Hong Kong host Shirley Ho dies of ovarian cancer at 20; doctors warn of risk factors

Hong Kong television host Shirley Ho, known for her vibrant personality, has passed away at the age of 20 after a courageous fight with ovarian cancer. Her family confirmed her peaceful passing on June 21, leaving behind grieving friends and relatives.

Ho had publicly disclosed her diagnosis in May, sharing that when she was diagnosed, the tumor had already grown to 17 centimeters and had metastasized to her appendix. This necessitated a major surgery to remove her uterus and the creation of a stoma. Despite the challenging recovery, she faced her illness with bravery and ultimately decided to donate her body to medical research.

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In the early stages, there are usually no obvious discomfort symptoms, making it difficult to detect. When diagnosed, it is often already in the late stage or has spread to other organs.

Ovarian cancer often presents subtly in its early stages, making detection difficult. Symptoms can mimic those of digestive problems, such as bloating, indigestion, nausea, and a feeling of fullness. These non-specific signs can lead to delayed diagnosis, with many patients discovering the disease only when it has advanced to later stages or spread to other organs.

According to health education materials, key risk factors for ovarian cancer include age (though it can affect all ages, it is more common in women over 50), obesity and a high-fat diet, a history of not having children or late menopause, and a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Approximately 15-20% of ovarian cancers are linked to genetic factors, such as Lynch syndrome type II. As the tumor grows, it can cause changes in bowel and bladder habits, abdominal pain, irregular menstruation, and abnormal bleeding. Metastasis to other organs can lead to symptoms like shortness of breath or pleural effusion.

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Because the ovary is located in the lower abdomen, the symptoms are similar to digestive system diseases, such as abdominal bloating, belching, nausea, indigestion, acid reflux, and a feeling of fullness.