Discussing sensitive health topics like ovarian cancer requires specific vocabulary and understanding cultural nuances. This guide provides essential Korean expressions and context for talking about ovarian cancer (난소암 – nan-so-am), whether discussing symptoms, understanding a diagnosis, or communicating with healthcare professionals in Korea.
Table Of Content
Core Terminology
- Expression: 난소암 (卵巢癌)
Pronunciation: nan-so-am
Meaning: Ovarian cancer (난소 – nan-so means ovary; 암 – am means cancer)
Describing Symptoms
When discussing potential symptoms, clarity is crucial. Here are phrases commonly used:
- Expression: 배가 자주 아파요.
Pronunciation: bae-ga ja-ju a-pa-yo.
Meaning: My stomach often hurts. - Expression: 속이 더부룩해요.
Pronunciation: sok-i deo-bu-ruk-hae-yo.
Meaning: I feel bloated. - Expression: 소화가 잘 안 돼요.
Pronunciation: so-hwa-ga jal an dwae-yo.
Meaning: I have indigestion. / My digestion isn’t good. - Expression: 식욕이 없어요.
Pronunciation: sik-yok-i eop-seo-yo.
Meaning: I have no appetite. - Expression: 금방 배가 불러요.
Pronunciation: geum-bang bae-ga bul-leo-yo.
Meaning: I feel full quickly. - Expression: 허리 통증이 있어요.
Pronunciation: heo-ri tong-jjeung-i it-seo-yo.
Meaning: I have back pain. - Expression: 화장실을 자주 가요.
Pronunciation: hwa-jang-sil-eul ja-ju ga-yo.
Meaning: I go to the bathroom frequently. - Expression: 변비가 생겼어요.
Pronunciation: byeon-bi-ga saeng-gyeot-seo-yo.
Meaning: I’ve become constipated. - Expression: 갑자기 살이 빠졌어요.
Pronunciation: gap-ja-gi sal-i ppa-jyeot-seo-yo.
Meaning: I suddenly lost weight. - Expression: 피로감을 많이 느껴요.
Pronunciation: pi-ro-gam-eul man-i neu-kkyeo-yo.
Meaning: I feel very fatigued. - Expression: 골반 부위에 압박감이 느껴져요.
Pronunciation: gol-ban bu-wi-e ap-bak-gam-i neu-kkyeo-jyeo-yo.
Meaning: I feel pressure in the pelvic area. - Expression: 생리 주기가 불규칙해요.
Pronunciation: saeng-ni ju-gi-ga bul-gyu-chik-hae-yo.
Meaning: My menstrual cycle is irregular.
Talking to Doctors and Medical Staff
Communicating effectively with healthcare providers is essential.
- Expression: 산부인과 진료를 받고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: san-bu-in-gwa jil-lyo-reul bat-go sip-eo-yo.
Meaning: I’d like to see an obstetrician/gynecologist. - Expression: 검사를 받아야 할까요?
Pronunciation: geom-sa-reul bad-a-ya hal-kka-yo?
Meaning: Should I get tested? - Expression: 어떤 검사를 하게 되나요?
Pronunciation: eo-tteon geom-sa-reul ha-ge doe-na-yo?
Meaning: What kind of tests will be done? - Expression: 초음파 검사를 해 주세요.
Pronunciation: cho-eum-pa geom-sa-reul hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please perform an ultrasound exam. - Expression: 혈액 검사 결과는 언제 나오나요?
Pronunciation: hyeol-aek geom-sa gyeol-gwa-neun eon-je na-o-na-yo?
Meaning: When will the blood test results be available? - Expression: 조직 검사가 필요한가요?
Pronunciation: jo-jik geom-sa-ga pil-yo-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is a biopsy necessary? - Expression: 난소암이 의심됩니다.
Pronunciation: nan-so-am-i ui-sim-doem-ni-da.
Meaning: Ovarian cancer is suspected. - Expression: 정확한 진단명이 무엇인가요?
Pronunciation: jeong-hwak-han jin-dan-myeong-i mu-eot-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: What is the exact diagnosis? - Expression: 암 병기가 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: am byeong-gi-ga eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
Meaning: What is the stage of the cancer? - Expression: 치료 계획에 대해 설명해 주세요.
Pronunciation: chi-ryo gye-hoek-e dae-hae seol-myeong-hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please explain the treatment plan. - Expression: 부작용은 무엇이 있나요?
Pronunciation: bu-jak-yong-eun mu-eot-i in-na-yo?
Meaning: What are the side effects? - Expression: 수술이 필요한가요?
Pronunciation: su-sul-i pil-yo-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is surgery necessary?
Discussing Treatment Options
Understanding treatment paths is vital after a diagnosis.
- Expression: 수술을 받아야 합니다.
Pronunciation: su-sul-eul bad-a-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: You need to undergo surgery. - Expression: 항암 치료를 시작할 거예요.
Pronunciation: hang-am chi-ryo-reul si-jak-hal geo-ye-yo.
Meaning: We will start chemotherapy. - Expression: 방사선 치료도 고려해 볼 수 있습니다.
Pronunciation: bang-sa-seon chi-ryo-do go-ryeo-hae bol su it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Radiation therapy can also be considered. - Expression: 표적 치료는 어떤가요?
Pronunciation: pyo-jeok chi-ryo-neun eo-tteon-ga-yo?
Meaning: What about targeted therapy? - Expression: 치료 기간은 얼마나 걸릴까요?
Pronunciation: chi-ryo gi-gan-eun eol-ma-na geol-lil-kka-yo?
Meaning: How long will the treatment period be? - Expression: 완치 가능성은 어느 정도인가요?
