"In general, ovarian cancer does not show any symptoms during the early stages. Thus, every woman needs to be aware of ovarian cancer by recognizing the risk factors and symptoms," director of prevention and control of non-communicable diseases at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Elvieda Sariwati, M. Epid, said at the 10 Fingers Campaign Press Conference, themed "Together, We Can Face Ovarian Cancer", held virtually on Thursday.
There are at least six risk factors for ovarian cancer: a history of endometrial cysts, a family member with a history of ovarian cancer or breast cancer, genetic mutations such as BRCA, low parity, unhealthy lifestyle, and advancing age, she informed.
Even though ovarian cancer mostly does not show symptoms, there are four signs that women must not ignore and immediately consult a doctor for, Sariwati said. These signs include abdominal bloating, decreased appetite, frequent urination, and pelvic or abdominal pain, she added.
Education about these risk factors and symptoms is one of the efforts made by the Ministry of Health to increase public knowledge of ovarian cancer, she said.
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One of the public education initiatives is the 10 Fingers Campaign, initiated by AstraZeneca Indonesia in collaboration with the Cancer Information and Support Center (CISC) and the Indonesian Society of Gynecologic Oncology (INASGO) in May 2021.
"The health campaign is aimed at improving public knowledge about cancer, one of which is through the ten fingers campaign: Recognizing six risk factors and four signs of ovarian cancer," Sariwati explained.
Handling cancer in Indonesia requires the cooperation of various parties, including the government, professional organizations, the community, the private sector, and the media, she said.
"I believe with cooperation and commitment, the prevention of cancer can run optimally so that morbidity and mortality from cancer can be reduced," she affirmed.
Related news: Awareness of risk factors can help catch ovarian cancer early: doctor
Translator: Lia Wanadriani, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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