If you suspect heredity, pay more attention to regular checkups
About 2,900 new cases of ovarian cancer occur in Korea each year. That’s not a small number. It occurs most often in middle age, with about 50% of cases in the 40s and 50s. The biggest problem is that it is often diagnosed late, making treatment difficult. More than 50% of all ovarian cancer patients are found in ‘stage 3’. In this case, the 5-year survival rate is low, ranging from 41% to 23%. Prevention is the most important, but if detected early, treatment is not difficult. Let’s learn more about ovarian cancer.
◆ In the early stage of ovarian cancer, the discovery of bacterial aggregates living in the ovary… An early diagnosis green light?
In the latest issue of ‘Scientific Reports’, an international academic journal, a paper was published showing that there is a collection of bacteria (bacteria) that gather and inhabit the ovarian area in the early stages of ovarian cancer. It is a study that early knowledge of the existence of the bacterial flora composed of viruses, yeasts and fungi can be of great help in the early detection of ovarian cancer.
As a result, it was found that many pathogenic bacteria, such as Diallister and Corynebacterium, were gathered in ovarian cancer patients. These are bacteria that are associated with ovarian cancer and other diseases. These pathogenic bacterial assemblages were found to be more concentrated in the early stage of ovarian cancer than in the late stage. In the late stage of ovarian cancer, many pathogenic bacteria disappeared.
◆ Ovarian cancer that you must not be vigilant for… Prevention is the best, early diagnosis is key if signs are seen
Ovarian cancer is the most common cancer. Endometriosis is also one of the causes. When ovarian cancer is diagnosed, genes (BRCA1, BRCA2) are tested. Gene mutations are found in 10-14% of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. There is a 50% chance of finding a genetic mutation in a family member, whether it is a daughter, son, sister or brother. If you have this mutation, not only ovarian, breast, and endometrial cancers, but also colorectal, pancreatic, and skin cancers can increase.
◆ Long-term use of contraceptives, ovarian cancer prevention effect… What to pay attention to?
According to the National Cancer Information Center, long-term use of oral contraceptives is known to have a preventive effect on epithelial ovarian cancer. However, taking oral contraceptives has other disadvantages. It is associated with an increased incidence of breast cancer, cervical cancer, and liver cancer. You should fully understand the pros and cons of taking oral contraceptives through consultation with a specialist. It is important to take it according to the doctor’s prescription and not to abuse it.
◆ There are no symptoms even if it progresses considerably… If a lump is felt in the lower abdomen, stomach, or intestinal discomfort
Ovarian cancer often does not show symptoms until it is quite advanced. This is why early detection is difficult. Occasionally, even if symptoms appear, discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen, abdomen, stomach or intestines can be mistaken for other diseases. In most cases, a lump is palpable in the lower abdomen before going to the hospital. Irregular menstruation and abnormal vaginal bleeding may occur after menopause. If you suspect genetics, you should consult with a specialist and pay more attention to genetic testing or screening. If you see signs, you need to take a good look at your body so that it does not develop beyond the 3rd stage.