genetic predisposition play an important role in its development. In fact, about 20% of high-grade serous ovarian cancers have a mutation in the BRCA gene. The mutated BRCA1 and BCRA2 genes are now known to predispose to breast and ovarian cancer.

In this sense, advances in precision medicine are an excellent tool to avoid late diagnoses: Today, there are tests to determine the presence of these altered genes, which helps fight the disease. This is because knowing the mutation not only improves the treatment of the patient., sino que además colabora en la disminución del riesgo de las mujeres para cáncer de ovario, y de los hombres para los tipos de cánceres ya mencionados: aquellas mujeres que presentan mutaciones en los genes BRCA1 o BRCA2 tienen hasta un 54% de padecerabilidades disease.

“All healthy women with a family history should get genetic counseling for prevention, and all women with ovarian cancer, even without a family history, should also get genetic counseling as there are now targeted therapies that can dramatically improve the prognosis of the disease. , Explained the doctor Santiago Bella, President of the Argentine Association of Oncology.

The expert pointed out that treatment options vary depending on the stage of the cancer, the patient’s physical condition and other characteristics that the attending physician should take into account. “In addition to traditional alternatives (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone therapy), in recent years, targeted therapies have also been added, which have fewer side effects and are more effective against certain specific types of tumors. Recently, a new targeted therapy was approved in Argentina that attacks cancer cells that have specific mutations without affecting healthy ones and that prolongs progression-free survival for a median of over 4.5 years in newly diagnosed patients, ”said declared Bella6.

Unlike cervical cancer, which can be detected early by Pap smear (PAP) and colposcopy, there is no test for the early diagnosis of ovarian cancer. That is why it is important to know the risk factors for the disease and to carry out routine gynecological consultations. Ovarian cancer is usually confirmed at an advanced stage because, because it does not have specific symptoms, diagnosis and the start of treatment are usually delayed. A patient with this disease may not have any symptoms or be nonspecific, which is why they tend to delay diagnosis and further treatment.

When entering the diagnostic phase, one should learn about possible risk factors, including their family history and symptoms that give rise to suspicion. Initially, blood tests are essential to make sure the patient has enough red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. If there is a pelvic mass, the doctor will need to order a complementary ultrasound and tomography and magnetic resonance images to identify if the tumor is growing in nearby structures and to biopsy a suspected metastasis. This way, he would identify if the cancer has spread to other areas.

“Diagnostic tests play an essential role in the early detection of this disease; This is why our technological solutions aim to permanently and effectively support women in this process. Today we want to call on all women to work together for the early detection of this cancer and we invite them to attend their gynecological exams at all times, ”said Ángela Piñeros, Commercial Director for Oncology at Siemens Healthineers.

For this reason, Piñeros considers that it is essential to make visible the alarm symptoms that this disease can generate, this in order to be able to carry out an early detection which allows to start with timely treatments:

There is a recurrent sensation of pressure or pain in the abdomen, pelvis, back or legs.

Constant swelling of the abdomen.

· Nausea, indigestion, gas, constipation or diarrhea.

Feeling tired or short of breath.

Constant and irrepressible urge to urinate.

Unusual vaginal bleeding.

“While it is true that all women do not have the same symptoms, since it is a disease that is difficult to detect, it is recommended that in the event of a health problem, a doctor be consulted immediately. . Reducing the risk of ovarian cancer and achieving early detection is everyone’s job, it is important that women understand and understand the risk factors surrounding this disease and that in case of alarm symptoms, consult your gynecologist immediately. It is essential to make a constant practice of attending the scheduled checks, it becomes the key to start a timely treatment that is effective ”, underlined the expert.

Treatments

Treatment options vary depending on the stage of the cancer, the patient’s physical condition, and other characteristics that should be considered by the attending physician.

“In addition to traditional alternatives (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone therapy), in recent years, targeted therapies have also been added, which have fewer undesirable effects and are more effective against certain specific types of tumors. Recently A new targeted therapy has been approved in Argentina that attacks cancer cells that have specific mutations without affecting healthy ones and that prolongs progression-free survival for a median of over 4.5 years in newly diagnosed patients.Bella said and clarified that unlike cervical cancer, which can be detected early with papanicolau (PAP) and colposcopy, there are no tests for the early diagnosis of cervical cancer. ovary, which is why it is important to know the risk factors for the disease and to perform routine gynecological consultations.

Considering the fact that since 2020 the coronavirus pandemic has taken place in health centers, without a doubt, the fear of contracting the virus in hospitals and clinics, has discouraged patients from seeing a doctor for new symptoms. , to reschedule the checks and / or to avoid going to the routine check-up. Even patients who had been diagnosed with cancer have interrupted their treatment for fear of contracting COVID-19 in medical centers specializing in these pathologies-9.

According to a survey conducted between April 2 and 8, 2020 by the World Health Organization on the implications of COVID-19 in the treatment of cancer, in Argentina, during the period of strict isolation, consultations were reduced by 97% and the number of patients who started treatment decreased by 72%. 52% of those consulted estimate that their healthcare system could take between 1 and 3 months to resume treatments and surgeries for patients who have postponed their treatments, while 35% said that it would take between 4 and 6 months for resume treatments. The remaining 23% took even longer to wait.

AstraZeneca works to raise awareness of pathologies, forging alliances with patient associations and medical societies around the world to disseminate the initiative “New normal, same cancer», A global awareness and visibility campaign aimed at encouraging cancer patients to return to oncology departments, to continue their treatment and to encourage suspects to approach medical centers for medical tests and relevant health checks.

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