Shouting out about a silent killer

The Thai Gynecologic Cancer Society and Chulabhorn Hospital, the acknowledged specialist in cancer treatment and research, established under the gracious guidance of Prof Dr HRH Princess Chulabhorn with the intent of alleviating the suffering of cancer patients, jointly launched the “Whisper of Ovary” campaign, together with a video clip, to underscore the need for raising awareness about ovarian cancer in Thai society and to encourage Thai women to have annual gynaecological check-ups to reduce the risk of this disease.
Prof Dr Jatupol Srisomboon, president of the Thai Gynaecologic Cancer Society, says that ovarian cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer among Thai women following breast and cervical cancers. About 2,700 patients – or 6 in every 100,000 women – are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year in Thailand, making it the second highest cause of mortality (53 per cent) among patients with gynaecologic cancers after cervical cancer (55 per cent). 
“The high mortality rate of women with ovarian cancer is due to late diagnosis. The early stage of ovarian cancer often presents no specific symptoms. Some patients may experience symptoms that are often caused by other less serious conditions, such as abdominal pain, swelling or bloating, or pelvic pressure. By the time ovarian cancer is diagnosed, the cancer has usually spread to other nearby organs. About 64 per cent of new patients are diagnosed with ovarian cancer when the disease is at an advanced stage. In addition, there is still no vaccine to protect against this type of cancer. It is therefore vital to raise awareness and educate people about this silent killer disease.”
Dr Nuttavut Kantathavorn, a specialist gynecologic oncologist at Chulabhorn Hospital, adds that the risk of developing ovarian cancer is influenced by several factors, including age, environment, lifestyle and family history. Research has shown that a specific inherited genetic abnormality heightens the risk of developing ovarian cancer. Statistically, a woman with an abnormality or mutation of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes has a high risk of developing ovarian cancer (estimated at 35-70 per cent and 10-30 per cent respectively), while those without BRCA mutations have a lower risk of only 1-2 per cent.
There is currently no reliable screening method to detect ovarian cancer and so symptoms often go unnoticed. As the early stage of ovarian cancer often presents with no specific symptoms, every woman should therefore schedule an annual check-up with her gynaecologist, especially those whose family members or direct relatives were diagnosed with ovarian or breast cancer at a young age. A genetic test is now available to detect BRCA abnormalities in patients with ovarian cancer. Cancer patients with this genetic mutation have a high chance of passing on the abnormality to family members and close relatives, thus making them prone to ovarian cancer.
The sooner the BRCA abnormality is found, the quicker surveillance and preventive action can commence, thus reducing the risk of developing ovarian cancer. Hollywood star Angelina Jolie, who lost her mother, grandmother and aunt to cancer, decided to undergo a double mastectomy and have her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed, after a test confirmed she carried the BRCA mutation, which put her at 87 per cent risk of developing breast cancer and 50 per cent risk of ovarian cancer. 
“The BRCA genetic testing can be carried out at any leading hospitals but the cost is very high, so practitioners only recommend the test for those with specific risk factors, namely patients with ovarian cancer, patients who develop breast cancer below the age of 50, and those with 2 direct relatives who have developed breast or ovarian cancers. A woman in whom the BRCA mutations are identified will not necessarily develop cancer but is at a higher risk than a woman without BRCA abnormalities. If the gene abnormality is found early, the woman will enjoy better surveillance and be better equipped to handle their life. Most importantly, whether or not you have BRCA gene abnormality, we recommend every woman to consistently take care of her health, do regular self-physical examinations and schedule annual check-ups with a gynaecologist. Ovarian cancer can be cured if it is detected at the early stage,” Dr. Nuttavut concluded.
Chulabhorn Hospital also invites everyone to whisper a warning to their loved ones to protect them from ovarian cancer as well as to pass hope and smiles forward to cancer patients by uploading and sharing a photo with the frame “Whisper of Ovary” on social media. More details can be found on Chulabhorn Hospital’s Facebook page. Please also help reinforce the determination of Prof Dr HRH Princess Chulabhorn to provide opportunities for disadvantaged cancer patients to access proper medical treatment as well as improve the health and life quality of cancer patients.
Donations can be made through the Chulabhorn Royal Academy project’s accounts with the Siam Commercial Bank No. 407-985846-8 or Bangkok Bank No. 229-4152-588.
For more information, please call Chulabhorn Hospital at (02) 576 6833 6.
To watch the video clip, go to https://www.facebook.com/chulabhornhospital/videos/1882116408525328/).