Niharika’s story

Niharika, * a 58-year-old teacher who lives in North Carolina, had been experiencing bloating, abdominal distension, constipation, occasional vaginal bleeding even after menopause, tiredness, feeling full quickly, and had lost weight. She does not have any children.  Upon consulting her gynecologist and doing some tests, including an ultrasound, CT scan, and blood tests, it was revealed that she has ovarian cancer. Niharika is worried about this diagnosis and approached us for advice.

*Name changed upon request.

Q: What is ovarian cancer?

Dr. Sharma: Ovarian cancer is a tumor that starts in the ovaries. About 240,000 cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed every year in the world. In the United States, the estimated lifetime risk is 1.1%, with an incidence rate (new cases) of 10.4 per 100,000 women per year. Generally, 70% of ovarian cancers are of epithelial (cells of the lining of the ovaries) origin, 16% are of germ-cell (cells that form eggs) origin, and about 14% are related to stromal cells (supporting tissue in ovaries). 

The stages of ovarian cancer range from I to IV. The lowest stage indicates that cancer is confined to the ovaries. By Stage IV, cancer has spread to distant areas of the body.

Q: What might have caused this condition?

Dr. Sharma: The exact cause of ovarian cancer is unknown, but several risk and contributing factors have been identified. These include a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer, a mutation of certain genes in the DNA, older age, obesity, tall height, smoking, a condition called endometriosis (where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing pain and inflammation), postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy, and never being pregnant. 

Q: What should I do?

Dr. Sharma: Niharika, do not be distressed. Work with your gynecologist and healthcare team, and calm yourself with relaxation techniques. Surgery and chemotherapy are usually the main lines of treatment. Surgery will confirm the diagnosis, define the extent of the cancer, and remove all the visible tumor. Surgery is often coupled with chemotherapy, which kills cancerous cells and prevents their spread.

Q: What are the adverse effects of surgery and chemotherapy?

Dr. Sharma: Ovarian cancer surgery is often extensive.  It can lead to the immediate onset of hot flashes, mood changes due to the removal of the ovaries, permanent loss of reproductive capacity, swelling of the legs due to the accumulation of lymph, changes in bowel habits, infection, and wound-healing complications.  

Immediate chemotherapy may cause a drop in blood cell counts, burning or numbness sensation in hands and feet, nausea, vomiting, mouth ulcers, diarrhea or constipation, allergic reactions, hair loss, and sometimes kidney damage. However, the benefits generally outweigh the adverse effects.

Q: What are my chances of survival?

Dr. Sharma: The prognosis for ovarian cancer largely depends on the stage of diagnosis. Statistically speaking, while the overall 5-year relative survival rate is about 52%, outcomes range widely depending on how far the cancer has spread. Early-stage diagnoses have a highly favorable prognosis, though late-stage diagnoses lower the survival rate. If detected in Stage I, the 5-year survival rate is as high as 92%. Early diagnosis and treatment are beneficial. A positive outlook is also helpful.

Q: Can yoga and meditation help with ovarian cancer?

Dr. Sharma: Yes, Niharika, yoga and meditation can significantly help manage thehttps:// physical and emotional symptoms associated with ovarian cancer and the side effects of its treatments, though they cannot cure or treat the cancer itself. Leading medical authorities recognize these mind-body approaches as highly effective complementary therapies to be integrated alongside conventional treatments like surgery and chemotherapy. 

A recent randomized controlled trial showed the beneficial effects of nada yoga, which uses sound and vibration to reach a state of deep meditation, in alleviating anxiety in ovarian cancer patients.  

Q: Can you refer me to some additional resources in this area?

Dr. Sharma: Here are some additional resources from which you can find more information:      

If you have questions, please reach out to Dr. Manoj Sharma at editor@indiacurrents.com. 

Manoj Sharma, MBBS, Ph.D., MCHES® is an Indian-American global public health expert, author, and educator who has written several books and publications on mental health and wellness. He answers queries...