Ovarian cancer is the sixth most frequently occurring cancer among the female resident population in Singapore according to Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Report 2020 after breast, colon, lung, uterus, and lymphoid neoplasm cancer. From 2016-2020, ovarian cancer was 4.4% of all cancers diagnosed in women and 5.3% of all deaths caused by cancer in women in Singapore. Both the Age-Standardized Incidence Rate and the Age-Standardized Mortality Rate for ovarian cancer have been increasing over the years.
Ovarian cancer usually occurs in older women aged 50 years old and above who are in the menopausal stage, but can also affect younger women.
What Is Ovarian Cancer?
It is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries of women. Ovaries are responsible for producing eggs and hormones. The female reproductive system has two ovaries on each side of the uterus. The cancer occurs when malignant cell growth affects these ovaries. Ovarian cancer can arise from different types of cells and can be classified into several subtypes.
Types Of Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer comes in several types with its own characteristics. Some common ovarian cancer types are listed in the table below:
| Type | Where It Begins | Age |
| Epithelial Ovarian Cancer | Most common type of ovarian cancer. Begins in the cells that line the surface of the ovary. | Affects older women |
| Germ Cell Ovarian Cancer | Begins in the cells that produce eggs within the ovary. | Occur frequently in younger women |
| Stromal Ovarian Cancer | Begins in the cells that produce hormones within the ovary. | Affects older women and younger women |
Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
In many cases, early stages of ovarian cancer may not cause any noticeable symptoms. It may only be noticed when the cancer grows and spreads or when the cancerous tumour is already large.
Some of the symptoms are:
- Pelvic pain or pressure in the lower abdomen.
- Bloating of the abdomen.
- Feeling full when eating.
- Frequent urination or urgency.
- Constipation of diarrhea.
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge in rare cases.
When To See A Doctor
It is important to note that these symptoms may also be caused by other conditions, and individuals experiencing these symptoms should consult a doctor for evaluation. Tumour marker test for ovarian cancer may also be ordered by a doctor as part of the diagnosis for the disease.
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This article is informative only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.
