How many women are diagnosed?
Worldwide about 314.000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year, approximately 207.000 women die from the disease*. In Lena's home country: Sweden, the statistics are even worse, about 700 women are diagnosed and 550 die. >70% are diagnosed at later stages (stage 3 and 4).
*Global Cancer Statistics 2020
What are the symptoms?
-
Quickly feeling full
-
Bloating
-
Weight loss
-
Discomfort in the pelvic area
-
Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
-
A frequent need to urinate
Early detection can be difficult because symptoms can be mild and vague and could apply to a variety of less serious conditions. Always consult your doctor if symptoms are new or persistent.
What is the focus in research?
The survival rates increase dramatically if ovarian cancer is diagnosed early. Hence, many research projects focus on finding ways to enable early diagnosis by identifying biomarkers, better understanding disease progression, women at risk etc. The relapse risk is high, therefore research is also trying to find better and more efficient treatments for those already affected.
