Every May 8, the world joins the commemoration of the World Day for the Fight against Ovarian Cancer, a date that puts in the center the urgent need to generate awareness, promote Health education and facilitate access to effective treatments for a disease that affects hundreds of thousands of women around the world.
In this case, GSK reaffirms its commitment to the development and distribution of innovative therapeutic solutions that respond to the real needs of patients, thus promoting more equitable and human care at all levels of the health system.
According to figures from 2022, from the World Health Organization shared through its globocan portal, ovarian cancer was the eighth most common cause of cancer among women, due to its diagnosis in advanced stages. For that same year, in Guatemala, 236 women were diagnosed with this pathology and approximately 189 of them late.
Awareness
The month of May represents a key opportunity to make this silent disease visible. Most cases are detected in stages III or IV, when cancer has already spread outside the ovaries, drastically reducing survival rates.
The symptoms are usually nonspecific, which contributes to the delay in the diagnosis. Among the most frequent are:
- Abdominal swelling
- Early satiety
- Pelvic pain or discomfort
- Fatigue
- Changes in intestinal habits as constipation
In this context, education regarding the issue and awareness campaigns are fundamental for women to recognize alert signals and seek medical attention in time.
There are several factors that increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer, including:
- Age
- Hereditary genetic alterations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2
- Endometriosis
- Prolonged postmenopausal hormonal replacement therapy
- Obesity
The most common tests to support detection are transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) and blood test analysis, as well as the detection of biomarkers such as CA-125, although none is 100% specific. Therefore, it insists on constant medical surveillance, especially women with risk factors.
Advances in treatments: hope for patients
In recent years, ovarian cancer treatment has experienced significant advances thanks to the research and development of innovative therapies. Among these innovation therapies, are the so -called PLP inhibitors. These molecules are therapies aimed at controlling the growth of cancer cells, limiting the progression of the disease. These treatments, combined with traditional chemotherapy and surgery, are improving survival rates and the quality of life of ovarian cancer patients, offering new hopes in the fight against this disease.
“The fight against ovarian cancer requires an integral approach that combines education, prevention, early diagnosis and access to innovative therapies. Every action we take today can save a life tomorrow,” said Jordana Zalcman, GSK medical manager for Central America and the Caribbean “
A call to collective action with focus on women
The approach to ovarian cancer and other types of gynecological cancers that affect women is a collective responsibility that requires the active commitment of all sectors of society. Raising consciousness, promoting effective public policies and guaranteeing access to effective therapies, are key steps to transform the prognosis of thousands of women.
At the same time, strengthening continuous medical education is essential for health professionals to have the knowledge and tools necessary to provide appropriate accurate diagnoses and treatments. Only through a sustained collaboration we can build more inclusive health systems and prepared to face cancer challenges effectively.
GSK undertakes to lead these efforts through innovative research and the development of advanced treatments, closely collaborating with governments and health organizations to implement inclusive and equitable policies.
Fuente. GSK
