Upcoming Webinar: Ovarian Cancer Awareness and Management

Submitted by PatientsEngage on 28 March 2022

This webinar is not just for Ovarian Cancer survivors but also for survivors of breast cancer, uterine cancer, colorectal cancer and all women at risk of Ovarian Cancer.

Ovarian Cancer is a difficult to diagnose cancer. So it is very important for us to be aware of the surprising symptoms of Ovarian cancer. We must also know the factors that increase risk.
Additionally, in COVID times, it is important to understand how to continue treatment and when you should vaccinate.

We bring together a panel of
Dr. Shyam Aggarwal, Chairman Medical Oncology, Sir Gangaram Hospital, New Delhi
Dr. Nidhi Tandon, Consultant Medical Oncology Narayana Health, Bengaluru
Dr. Vivek Agarwala, Medical Oncologist, Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Kolkata

In the video (recording link below) we talk about:

What is ovarian cancer and who is at risk of ovarian cancer? is it hereditary
What are the early signs or symptoms of ovarian cancer?
Who should you consult when you have symptoms
What is the difference between cyst and cancer and how to differentiate between the two
Does removal of ovaries reduce lifespan?
What are the treatment options after diagnosis of ovarian cancer?
What risks should patients be aware of and role of chemo before or after surgery
If you have ovarian cancer can you also get breast cancer?
Even during covid cancer treatment cannot be postponed
Are video consults useful
Can cancer patients undergo Covid vaccination

Changed

28/Mar/2022

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Stories

Ovarian Cancer Treatment

Treatment of Ovarian Cancer usually involves chemotherapy and surgery, and sometimes radiotherapy. Surgery is the the first recommended option during the initial stage when the size of the tumour is small. The surgery may include removal of one (unilateral oophorectomy) or both ovaries (bilateral oophorectomy), the fallopian tubes (salpingectomy), and the uterus (hysterectomy). If the cancer has spread to other organ such as the digestive tract, bladder, spleen etc, removal of those parts may…
Ovarian Cancer Tests and Diagnosis

What tests do you need for Ovarian Cancer: Ovarian cancer at its early stages (I/II) is difficult to diagnose until it spreads and advances to later stages (III/IV). This is because most symptoms are non-specific and thus of little use in diagnosis. You doctor may do some of the following: Physical examination (including a pelvic, vaginal, rectal examination). For young patients, an MRI is preferred Transvaginal ultrasound Blood test (complete blood count, serum electrolyte test) CT or…
Ovarian Cancer Signs and Symptoms

Often there are few signs and symptoms in the early stages, which is why ovarian cancer is often detected late. In most cases, the symptoms persist for several months before being recognised and diagnosed. These are some of the more common symptoms of Ovarian Cancer: Bloating – the abdomen feels tight, full, or with an abdominal mass Abdominal or pelvic pain Difficulty eating Urinary symptoms Constipation Abnormal vaginal bleeding Rectal bleeding…
Ovarian Cancer Classification and Stages

Ovarian cancer is classified according to the histology of the tumour, obtained in a pathology report. Histology staging and grading dictates the aspects of clinical treatment, management and prognosis for each patient: Surface epithelial-stromal tumour, also known as ovarian epithelial carcinoma, is the most common type of ovarian cancer that arises from the cells covering the surface of the ovary. Sex cord-stromal tumours are benign or malignant tumours in cells that surround…
Causes of Ovarian Cancer and Risk Factors

We do not yet know what causes Ovarian Cancer. But we do what increases the risk of developing ovarian cancer. You are at higher risk of developing ovarian cancer if: You are over 55; the average age at diagnosis is found to be 63 You have a family history (risk is higher for 1st degree relatives) You have BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation You have a history of breast, uterine or colorectal cancer You have a genetic link to Lynch syndrome You started menstruating before 12 yrs of age You have…
Palliative care in Kerala - lessons and answers

With a palliative care policy formulated in 2008, Kerala has become a path-breaker and a model for the rest of the country. Professor Devi Vijay of IIM Calcutta provides some insights into this community-based aspect of health care. 1. What can the rest of the country learn from the success of the Kerala palliative care story?How can other countries and communities leverage this community-based model? There are several elements of the Kerala palliative care movement worth examining…
Care for the Caregiver

Maya Ramachandran shares her experience as a caregiver to her parents and the learnings she drew from this. Caregiving is soul-satisfying, meaningful, draining and frustrating all at the same time. I had been a caregiver for my father for almost 16 years. My mother took charge from the forefront and I was with her, supporting her to the best of my ability through this period. However, for the last two years of my father’s life, I took on the role of ‘primary caregiver’, as my mother…
Prevention of Uterine Fibroids

Since there is no known cause of uterine fibroids, there are no clear strategies to prevent fibroids. However, it is good to know if have a high risk as per the risk factors highlighted - if you are Asian, if have a hereditary risk or if you have had early onset of menstrual cycles. Keep your weight under control. Avoid a red meat diet Limit alcohol consumption Its also important to do regular tests especially if you are in the high risk category so you can catch them early or before…
Management of Fibroids

Apart from the medication mentioned in the treatment section, the following may help manage the symptoms: Diet Eat beans and legumes as these reduce oestrogen levels Grape seed extract, red raspberry, fish, like salmon, tuna, mackerel rich in omega-3 shrink fibroids Fibre rich foods promote oestrogen excretion, eg: Dark leafy greens Broccoli Ground flaxseed Whole grains like brown rice, millet, rye and oats. These regulate good oestrogen metabolism Avoid eating soya beans, other fermented…
Uterine Fibroids Treatment

The doctor may suggest some of the following: Medication: to reduce symptoms Tranexamic acid: Tranexamic acid helps in clotting of blood in the uterus, thus reducing bleeding. Anti-inflammatory drugs : These drugs reduce the production of progesterone. Progestrone contributes to the heavy and abnormal menstrual bleeding. They don’t shrink the fibroids but they reduce the symptoms of fibroids. LNG-IUS (Levonorgestrel intrauterine system): A plastic device is placed in the uterus…