New Delhi: PCOS is an endocrine disorder that affects one out of ten women aged between 15 and 44 years. It’s the leading reason for female infertility and is linked to an imbalance of reproductive hormones. On the other hand, ovarian cancer can also impact fertility and cause similar symptoms. Even though both have some similarities, they are quite distinct conditions affecting the ovaries. Certain women do not exhibit typical symptoms and may only find out that they have PCOS when they are experiencing infertility.
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Aravind Badiger, Technical Director, BDR Pharmaceuticals, explained how PCOS can impact an individual’s risk of ovarian cancer.
Although the exact cause of PCOS is not known, it is thought to be genetic, as women with PCOS have a family history predisposing them to elevated levels of androgen hormones and insulin. Similarly, the causes of ovarian cancer are complex and not yet well understood. Doctors are now looking into the possibility of women with PCOS developing ovarian cancer in their later years. Ovarian cancer usually develops in older women and is a significant source of female cancer deaths.
Ovarian cancer symptoms tend to be ongoing and include: bloating, unintentional weight loss, pain or cramping in the pelvic region, back pain, decreased appetite, and frequent and urgent urination. These symptoms may not occur until the cancer is far advanced, often resulting in late diagnosis. A recent report explains that a molecule known as L1CAM, which plays a role in the growth and spread of a severe form of ovarian cancer, may also be present in women with PCOS. This finding creates new questions surrounding how PCOS could affect long-term ovarian health. These problems, like chronic inflammation and hormone imbalance, could influence how cells in the ovaries act, potentially elevating the risk of abnormal growths or tumours.
But it should be known that having PCOS does not imply that a woman will develop ovarian cancer. Even some of the drugs that are used to treat PCOS, like birth control pills, have the effect of decreasing the risk of ovarian cancer.
Studies have yet to find a conclusive connection between the two conditions. Studies indicate that women with PCOS are three times more likely to be affected by endometrial cancer than women who do not have PCOS. There is no substantially higher risk of breast or ovarian cancers in women with PCOS. However, most women with PCOS never get any kind of cancer.
Regular check-ups and discussions with a doctor will help women navigate issues regarding PCOS and ovarian cancer by reviewing risk factors and discussing worrying symptoms as they arise. In addition to regular check-ups, a good diet, regular exercise, a healthy weight, and keeping blood sugar under control are also helpful. Women should additionally discuss regular screening, hormone testing, and pelvic ultrasounds with their doctors whenever necessary.
Although more research is required to establish how PCOS and ovarian cancer are interrelated, certainly, early identification and continued care can significantly influence the impact. PCOS is not life-threatening, but it’s not something one can afford to neglect. With proper care and attention, women can control it and work towards safeguarding their future health.