Can Ovarian Cancer Be Diagnosed Very Early with Blood Tests?
Can Ovarian Cancer Be Diagnosed Very Early with Blood Tests?
Cancer is one of the greatest struggles of modern medicine. Ovarian cancer threatens women's health as one of these formidable enemies. However, the world of science and medicine is developing promising methods to detect this silent enemy early. Blood tests play an important role at this point.
What is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the ovaries and can affect the body at various stages. It can be difficult to diagnose because it usually progresses without showing any obvious symptoms. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are of great importance.
Early Diagnosis with Blood Tests
Today, blood tests stand out as a promising tool for the early diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Certain tumor markers that can be detected with blood tests can help diagnose ovarian cancer in its early stages. Tumor markers such as CA-125 are among the most frequently used indicators in this sense.
What is CA-125?
CA-125 is a protein secreted by ovarian cancer cells. This protein, which is normally found at low levels, increases in the presence of cancer. However, it is important to remember that CA-125 levels alone are not enough to diagnose ovarian cancer. Other conditions and diseases can also increase CA-125 levels.
The Importance of Early Diagnosis
Early diagnosis of ovarian cancer significantly increases the success of treatment. Early-stage ovarian cancer responds better to treatment and prolongs life. Therefore, it is vital for women at risk to have regular blood tests. Especially those with a family history of ovarian cancer or those with a genetic predisposition should have these tests done regularly.
Blood Tests and the Future
Scientists are working on new biomarkers and test methods to detect ovarian cancer even earlier. These new tests can increase the chance of treatment by detecting cancer before it shows symptoms.
Blood tests have the potential to revolutionize the early diagnosis of ovarian cancer. However, it is important that these tests are interpreted correctly and used in conjunction with other diagnostic methods. As physicians, it is our responsibility to raise awareness among our patients on this issue and emphasize the importance of regular check-ups.