Ovarian cancer, once thought to primarily affect women in their 50s and 60s, is now being increasingly diagnosed in younger women in India. Experts warn that most women discover the disease only at advanced stages like stage 3C, making treatment more complex. According to Dr Iti Parikh, consultant medical oncologist at Bhailal Amin General Hospital, Gujarat, several lifestyle, genetic, and environmental factors are contributing to this worrying trend.
Why ovarian cancer is difficult to detect early
Ovarian cancer often begins silently in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or abdominal lining. Symptoms are vague, leading to delays in diagnosis. Early warning signs include persistent abdominal bloating, vague abdominal pain, and feeling full even after eating small meals.
Top 5 factors behind ovarian cancer rise in young women
- Delayed childbirth and reproductive choices
Modern lifestyle shifts, including later marriages and fewer pregnancies, have resulted in prolonged uninterrupted ovulatory cycles. Since frequent ovulation is linked to ovarian cancer risk, fewer childbirths and shorter breastfeeding durations increase susceptibility. - Obesity and PCOS
India is witnessing rising cases of obesity and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), both of which disrupt hormonal balance and cause chronic inflammation. This environment creates higher chances of ovarian cancer in younger women. - Genetic predisposition
Inherited mutations like BRCA1, BRCA2, and Lynch syndrome significantly raise cancer risk. Women with these gene mutations, especially those with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, are more vulnerable. Preventive surgeries are sometimes suggested for high-risk women. - Environmental and lifestyle factors
Exposure to pollutants, smoking, alcohol, processed foods, and sedentary lifestyles are accelerating cancer onset. Rapid urbanisation and modern habits are playing a role in ovarian cancer among young women. - Nulliparity and hormonal influences
Women who have never given birth face a higher risk because pregnancy naturally pauses ovulation. Early menarche, late menopause, and prolonged use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) also increase risk by extending ovulation years.
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