Blog
Ovarian Cancer in Urban India: What Every Woman Should Know
By Dr Rohit Ranade, Senior Consultant & Clinical Lead
Introduction
Ovarian cancer is increasingly becoming a serious health concern in Indian metropolitan cities. What was once largely a disease of women over 50 is now being seen in younger age-groups — even those in their late 20s and 30s. Early diagnosis and timely intervention can make all the difference.
In this post, we explore:
- Why ovarian cancer risk is rising in urban India
- The early warning signs every woman should be aware of
- What high-risk women can do to safeguard themselves
- How modern treatments – including robotic surgery – are changing outcomes
Why is the risk rising in metro cities?
Several lifestyle, genetic and reproductive factors prevalent in cities are contributing to the increase in ovarian-cancer cases.
Urban lifestyle pressures
In fast-paced metro areas such as Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad and Chennai, women are increasingly delaying childbearing, having fewer children (low parity), using hormonal contraceptives or undergoing fertility treatments. These factors are all known to elevate ovarian-cancer risk. The Times of India
Genetic predisposition
About one in four ovarian‐cancer cases may be linked to inherited gene mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2. The Times of India If there is a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, genetic counselling becomes especially important.
Silent onset, late diagnosis
Unlike breast or cervical cancer, ovarian cancer lacks a routine screening test. Early symptoms — bloating, abdominal discomfort, frequent urination — are subtle and often mistaken for minor issues. As a result, diagnosis frequently occurs at an advanced stage, making treatment more challenging. The Times of India
Rising numbers in India
The national cancer registries project that India will see an increase in ovarian-cancer cases from around 43,886 in 2020 to nearly 50,000 by 2025. Metro-city rates are contributing disproportionately to this trend. The Times of India
Recognising the warning signs
While ovarian cancer can be deceptive, some red flags should prompt timely medical attention:
- Persistent bloating or abdominal swelling
- Feeling full quickly when eating
- Increased urinary urgency or frequency
- Pelvic or abdominal pain that’s persistent
- Unexplained weight loss or changes in bowel habits
If you are over 35, have delayed childbirth, are undergoing fertility treatment or have a strong family history of cancer, it’s wise to stay vigilant and establish an annual check-up regime.
What high-risk women should do
If you fall into one or more high-risk categories, consider the following proactive steps:
- Annual pelvic ultrasound and CA-125 blood test: These non-invasive tests can help pick up early warning signs. The Times of India
- Genetic counselling: Especially if you have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer.
- Lifestyle modifications: Reducing stress, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding prolonged untreated infertility, and discussing contraceptive and hormonal pill use with your doctor.
- Early consultation: Don’t dismiss persistent symptoms as “just stress” or “just bloating”. Early discussion with a gynaecologic oncologist can make a difference.
Advances in treatment: Robotic-assisted surgery
Treatment for ovarian cancer has evolved significantly in recent years. Minimally invasive robotic systems (such as the widely used da Vinci system) are increasingly being adopted in gynaecologic oncology. The Times of India
The advantages of robotic surgery include:
- Greater surgical precision
- Faster recovery and shorter hospital stay
- Reduced pain and better cosmetic outcomes
- Better quality of life post-surgery
At present, in many practices, more than 40% of gynaecologic-oncology procedures are being performed by robotic systems, with laparoscopic methods accounting for roughly 25% and open (traditional) surgery for around 30% of cases—mostly advanced ones. The Times of India
What this means for you
Ovarian cancer is no longer limited to older women. If you live in an urban setting and exhibit one or more of the risk factors, it’s time to become proactive: schedule an annual screening, know your family’s medical history, and seek specialised care if needed. Early detection significantly improves survival chances.
As treatment methods advance, your best defence remains awareness + timely action. If you have concerns, discussing them with a gynaecologic oncologist can give you peace of mind and the best possible outcome.
Final thoughts
Urban India is witnessing what can be called a “silent epidemic” of ovarian cancer. We cannot afford to stay silent. For every woman: trust your body, monitor persistent changes, and don’t wait for severe symptoms before seeking help.