- Each year, in Colombia about 2,092 cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed and approximately 1,154 women die from this disease.
- In Manizales, the ovarian cancer mortality rate is 5 per 100,000 women-year, with an estimated 41.8%survival.
As part of the commemoration of world Ovarian Cancer day, the Ministry of Public Health of the Mayor’s Office of Manizales adds to the global call to make this disease visible, considered the main cause of death due to gynecological cancer in women.
Ovary cancer is a silent, highly lethal and deceptive appearance disease, which in most cases is detected in advanced stages. According to Dr. Hilda Henao, gynecologist and obstetrician of the Ses Hospital de Caldas, “a woman of the general population has a risk of 1% of developing this cancer throughout her life, but this percentage can increase up to 10% if there are hereditary factors.”
Audio: Gynecologist and Obstetrician of the Ses Hospital de Caldas, Dr. Hilda Henao.
In Colombia, more than 2,000 cases of ovarian cancer are recorded annually and, more than 1,100 women die from this disease, mainly between 30 and 84 years. Manizales, thanks to its population registration of cancer, has been able to identify an incidence of 5.2 cases per 100,000 women-year-old, and a mortality rate close to 5 per 100,000 women-year-old, with an estimated survival of 41.8%.
-Among the initial symptoms are abdominal distension, the feeling of rapid filling when eating, gastrointestinal discomfort, weight loss and the presence of an abdominal mass. Dr. Henao emphasizes that: “Although there is no screening test to detect ovarian cancer early, it is essential to consult the doctor if these symptoms occur or if there are risk factors.”
The main risk factors include advanced age, family history, appearance of the first menstrual period (menarche) before the age of 12, late menopause, obesity and hormonal therapies. In contrast, the use of oral contraceptives, tubal ligation, breastfeeding and having children are associated with a reduction in the risk of suffering from this disease.
From the Ministry of Public Health, a call to citizens is made, especially women over 50, to be attentive to alert signs and promote healthy lifestyle habits. “Promoting timely diagnostic strategies and continuing to investigate this disease in the local context are priorities to improve women’s health in our city”highlighted the gynecologist.
Prevention, education and appropriate medical consultation are key to face ovarian cancer. Today, on his world day, Manizales reiterates his commitment to the well -being of his women.
