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Personalised treatments designed to fight cancer while minimising side effects.
Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries, the female reproductive organs that produce eggs and hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Most ovarian cancers develop from the epithelial cells that cover the outer surface of the ovaries, while others may arise from germ cells (that form eggs) or stromal cells (that produce hormones). Because the ovaries are located deep within the pelvis, ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it has spread, making early detection and treatment crucial.
According to the GLOBOCAN 2020 data, ovarian cancer ranks among the top ten cancers affecting Malaysian women. There were around 845 new cases diagnosed and 466 deaths reported in Malaysia in 2020. While less common than cervical or breast cancer, ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage, contributing to its higher mortality rate.
Early ovarian cancer often has no obvious symptoms. As the cancer grows, symptoms may include:
Unlike cervical cancer, there is no reliable population-wide screening test for ovarian cancer. Pelvic examinations, ultrasound scans, and blood tests such as CA-125 may help detect abnormalities but are not fully accurate for early detection. Women with strong family histories of ovarian or breast cancer, or those carrying BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations, may benefit from genetic testing and closer monitoring.
Diagnosis typically involves:
The exact cause is not known, but several factors increase the risk:
Protective factors include childbirth, breastfeeding, and use of oral contraceptives, which may lower the risk.
Most common type (about 90% of cases)
Rare, often occur in younger women
Arise from hormone-producing cells, usually diagnosed at an earlier stage
Cancer confined to one or both ovaries
Cancer has spread to the pelvis (uterus, fallopian tubes)
Cancer has spread to the abdomen or lymph nodes
Cancer has spread to distant organs such as the liver or lungs
Treatment depends on stage, type, and overall health:
At OncoCare Malaysia, our multidisciplinary team includes oncologists specialising in ovarian and gynaecological cancers, gynaecologic surgeons skilled in complex and minimally invasive procedures, radiation oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists. Our oncology nurses, nutritionists, fertility counsellors, and psycho-oncology experts provide holistic support to help patients through every stage of their journey. Together, they design a personalised treatment plan for each patient.
