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The type of cancer that is the most difficult to detect, here are the 4 most common signs that prove it in time

2024-08-31 11:41:17Lifestyle SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

The type of cancer that is the most difficult to detect, here are the 4 most

Despite chronic research in the field of cancer, some types of the disease still resist the diagnostic and therapeutic steps that science has made, continuing to trouble experts.

A typical example is ovarian cancer, known for its ability to "hide" until it reaches an advanced stage, where it is too late to be treated effectively. This fact constantly worries patients and specialists, given the importance of early intervention for patient survival. Recent research, however, is providing promising data for early detection of ovarian cancer, focusing on four specific symptoms.

Dr Jenny Doust, Clinical and Research Professor at the University of Queensland's Australian Women's and Girls' Health Research Centre, presents this latest research data in her article on The Conversation.

The challenge of early detection

One of the main reasons why ovarian cancer is so difficult to detect early is that its symptoms are often vague and can easily be confused with less serious conditions. Unlike cervical cancer, which can be detected through regular screening, ovarian cancer is not controlled by a simple diagnostic method. In addition, pelvic examinations, usually performed during routine check-ups, fail to effectively detect the disease in its early stages.

However, the stage at which the cancer is diagnosed greatly affects the survival rate. For example, if it is confined to its original location, the five-year survival rate reaches an encouraging 92%. But when the diagnosis is made at more advanced stages, where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, the survival rate drops dramatically, with only 31% of women surviving 5 years after diagnosis.

In this context, a new study published in the BMJ revives hopes for early diagnosis and higher patient survival rates. The research was carried out between June 2015 and July 2022 in 2,596 women aged 16-90 from 24 UK hospitals and focused on 4 specific symptoms:

- constant bloating,

-feeling of quick satiety,

- abdominal pain

-frequent urination

Women who reported consistently experiencing any of these symptoms were quickly referred to a specialist within 2 weeks. The fast track included an initial blood test, which measured the level of cancer antigen 125 (CA125). If it was abnormal, the women underwent an intravaginal ultrasound for further investigation.

The results were promising, showing that this procedure is better at detecting ovarian cancer than general screening of people who have no symptoms. Of the 1,741 women who underwent rapid screening, 12% were diagnosed with some form of ovarian cancer. In particular, 6.8% were found to have high-grade serous ovarian cancer, the most aggressive type, responsible for 90% of deaths. Remarkably, 1 in 4 women with this aggressive form of cancer was diagnosed at an early stage, allowing earlier and potentially more effective treatment. Moreover, some promising signs were observed in the treatment of patients with an aggressive form. Most (95%) underwent surgery and 3/4 (77%) underwent chemotherapy. Complete cytoreduction – meaning all the cancer appears to have been removed – was achieved in 6 out of 10 women (61%).

The study's findings suggest that focusing on a specific set of symptoms and fast-tracking patients for further testing could significantly improve early detection rates of ovarian cancer. Although the study did not track long-term survival outcomes, it is known that being able to diagnose cancer early offers a better chance for successful treatment. Clinicians also need to be able to recognize all the ways ovarian cancer can present, including vague symptoms like general fatigue.

The study also highlights the importance of public awareness of the symptoms. If they receive adequate information about the importance of these symptoms, women may be encouraged to seek medical advice earlier, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment. This will help not only to detect the disease before it progresses, but also ensures that the treatment is more effective.


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