World Ovarian Cancer Day 2025 : No Women Left Behind

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that arises in the ovaries, which are part of the female reproductive system. The cancer begins when abnormal cells in or near the ovaries undergo mutations, causing them to grow and divide uncontrollably. These cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and spread to other body parts. 

It is the fifth most common cancer among women and causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive organs. In 2024, India recorded approximately 33,000 deaths due to ovarian cancer, making it the country with the highest number of ovarian cancer deaths globally.

Ovarian cancer symptoms are often vague and easily mistaken for other conditions. Common warning signs include:

• Bloating or swelling in the abdomen

• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly

• Changes in urinary habits (urgency or frequency)

• Pelvic or lower abdominal pain

• Back pain

• Unexplained weight changes or abnormal bleeding

These non-specific symptoms result in many women being diagnosed after the cancer has spread. Hence, early detection is critical yet challenging.

The exact cause of ovarian cancer is unknown. However, there are several identified risk factors:

• Age (most common in women aged 65-74)

• Use of estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy

• Family history of ovarian or breast cancer (especially with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations)

• Fewer pregnancies or late childbearing

• Personal history of breast cancer

Conversely, using birth control pills has been shown to reduce risk.

Unlike breast or cervical cancer, there's no routine screening test to catch ovarian cancer early. That means most women only discover something's wrong when they start noticing symptoms; by then, it might already be serious. Tests like pelvic exams, scans, or blood work usually come into play only after those signs appear. 

This delay can be even more dangerous for women who don't have easy access to healthcare. That is why we need to push for better awareness, support, and access to care for every woman, no matter where she lives or what her circumstances are.

Treatment for ovarian cancer is highly individualised, often involving a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Newer approaches include:

• Advanced surgical techniques (including minimally invasive and fertility-sparing options)

• Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)

• Targeted therapies and immunotherapy

• Participation in clinical trials for access to cutting-edge treatments.

Comprehensive care goes beyond medical treatment. Emotional support, palliative care, and access to patient advocacy and support groups are essential for improving quality of life during and after treatment.

• Education: Spreading awareness about symptoms and risk factors empowers women to seek timely care.

• Access: Advocating for healthcare equity ensures that all women, regardless of geography or socioeconomic status, can access diagnosis and treatment.

• Research: Supporting clinical trials and research helps develop better detection methods and more effective therapies.

To close the gaps in ovarian cancer care, communities, policymakers, and healthcare professionals are being urged to take action by the "No Woman Left Behind" campaign. We can improve outcomes and ensure that every woman has the opportunity to fight and survive ovarian cancer by prioritising awareness, early detection, and fair access to cutting-edge therapies.