Latest news with #Lynchsyndrome
Sky News AU
14-05-2025
- Health
- Sky News AU
From cancer patient to doctor: A second chance at life
Dr Natalie Gordon is one of the newest interns at Broken Hill Base Hospital, with her path to medicine being anything but typical. A proud Ngunnawal woman and former teacher, Dr Gordon was diagnosed with Lynch syndrome, a genetic disorder which increases the risk of developing certain cancers - in her case, it was Duodenal cancer. Most cancer survivors looked to put hospitals and medical appointments behind them, but Dr Gordon said she couldn't look away. 'It was actually when I was sick, I just thought people in hospital deserve somebody who's going to listen and love them despite what's in front of them,' she told Sky News Australia.
Hindustan Times
08-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
World Ovarian Cancer Day 2025: Doctors share symptoms, risk factors and lifestyle changes to prevent the disease
World Ovarian Cancer Day is observed every year on May 8 to raise awareness about one of the most underdiagnosed cancers in women, ovarian cancer. Often referred to as a "silent killer," it typically presents no clear symptoms in its early stages, making early detection difficult. To mark this important day, HT Digital spoke to medical experts who shared key tips to lower your risk and stay healthy. (Also read: Doctor ranks 10 most popular weight loss methods: Ozempic scores 7/10, while this one tops the list ) "Ovarian cancer is well-known all over the world. The factors contributing to its increasing prevalence may be in both resource-rich and resource-limited regions of the world. It's considered to be the most lethal gynaecological cancer in the United States. In India, it is the second most common gynaecological cancer being diagnosed and causing mortality after cervical cancer," says Dr Sachin Sekhar Biswal, Medical Oncologist, Manipal Hospital, Bhubaneswar. "Ovarian cancer primarily affects women between the ages of 50 55 and 64. It can also occur in younger women if they have a family history of ovarian, breast, endometrial or colorectal cancer or who have never given birth or genetic mutations like BRCA1, BRCA2 or Lynch syndrome and Hormone replacement therapy may increase ovarian cancer risk, especially if used for more than five years. Consult a doctor before starting HRT," says Dr. Pratima Raj, Associate Consultant, Gynaecological Oncology, Manipal Hospital. "The risk of ovarian cancer increases with age, the average age of detection being in the sixth to seventh decade. Familial or genetic cases appear a decade earlier than sporadic cases. The risk factors for ovarian cancer are increasing age, infertility, Nulliparity, polycystic ovarian disease, and cigarette smoking. Oral contraceptive pills, breastfeeding, hysterectomy, intrauterine devices, as well as tubal ligations are protective factors for ovarian cancer," adds Dr Sachin. Dr. Pratima highlights that comprehensive ovarian cancer treatment involves advanced medical technologies and an interdisciplinary approach. The following are some of the key treatment options available: "Not all ovarian cancers are malignant or pose a threat to survival. Benign ovarian tumours and germ cell tumours that present early in life are potentially curable with normal life expectancy. Epithelial ovarian tumours need to be staged surgically to know about potential curability and survival. Most of these cancers need a multimodal approach, including cytoreductive surgery, IV chemotherapy, and sometimes intraperitoneal chemotherapy," says Dr Sachin. "While lifestyle and healthy diet management are important in reducing the risk of ovarian cancer, they alone may not be sufficient to fully prevent it. Women can significantly lower the risk by maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding smoking. Early detection and proactive care can make all the difference in combating this silent threat," says Dr. Pratima. "Lifestyle changes impact the development of ovarian cancer, and modifiable factors may lead to a decrease in incidence as well as increased survival," advises Dr Sachin. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
NDTV
08-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
World Ovarian Cancer Day 2025: These Factors May Be Putting You At Risk
World Ovarian Cancer Day is observed every year on May 8 to raise awareness about ovarian cancer, promote early detection, and support those affected by the disease. It brings together individuals, organisations, and communities around the world to share knowledge about symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of timely medical attention. Ovarian cancer is often called a 'silent killer' because its symptoms are vague and can easily be mistaken for other common conditions, which is why awareness is key to improving survival rates. Keep the factors mentioned below in mind to ensure early diagnosis and better health. 8 Factors that may increase the risk of ovarian cancer 1. Family history of ovarian or breast cancer If you have close relatives especially a mother, sister, or daughter who have had ovarian or breast cancer, your risk of developing ovarian cancer increases. This is often due to inherited mutations which are linked to both breast and ovarian cancers. Women who carry these gene mutations have a much higher lifetime risk and may need genetic counselling and more intensive monitoring. 2. Age The risk of ovarian cancer increases with age, particularly after the age of 50. Most cases are diagnosed in women over 60. After menopause, hormonal changes and the cumulative exposure to environmental and biological risk factors may increase susceptibility to cellular changes in the ovaries. 3. Inherited genetic mutations Mutations in genes and those related to Lynch syndrome significantly increase the risk of ovarian cancer. These genetic changes can be passed down through families and impair the body's ability to repair damaged DNA, allowing cancer cells to grow unchecked. 4. Endometriosis Women with endometriosis, a condition where the tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, have a higher risk of developing certain types of ovarian cancer. Chronic inflammation and hormonal imbalances may contribute to this risk. 5. Never having been pregnant Women who have never had children are at a slightly higher risk of ovarian cancer. Pregnancy and breastfeeding reduce the number of times a woman ovulates in her lifetime, and fewer ovulations are thought to lower the risk of DNA damage in ovarian cells. 6. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) Long-term use of oestrogen-only hormone replacement therapy, especially when not balanced with progesterone, has been linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer. This therapy is often used to manage menopausal symptoms, but it should be discussed carefully with a healthcare provider. 7. Obesity Being overweight or obese, especially in early adulthood, has been associated with a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. Fat tissue can produce excess oestrogen, and this hormonal imbalance may stimulate the growth of abnormal cells in the ovaries over time. 8. Smoking Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer, a specific subtype of the disease. Tobacco toxins can affect cellular DNA and encourage mutations, while also contributing to a general inflammatory environment in the body. By increasing public understanding of the disease, World Ovarian Cancer Day aims to encourage women to pay attention to their bodies and advocate for their own health. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
