Awareness on symptoms and risk factors of ovarian cancer in women of north-urban Bengaluru

Ovarian cancer was reported as the third most prevalent cancer among Indian women and ranked eighth overall, constituting 3.44% (36,170 cases) of all cancer instances according to the 2018 Globocan Fact sheet (13). It also stood as a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Indian women, accounting for 3.34% (24,015 deaths) of all cancer fatalities in the same year (ICMR). Among 28 Population-Based Cancer Registries, ovarian cancer featured in the top ten cancers. Over the years from 1984 to 2014, there has been a consistent rise i.e., from approximately four to eight cases per 100,000 of the population in ovarian cancer rates, particularly notable in Bangalore and Bhopal (26). Despite being less common than other gynecological malignancies like cervical cancer, ovarian cancer’s high mortality is attributed to late-stage detection. Improving mortality rates necessitates a focus on prevention, screening, early detection, and optimal management. Due to low awareness about ovarian cancer and its symptoms, most women are diagnosed at advanced stages. Given that the prognosis and survival rates depend significantly on the disease’s stage at diagnosis, it is crucial to raise awareness about the symptoms and the disease itself. Therefore, this study aims to find the awareness among women about ovarian cancer, its symptoms, and risk factors