8th May, marks the World Ovarian Cancer Day. It's a global initiative, but today, we shine a particular light on the women of Malaysia. Ovarian cancer, often termed the "silent killer," is a significant health challenge faced by women worldwide, and Malaysian women are no exception. 

This article is dedicated to them – to raising awareness, fostering understanding, and empowering every woman in Malaysia with knowledge about this disease.

Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries, the small, almond-shaped organs responsible for producing eggs and hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Unlike some other cancers, it often develops quietly, with symptoms that can be vague and easily mistaken for common digestive or menstrual issues. This subtlety is its danger, frequently leading to diagnoses at later stages when the cancer is harder to treat.

The Malaysian Reality: Understanding the Impact

In Malaysia, ovarian cancer stands as a formidable health concern. While precise, real-time national statistics can be challenging to consolidate, data from sources like the Malaysian National Cancer Registry and global databases like GLOBOCAN consistently place it among the top 10 most common cancers affecting Malaysian women, often ranking around 5th or 6th depending on the reporting year.

More concerning than its incidence rate is its relatively high mortality rate compared to other female cancers. This is largely attributed to the challenge of early detection. Reports suggest that a significant percentage, potentially over 60-70% of Malaysian women diagnosed with ovarian cancer, present at advanced stages (Stage III or IV).

The impact extends far beyond statistics. A diagnosis ripples through the lives of women, their families, and communities. It brings emotional turmoil, financial strain due to treatment costs and potential loss of income, and profound changes to daily life. The journey is often one of resilience, strength, and immense courage.

Treatment for ovarian cancer usually involves a combination of approaches, tailored to the individual's cancer stage, type, and overall health:

• Surgery: Often the primary treatment, aiming to remove as much of the tumour as possible (debulking surgery). This might include removing the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and nearby affected tissues.
• Chemotherapy: Using powerful drugs to kill cancer cells, typically given after surgery, but sometimes before to shrink tumours.
• Targeted Therapy: Newer drugs that target specific molecules involved in cancer growth (e.g., PARP inhibitors for women with BRCA mutations).
• Immunotherapy: Treatments that help the body's own immune system fight the cancer (less common currently for ovarian cancer but an area of active research).

Malaysia has dedicated oncology centres and skilled medical professionals equipped to manage ovarian cancer, offering these standard treatments. Access to newer targeted therapies may vary, often depending on specific genetic markers and healthcare settings.

Empowerment Through Action: What Every Malaysian Woman Can Do

On this World Ovarian Cancer Day, let's translate awareness into action:

1. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to persistent changes. Don't dismiss unusual bloating, pain, or fullness as "just part of being a woman."
2. Know Your Family History: A family history of ovarian, breast, uterine, or colorectal cancer can increase risk. Inform your doctor.
3. Consult Your Doctor: If you have concerning symptoms, see a doctor or gynaecologist promptly. Mention your concerns about ovarian cancer specifically.
4. Live Healthily: While not preventing all cases, maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and a balanced diet contribute to overall well-being.
5. Break the Silence: Talk about women's health openly with friends and family. Encourage others to be symptom-aware.
6. Support Research & Advocacy: Support organisations working on cancer research, patient support, and awareness in Malaysia.
    

Ovarian cancer is a serious challenge, but it's not impossible to deal with. Through increased awareness, earlier detection efforts, advancements in treatment, and unwavering community support, we can improve outcomes for Malaysian women. Let World Ovarian Cancer Day be a reminder that knowledge is power, early action saves lives, and together, we can raise our voices against the silence. Let's honour the women affected, support those currently fighting, and empower every woman in Malaysia to prioritise her health.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any health concerns