Pronunciation: wan-chi ga-neung-seong-eun eo-neu jeong-do-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: What is the possibility of a complete cure? - Expression: 재발 위험은 없나요?
Pronunciation: jae-bal wi-heom-eun eom-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there no risk of recurrence? - Expression: 정기적인 검진이 필요합니다.
Pronunciation: jeong-gi-jeok-in geom-jin-i pil-yo-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Regular check-ups are necessary. - Expression: 식단 관리는 어떻게 해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: sik-dan gwal-li-neun eo-tteo-ke hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: How should I manage my diet? - Expression: 운동을 해도 괜찮을까요?
Pronunciation: un-dong-eul hae-do gwaen-chan-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Is it okay to exercise? - Expression: 심리 상담을 받고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: sim-ni sang-dam-eul bat-go sip-eo-yo.
Meaning: I would like to receive psychological counseling. - Expression: 가족들의 지지가 중요합니다.
Pronunciation: ga-jok-deul-ui ji-ji-ga jung-yo-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Family support is important.
Korean Culture Notes
Understanding cultural context can aid communication about health issues.
- Directness: While Koreans value politeness, medical discussions often become quite direct, especially regarding diagnosis and treatment plans. Doctors tend to state facts clearly.
- Family Involvement: Family plays a significant role in healthcare decisions in Korea. It’s common for family members to accompany patients to appointments and be involved in discussions about treatment. Sometimes, diagnoses might be shared with family before the patient, though this is changing.
- Respect for Doctors: Doctors are highly respected figures. Patients generally follow their recommendations, although seeking second opinions is becoming more common. Expressing concerns or asking questions is acceptable, but should be done respectfully.
- Stigma: While improving, there can still be some social stigma associated with serious illnesses like cancer. Patients might be hesitant to discuss their condition openly outside of close family or medical settings.
- Emphasis on Diet and Wellness: Traditional Korean culture places a strong emphasis on diet and lifestyle for health maintenance and recovery. Expect discussions about food, rest, and traditional remedies alongside Western medical treatments.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A patient (Mina) is discussing her diagnosis and treatment plan with her doctor (Dr. Kim).
Roles:
* A: Dr. Kim (의사 김 선생님 – ui-sa gim seon-saeng-nim)
* B: Mina (미나 씨 – mi-na ssi)
- Expression: A: 미나 씨, 검사 결과가 나왔습니다. 안타깝게도 난소암 1기로 진단되었습니다.
Pronunciation: mi-na ssi, geom-sa gyeol-gwa-ga na-wat-seum-ni-da. an-ta-kkap-ge-do nan-so-am il-gi-ro jin-dan-doe-eot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: A: Mina, the test results are back. Unfortunately, you have been diagnosed with stage 1 ovarian cancer. - Expression: B: 네? 난소암이요…? 그럼 어떻게 해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: ne? nan-so-am-i-yo…? geu-reom eo-tteo-ke hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: B: What? Ovarian cancer…? Then what should I do? - Expression: A: 다행히 초기 단계라 치료 예후는 좋은 편입니다. 수술로 종양을 제거하고, 이후 경과를 보며 추가적인 항암 치료 여부를 결정할 계획입니다.
Pronunciation: da-haeng-hi cho-gi dan-gye-ra chi-ryo ye-hu-neun jo-eun pyeon-im-ni-da. su-sul-lo jong-yang-eul je-geo-ha-go, i-hu gyeong-gwa-reul bo-myeo chu-ga-jeok-in hang-am chi-ryo yeo-bu-reul gyeol-jeong-hal gye-hoek-im-ni-da.
Meaning: A: Fortunately, it’s an early stage, so the treatment prognosis is generally good. The plan is to remove the tumor through surgery, and then decide on additional chemotherapy based on your progress afterwards. - Expression: B: 수술이요… 많이 힘들까요? 부작용은 없나요?
Pronunciation: su-sul-i-yo… man-i him-deul-kka-yo? bu-jak-yong-eun eom-na-yo?
Meaning: B: Surgery… Will it be very difficult? Are there any side effects? - Expression: A: 수술 자체는 안전하게 진행될 것이고, 회복 기간이 필요합니다. 모든 치료에는 부작용 가능성이 있지만, 최소화하기 위해 최선을 다할 것입니다. 자세한 내용은 수술 전에 다시 설명드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: su-sul ja-che-neun an-jeon-ha-ge jin-haeng-doel geot-i-go, hoe-bok gi-gan-i pil-yo-ham-ni-da. mo-deun chi-ryo-e-neun bu-jak-yong ga-neung-seong-i it-ji-man, choe-so-hwa-ha-gi wi-hae choe-seon-eul da-hal geot-im-ni-da. ja-se-han nae-yong-eun su-sul jeon-e da-si seol-myeong-deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: A: The surgery itself will be performed safely, and a recovery period will be needed. All treatments have potential side effects, but we will do our best to minimize them. I will explain the details again before the surgery. - Expression: B: 네, 알겠습니다. 가족들과 상의해 보겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, al-get-seum-ni-da. ga-jok-deul-gwa sang-ui-hae bo-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: B: Yes, I understand. I will discuss this with my family.
Practice Tips
Navigating health discussions in a foreign language can be daunting, but practice helps! Try role-playing conversations with a language partner, focusing on describing symptoms or asking questions about treatment~. Listen to Korean medical dramas or documentaries to familiarize yourself with the vocabulary and cadence of these conversations (but remember they are dramas!). Most importantly, don’t hesitate to ask doctors to repeat or explain things slowly using 쉬운 말로 설명해 주세요 (swi-un mal-lo seol-myeong-hae ju-se-yo – Please explain in simple terms). You can do it! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Fighting!)
