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"Ovarian
cancer frequently inflicts Pakistani women, and kills more women
than all the other gynaecological cancers combined. Gynaecological
cancer can be, and most often is, successfully treated. When diagnosed
before spreading outside the ovaries, 95% of the patients could
survive for five years. Otherwise, the chances of survival for five
years drop to less than 25%. Early detection is the key to effective
treatment of all cancers," informed Dr. Aliya B. Aziz, Assistant
Professor and Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Aga Khan
University Hospital (AKUH). She was giving a presentation on "Ovarian
Cancer" at the monthly public health awareness programme, 'Signs,
Symptoms and Care' on April 3, 2004.
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| Dr.
Aliya B. Aziz, Assistant Professor and Consultant Obstetrician
and Gynaecologist at Aga Khan University giving a presentation
on "Ovarian Cancer" at the monthly public health awareness
programme, 'Signs, Symptoms and Care' on April 3, 2004. |
Dr. Aziz further added, "Ovarian cancer occurs in one out of fifty-seven women. Women should be aware
of important symptoms, any woman who has abnormal vaginal bleeding not related
to normal periods and particularly after menopause should contact her doctor
without delay. If a woman is experiencing abdominal pressure, bloating or discomfort,
she should see her family doctor immediately. Urinary frequency, constipation
or diarrhoea should also prompt early consultation.
Nausea, indigestion, gas,
unusual fatigue, backaches and leg pain could also be the symptoms of ovarian
cancer. Women experiencing above-mentioned symptoms lasting more than two to
three weeks should consult their gynaecologist. Reporting symptoms early is
vital in early detection of these cancers as cancers detected early have the
best chance of cure."
"Women who have two or more
first degree relatives with ovarian cancer; family history of ovarian, breast
and colon cancer; multiple exposures to fertility drugs and uninterrupted ovulation
are at high risk of contracting ovarian cancer. High fat diet and talc use in
feminine hygiene products can also lead to ovarian cancer and women over fifty
years of age are highly vulnerable to the disease," advised Dr. Aziz.
"There is forty-five percent
less risk of developing ovarian cancer in women with multiple children as compared
to women with single or no child. Each child reduces the occurrence of the disease
by ten to fifteen percent. Breast Feeding, Use of Oral Contraceptive, Tubal
Ligation and Hysterectomy can also help prevent the disease. Women should not
hesitate to consult their doctor if they have a strong family history of ovarian,
breast or colon cancer. Pelvic Examination, Serial CA-125 tests and/or transvaginal
ultrasound are some of the tests recommended for the women with history of ovarian
cancer. If women develop ovarian cancer, it is very important that it is treated
by gynaecological oncologists," concluded Dr. Aziz.
The speaker and the panellists,
which included Dr. Amyn Alidina and Dr. Ghazna Siddiqui participated in the
question and answer session at the end of the programme.
Aga Khan University Hospital
provides high quality services to all segments of the population. Over 70% of
the patients come from low to middle income areas.
Since the inception of the
Hospital's Patient Welfare Programme in 1986, Rs. 1.05 billion has been spent
benefiting over 2,02,420 needy patients. In addition, 'The Patients Behbud Society
for AKUH' receives zakat contributions and disburses to the 'mustahaqeen'.
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