Descriptive Epidemiology of Ovarian Cancers in India: A Report from National Cancer Registry Programme

Purpose To provide a comprehensive assessment of ovarian cancer in India utilizing the systematically collected data by the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP). Methods The study examined cases registered with anatomical site of origin as ovary in various geographic areas providing cancer burden. Aggregated data of NCRP were analysed for incidence rates, age specific rates, risk, trends, stage at detection and treatments offered. Results Ovarian cancer ranked among top ten cancers in 10 out of 28 Population-Based Cancer Registries. Variation is seen in age adjusted rates (AARs) among all geographies including North Eastern (NE) states. Trends over time in ovarian cancers have shown a steady incline in rates with higher slope in Bangalore and Bhopal for years 1984 to 2014.NE regions have shown higher AARs in 40–44 + age groups indicative of lower ages of occurrence. Relative proportion of patients according to clinical extent of disease for Hospital-Based Cancer Registries showed patients were diagnosed in locally advanced/locoregional (41.9%) followed by localised (29%) and distant metastasis (29%) in equal proportions. The relative proportion of types of cancer-directed treatment received (only at the reporting hospital) according to clinical extent of disease before treatment showed that surgery with chemotherapy(S + C) was the first choice of treatment. Conclusion The study provides a baseline for assessing the status of ovarian cancer in the country. It guides on efforts to strengthen prevention, advocacy for better investments and control of this cancer. It emphasises the need for further research on ovarian cancers.