Muhimbili Mloganzila National Hospital May 8, 2026 being World Ovarian Cancer Day, has urged the community to increase awareness about ovarian cancer by recognizing its symptoms early and to come to the hospital for examination and treatment to save the lives of many women affected by the disease.
Specialist in Reproductive System Cancer for women MNH Mloganzila, Dr. Maryam Shaki has said that Ovarian Cancer or the egg sac is known as a silent disease because its early symptoms are often not clear and are not specific, thus causing the disease to be detected in the advanced stages.
Dr. Shaki said women with a history of cancer in the family, older women especially over 40 years old and overweight may be more at risk of getting the disease.
He said some of the symptoms of ovarian cancer include a swollen stomach, lower abdominal pain, feeling full when eating, decreased appetite and frequent urination.
He said that the symptoms of the disease often start slowly, which makes some women take them for granted and delay arriving at the hospital for examination.
He emphasized the importance of women undergoing regular health check-ups to help detect the disease early and increase the chances of successful treatment.
In terms of treatment, Dr. Shaki said ovarian cancer patients can be treated through surgery, cancer drugs, as well as other medical services depending on the stage of the disease and the advice of health professionals.
