The second most common type of gynecological cancer, ovarian tumors are expected to affect 7,310 women in the country in 2024, according to estimates from the National Cancer Institute (Inca). In Rio de Janeiro, the estimate is 710 new diagnoses this year alone, representing 10% of new cases in Brazil. Numerically, they are second only to cervical cancer. But, unlike cancer, which can be easily identified through a Pap smear, ovarian cancer is difficult to detect. Therefore, when it is discovered, in 75% of cases the tumor is already at an advanced stage, according to experts. Therefore, doctors warn about the importance of prevention today, considered World Ovarian Cancer Day.
As the disease is silent, women need to be aware of the main symptoms, says oncologist Carla Andrade, from Oncoclínicas Rio de Janeiro and Hospital Marcos Moraes. According to her, abdominal enlargement and pain in the region should be looked at carefully. Vaginal bleeding, explains the doctor, only occurs in some cases.
“The tests to detect ovarian cancer are transvaginal ultrasound, resonance or pelvic tomography. The Pap smear, which is usually carried out annually by the gynecologist, is not capable of detecting this disease, only cervical tumors. To confirm the diagnosis, a biopsy of the ovarian tissue can be performed”, explains the specialist.
It was precisely abdominal pain that took accountant Flavia Muniz, 49, to the doctor. “It was four months of belly swelling and a lot of abdominal pain. All my exams were up to date and showed nothing. When I had the tomography, however, the peritoneal tumor was detected and only after the biopsy results were the primary disease identified, ovarian cancer at an advanced stage,” she reports.
Flávia initially underwent chemotherapy sessions and removed the organs, the ovaries, uterus and tubes, and is still undergoing treatment. In the midst of the fight against the disease, she issues a warning to women. “Never ignore what the body signals and pay attention to different symptoms. When the disease was diagnosed, it was already in an advanced stage. Identifying cancer early increases our chances of a cure. But I have faith and I believe that I will be cured,” she says.
According to the oncologist, to avoid the disease, it is necessary to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly, two attitudes that help prevent obesity, a risk factor for ovarian cancer. Early menarche, late menopause, advanced age and a positive family history also increase the chances of developing ovarian cancer.
“Between 20 and 25% of this type of tumor are associated with family history. Other factors that can contribute to the emergence of ovarian cancer are genetic, when mutations occur in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are also related to the high risk of breast cancer”, says the oncologist.
Ovarian cancer is the second most prevalent gynecological tumor, behind only cervical tumors. The others, which affect the vulva, vagina, endometrium and fallopian tubes, are less common.
Treatment
After diagnosis, each case needs to be analyzed individually. The most common treatments are surgery and chemotherapy.
“PARP inhibitors were added to the therapeutic arsenal for the disease recently and are mainly indicated for patients with mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2. The medicine is administered orally and is paid for by health plans”, concludes Carla Andrade.
