Ovarian Cancer Mortality Surpasses Cervical Cancer; Regular Check-ups Urged for Three High-Risk Groups with Chronic Abdominal Pain

Taipei, May 17 (CNA) -- According to data from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the incidence and mortality rates of ovarian cancer have surpassed those of cervical cancer. The Taiwan Cancer Foundation is calling for enhanced early awareness and medical consultation, reminding three major groups—those with chronic abdominal pain, a family history of the disease, and chocolate cysts—to undergo regular and proactive check-ups. Ovarian cancer is known as the 'silent killer' of women. Due to the near absence of obvious symptoms in the early stages and the lack of routine screening methods, nearly half of the patients are diagnosed at a late stage. Tsai Li-chuan, Deputy CEO of the Taiwan Cancer Foundation, recently pointed out in a press release that according to Taiwan's death statistics for 2023 and 2024, the standardized mortality rate for ovarian cancer has increased by 5.1% annually, making it one of the few cancers showing an upward trend. Ministry of Health and Welfare data indicates that the median age of death for ovarian cancer patients is only 63, about 8 years earlier than the average age of death for all cancers. Not only is its standardized mortality rate rising, but its incidence rate has also long surpassed that of the more widely known cervical cancer. Tsai reminded that ovarian cancer has become a 'critical cancer' for women that cannot be ignored, urging society to address this major women's health issue and strengthen early awareness and medical consultation. Dr. Lu Chien-hsing, Deputy Director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Taichung Veterans General Hospital, said that nearly 50% of ovarian cancer patients in Taiwan are diagnosed at stages 3 or 4, and 70% face recurrence within two years, with the interval between recurrences becoming shorter. The 5-year survival rate for stage 1 ovarian cancer is over 90%, but it drops to about 30% for stages 3 and 4. Many women with ovarian cancer often mistake symptoms like bloating, early satiety, and frequent urination for gastrointestinal problems. About 3% of patients with chocolate cysts may have ovarian cancer. Tsai urged breaking the 'silent killer' myth, calling for regular gynecological check-ups for high-risk groups, including those over 50, those with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, or those with hereditary gene mutations and endometriosis. The foundation will continue to encourage patients to undergo genetic testing through its HRD testing subsidy program to help reduce recurrence risk and maintain quality of life. Dr. Lu said the core strategy for treating advanced ovarian cancer is to delay recurrence as much as possible, extend survival, and maintain quality of life, allowing patients to continue their important roles in life. The current standard treatment for advanced ovarian cancer is surgery and chemotherapy, followed by maintenance therapy with corresponding targeted drugs based on genetic test results to further prolong disease-free time and reduce recurrence risk. The recurrence rate for advanced ovarian cancer patients after traditional surgery and chemotherapy is as high as 70%. Dr. Lu recommends that HRD-positive patients receive maintenance therapy with a PARP inhibitor combination after surgery. Clinical studies show that for advanced ovarian cancer patients who are HRD-positive, using a PARP inhibitor combined with an anti-angiogenesis inhibitor can reduce the risk of death by nearly 40%, with nearly 70% of patients surviving for more than 5 years. (Editor: Chen Jen-hua) 1150517