Among the many health challenges faced by women, ovarian cancer is notorious for its insidious onset and subtle early symptoms, earning it the title of "silent killer." Many patients are diagnosed only when the disease has progressed to an advanced stage, complicating treatment and increasing risks. However, with advancements in medical technology and comprehensive management approaches, the five-year survival rate for ovarian cancer patients in China is gradually improving. Let’s explore why ovarian cancer is often diagnosed late and how to detect it early and accurately.

Understanding Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumor that originates in the ovarian tissue, affecting a woman’s fertility and quality of life. The ovaries, deep in the pelvic cavity, produce eggs and secrete hormones. Because early lesions are often undetectable, most patients do not notice symptoms until the tumor has spread to surrounding tissues or distant organs.

Importance of Early Detection
Although early symptoms of ovarian cancer may not be pronounced, some signs warrant attention:

Abdominal Discomfort or Pain: Persistent bloating or pain, especially accompanied by nausea or vomiting.
Digestive Issues: Loss of appetite, indigestion, or constipation.
Frequent Urination: Caused by tumor pressure on the bladder.
Abdominal Mass: Some patients may feel a lump in the abdomen.
Menstrual Changes: Irregular bleeding or bleeding outside of menstrual periods.
These symptoms are not unique to ovarian cancer and may be related to other conditions. Therefore, it is essential to seek medical attention if these symptoms persist.

Diagnosis
Diagnosing ovarian cancer involves several medical tests, including:

Ultrasound: A preliminary check for abnormal ovarian masses.
Blood Tests (e.g., CA-125): Elevated CA-125 levels can indicate potential ovarian cancer but are not definitive.
CT or MRI Scans: These help assess tumor size, location, and spread.
Tissue Biopsy: Sampling ovarian tissue for pathological analysis is the gold standard for diagnosis.
Common Treatment Options
Ovarian cancer treatment typically follows a comprehensive management model of "surgery + chemotherapy + maintenance therapy":

Surgery: Aimed at completely removing the tumor and staging the disease.
Chemotherapy: Postoperative treatment to eliminate remaining cancer cells and reduce recurrence risk.
Maintenance Therapy: For high-risk patients, targeted therapy or immunotherapy is used to extend survival and improve quality of life.
Treatment plans should be personalized based on the patient’s age, health status, and tumor stage, determined by a multidisciplinary team.

Prevention
While direct prevention measures for ovarian cancer are limited, maintaining a healthy lifestyle—such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol—can help reduce risk. Raising public awareness and encouraging women to have regular gynecological check-ups are crucial for early detection.

Support and understanding from society are vital for ovarian cancer patients and their families. Psychological interventions, rehabilitation services, and patient support groups can provide additional strength and comfort.

In summary, although ovarian cancer is known as the "silent killer," we can effectively combat it through vigilance, early detection, accurate diagnosis, and standardized treatment, safeguarding women’s health and happiness.