Jakarta (ANTARA) - Early-stage ovarian cancer is usually discovered by chance, therefore, women need to remain alert about risk factors and symptoms so the cancer can be detected before it has progressed much, a senior doctor has said.

"Symptoms of ovarian cancer are often mistaken for symptoms of other diseases, so the disease often goes unnoticed and is only discovered when it is at an advanced stage. In fact, ovarian cancer can be cured if detected early," chairman of the Indonesian Oncology and Gynecology Association (HOGI), Prof. Dr. Andrijono, Sp.OG (K), said during a health webinar on Saturday.

Twenty percent of ovarian cancers are detected at an early stage, and 94 percent of patients with early-stage ovarian cancer can live more than five years post diagnosis, he added.

Given that there are no specific symptoms that could serve as an early sign, he urged women to increase their overall awareness about ovarian cancer.

To spread awareness about ovarian cancer, HOGI, the Indonesian Cancer Information & Support System (CISC), and AstraZeneca have launched the 10 Finger Campaign to help the public identify six risk factors and four signs of ovarian cancer.

According to Andrijono, the six factors that increase ovarian cancer risk are a history of endometrial cysts, family history of ovarian and breast cancer, genetic mutations (eg BRCA), low parity, poor lifestyle, and age.

Meanwhile, the four signs of ovarian cancer are bloating, decreased appetite, frequent urination, and pelvic or abdominal pain, he said.

Andrijono emphasized that such cancers are easier to treat if detected early. Therefore, he advised women to not be afraid or hesitate to get checked out if they observe any symptoms.

It is advisable to observe the symptoms for one to two weeks and consult a doctor if they persist, he said.

"If the symptoms stop, the plan to consult a doctor may be postponed, but if the symptoms continue to recur, check immediately, whatever the complaint. Coughs, colds, diarrhea, these are all symptoms. Cough and cold could be (the symptoms) of throat cancer or mouth cancer, diarrhea could be (the symptom of) colon cancer. If there is a persistent disease, do not hesitate to see a doctor," he stressed.

Ovarian cancer is the eighth leading cause of cancer deaths in women worldwide. In Indonesia, ovarian cancer is ranked third in terms of incidence and mortality rate in cancers affecting women.(INE)

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Translator: Katriana
Editor: Suharto
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