Staff Reporter
SEPTEMBER is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, with the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) highlighting the importance of recognising persistent symptoms after an estimated 50 new cases and 30 deaths from ovarian cancer were recorded in Namibia in 2024.
According to the latest GLOBOCAN 2024 estimates from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 109 women were living with ovarian cancer in Namibia within the previous five years. Ovarian cancer accounted for 1.2% of all new cancer cases in the country in 2024 and ranked 16th among cancers by incidence.
CAN said ovarian cancer can be difficult to recognise because its symptoms are often subtle and may resemble common digestive, urinary or hormonal conditions.
“Ovarian cancer begins when abnormal cells in or around the ovaries grow and multiply uncontrollably,” the association explained.
The ovaries, which form part of the female reproductive system, are located on either side of the uterus and produce eggs as well as the hormones oestrogen and progesterone.
Although ovarian cancer can affect women at different stages of life, the risk generally increases with age.
CAN urged women to be aware of symptoms including persistent bloating or abdominal swelling, feeling full quickly, unexplained weight loss, pelvic or abdominal discomfort, persistent fatigue, back pain, changes in bowel habits and frequent or urgent urination.
The association stressed that experiencing one of these symptoms does not necessarily mean a woman has ovarian cancer, as they can have many other causes.
However, women are encouraged to seek medical advice if a symptom is new, persistent, unusual or worsening.
Risk factors for ovarian cancer include increasing age, inherited genetic changes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, endometriosis and certain hormonal and reproductive factors.
Being overweight or obese and some forms of postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy may also be associated with an increased risk.
CAN cautioned that having a risk factor does not mean a woman will develop ovarian cancer, while the disease can also occur in women with no known risk factors.
Globally, the GLOBOCAN 2024 estimates recorded 330,731 new ovarian cancer cases and 203,850 deaths in 2024.
Ovarian cancer ranked approximately 18th among cancers globally by incidence and 14th by cancer mortality. The estimated global age-standardised incidence rate was 6.5 cases per 100,000 women, while the mortality rate was 3.8 deaths per 100,000 women.
In Africa, GLOBOCAN 2022 estimates recorded approximately 25,760 new ovarian cancer cases and 18,024 deaths. Ovarian cancer was the fourth most frequently diagnosed cancer among African women, after breast, cervical and colorectal cancers.
In Namibia, the estimated age-standardised incidence rate was 4.4 cases per 100,000 women, while the mortality rate was 2.6 deaths per 100,000 women.
CAN said ovarian cancer also accounted for 4.7% of reported cancer deaths among Namibian women in 2020 and 2.5% in 2021, according to national mortality data.
Unlike cervical cancer, there is currently no reliable routine screening test recommended for women at average risk of ovarian cancer.
This makes awareness of symptoms particularly important, while women with a significant family history of ovarian or breast cancer, or known hereditary cancer-risk mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, are encouraged to discuss their individual risk with a healthcare professional.
CAN said women should not dismiss persistent changes as ordinary bloating, ageing, digestive problems or stress.
“If something feels different and does not go away, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider,” the association advised.
Healthcare professionals may consider a patient’s symptoms, medical and family history and conduct appropriate examinations or investigations. Depending on the circumstances, these may include imaging and blood tests, followed by further assessment if required.
CAN urged women to know their bodies and pay attention to persistent changes.
“Know your body. Know the signs. Don’t ignore persistent changes.”
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: Pexels
