For many mothers, the daily demands of caring for a family often mean their health takes a backseat. Yet, ovarian cancer remains one of the most silent and dangerous threats to women’s well-being, usually going undetected until it has reached an advanced stage.
In Malaysia, ovarian cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women, and globally it ranks eighth. Alarmingly, about 70% of cases are only diagnosed when the disease has already spread, making treatment more challenging and survival rates lower.
With a five-year survival rate of just 43% in Malaysia, early recognition of symptoms is crucial, especially for mothers who can share this life-saving knowledge with their daughters.
Dr Tan Teck Sin, Consultant Gynaecologist at Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC), believes that awareness can change outcomes. “Knowledge is a powerful tool,” he says, “especially for mothers who can pass this information on to their daughters.”
An Invisible Danger Among Us
Ovarian cancer is often referred to as a “silent killer” because it rarely shows symptoms in its early stages. Most women continue their daily routines without realising something more serious may be developing. By the time symptoms surface, the disease is often already at an advanced stage, making treatment more complex. Part of the challenge is that the ovaries are located deep within the abdomen, making them difficult to examine during routine check-ups.
When symptoms do appear, they can be vague and easily mistaken for common issues like digestive problems or menstrual discomfort. These may include persistent bloating, abdominal pain, a feeling of fullness, loss of appetite, or, in more severe cases, shortness of breath caused by fluid buildup.
Because these symptoms are non-specific, women often see several doctors (general practitioners, gastroenterologists, or even surgeons) before being referred to a gynaecologist. This delay can lead to missed opportunities for early diagnosis, making awareness of the subtle signs all the more critical.
A Mother’s Story: From Shock to Strength
Ms Lee Yoke Woon, a 59-year-old mother, recalls how her first symptoms felt no different from a urinary tract infection. “I had abdominal pain, nothing alarming. But in June 2020, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. It was shocking, especially since I’ve always been healthy,” she shares.
Her diagnosis was a shock to her family, particularly her daughter, but it also brought them closer. They adopted healthier lifestyles, with her husband cooking nutritious meals and supporting her emotionally throughout her treatment.
Ms Lee credits her support network of family, friends, and church members for helping her through the difficult journey. “It was challenging and emotional, but it taught me not to take health for granted.”
A Mother’s Message: Start the Conversation with Your Daughter
Ms Lee’s journey with ovarian cancer transformed more than just her own life—it gave her a powerful purpose. “As a mother, protecting your child is instinctive. I never imagined I’d face cancer, but when it happened, I knew I had to be open with my daughter.”
Since her diagnosis, she has become an advocate for paying close attention to one’s body and responding promptly to any warning signs. “I tell my daughter: if something feels off, don’t ignore it. Get it checked out. A simple visit to a gynaecologist could be lifesaving.”
For Ms Lee, these talks are vital. “We teach our daughters so much—how to learn, how to be kind—but we also need to teach them to recognise symptoms and put their health first.”
Her advice is straightforward and urgent: “If I had delayed any longer, my story might have ended differently. Don’t wait until tomorrow—have the conversation with your daughter today.”
Dr Tan echoes this sentiment: “One honest conversation between mother and daughter can save a life. That’s how we start breaking the silence around ovarian cancer.”
Know Your Risk Factors
Ovarian cancer can affect any woman, but certain risk factors make some more vulnerable than others. Age, a history of infertility or not having children, a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, and inherited gene mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2 all contribute to increased risk. Other factors, such as early menstruation, late menopause, and conditions like endometriosis, also play a role.
Roughly a quarter of some ovarian cancer cases have a hereditary link, which is why genetic testing may be recommended for those with a strong family history. However, Dr Tan advises women to approach this carefully, as genetic screening can carry non-medical consequences, such as complications with insurance.
He also highlights how changing lifestyle trends, like more women opting for the Double Income, No Kids (DINK) lifestyle, may influence risk. “Choosing not to have children is entirely personal,” he says, “but it’s important to understand how these choices relate to reproductive health. Honest conversations between mothers and daughters can help bridge that knowledge gap.”
Beyond Screening: The Power of Awareness and Comprehensive Care
There’s currently no reliable universal screening method for ovarian cancer. Tests like transvaginal ultrasound and the CA-125 blood marker can help. However, they’re not definitive and may lead to false positives or unnecessary procedures.
Because of this, awareness and education are key. Women should trust their instincts and seek medical advice early, even for vague symptoms. When mothers recognise the signs and talk openly with their daughters, they help build a stronger culture of early detection.
Treatment usually involves surgery and chemotherapy, but options like minimally invasive surgery are limited in ovarian cancer cases. For younger women, fertility-sparing treatments such as egg or ovarian tissue freezing may be possible if caught early. However, access to these services in Malaysia remains limited. A multidisciplinary approach involving oncologists, surgeons, fertility specialists, and support staff is essential to ensure the best outcomes and preserve quality of life.
