Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month: Hypertension unexpectedly linked to better ovarian cancer outcomes

Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer deaths in women and occurs when cells in the ovaries multiply uncontrollably. There are various factors that contribute to a woman getting ovarian cancer like genetics, age (ovarian cancer is mostly found in women above the age of 50 years old after having menopause), obesity, smoking and endometriosis can also lead to ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer can occur in anyone with ovaries and doesn’t discriminate. It can affect any race, religion or age. Another misconception is that ovarian cancer is silent, but it is loud and extremely painful and affects every aspect of a woman’s life.

According to research published in the journal of Cancer Causes & Control, (https://www.cancernetwork.com/view/unexpected-benefit-links-hypertension-better-ovarian-cancer-outcomes) the survival of ovarian cancer patients may be influenced by medications used to treat hypertension and diabetes.

The Ovarian Cancer Association Consortium, Kirsten Moysich, PhD, MS, and Albina Minlikeeva, PhD, MPH, of the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo collected data from 15 studies which examined the connection between the survival of patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer and their history of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and the medication taken for these conditions.

20% of all epithelial ovarian cancers are made up of Endometrioid ovarian cancer, which is associated with better outcomes. The researchers observed that 26% of the women participating in the studies with endometroid ovarian cancer, had hypertension which was associated with a 46% lower risk of ovarian cancer progressing.

There are many stigmas surrounding ovarian cancer, like the false belief ovarian and other gynecological cancers are linked between promiscuity. This is not true and unfortunately this causes many women to avoid seeking medial help for fear of being judged or treated badly.

In the UK, there are about 7,400 new cases every year and ovarian cancer is the 6th most common cancer and accounts for 4% of all new cancer cases in females living in the UK. Chemotherapy may help reduce symptoms, but if the cancer comes back it, most of the time it cannot be cured.

Ovarian cancer has four main symptoms:

• Persistent stomach pain.
• Difficulty eating/feeling full more quickly.
• Persistent bloating.
• Needing to urinate more frequently.

Fatigue, back pain and changes in bowel habits are also common. There are also other symptoms like ovarian cysts, polycystic ovary syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome. However, if you are experiencing these symptoms it does not necessarily indicate ovarian cancer.

Unlike breast and cervical cancers, there is still no effective and reliable screening method for ovarian cancer. However, there are organisations and charities who are working towards funding research into the development of ovarian cancer screening tools.

If your symptoms are:

• Persistent.
• Severe.
• Frequent.
• Out of the ordinary.

You should make an appointment with your medical practitioner as soon as possible. If you are experiencing symptoms for more than 3 weeks, then it is very important to see a doctor. If some of these symptoms are present, it does not necessarily mean it is cancer, but it is better to be sure. It is advisable to write down all the symptoms being experienced as this will assist the doctor.

CheckUp Health has a large network of medical professionals that you can contact to get advice and assistance for these symptoms and any other medical issues you might be experiencing. CheckUp Health has online platform support so that travelling is minimized.

Ovarian cancer is not something to be ashamed of and does not create your identity. It is important to educate yourself and other women to create a safe space to create awareness.