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1. Early symptoms are often vague<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Ovarian cancer is dubbed \u201csilent\u201d because symptoms like bloating, digestive issues and changes in bowel habits can be subtle and easily dismissed. Dr John Chia, medical oncologist at Curie Oncology and president of the GyneCologic Cancer Group Singapore, said that ovarian cancer may spread within the abdominal cavity before obvious symptoms appear.<\/span><\/p>\n 2. About 20 per cent of ovarian cancers are linked to inherited gene mutations<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Around one in five high-grade serous ovarian cancers \u2013 the most common and aggressive type \u2013 are linked to\u00a0<\/span>inherited mutations<\/span> such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.<\/span><\/p>\n There is currently no routine screening test for ovarian cancer for the general population. But because of the high frequency of these inherited mutations, guidelines now recommend women diagnosed with ovarian cancer to be referred\u00a0<\/span>for\u00a0<\/span>genetic assessment<\/span>, counselling and testing, regardless of family history, said Dr Chia.<\/span><\/p>\n Close relatives are advised to test as well, including first-degree relatives such as both parents, direct siblings, as well as their children after they turn 21, he added.<\/span><\/p>\n This is because half of mutation carriers may not have a strong family history of cancer and could be missed if only patients with family history are screened, Dr Chia explained.<\/span><\/p>\n Testing and picking up these mutations can help guide treatment decisions for patients. It can also help family members who are mutation carriers understand their own cancer risks and consider preventive measures.<\/span><\/p>\n 3. <\/strong><\/span>Don\u2019t skip regular gynaecological check-ups<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Treat gynaecological visits like dental appointments, said Dr Chia. Do this regularly rather than when symptoms appear; aim for a yearly check-in. For those with known issues like fibroids or endometriosis, consider going every six months.<\/span><\/p>\n 4. Treatment outcomes are improving<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Ovarian cancer is no longer a \u201cdeath sentence\u201d, as new treatments have improved, said Dr Chia. They include\u00a0targeted therapies such as anti\u2011angiogenic drugs and PARP inhibitors, which Dr Anne Tan Kendrick underwent. The\u00a0former blocks the growth of new blood vessels that feed tumours\u00a0<\/strong>while PARP inhibitors prevent cancer cells from repairing themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n