Often tumor in one or both ovaries is diagnosed late-III or IV stage when it is most challenging to treat; thus 14,000 women die of ovarian cancer each year in the United States alone.

Knowing the risk factors and the varied symptoms anyone can defy ovarian cancer.

Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors

There are many factors responsible for the growth of the tumor in the ovaries. But certain qualities and factors put at higher risks, therefore you must know which are these.

Women with a family history of ovarian or breast tumors may have genetic differences known as BRCA2 or BRCA1, both are commonly called the BRCA.

Whenever the gene mutation is there in the body, they strengthen the odds of developing an ovarian tumor. Other symptoms of inherited ovarian cancer include lynch syndrome.

Another prevalent risk that enhances the chances of developing ovarian tumors is never becoming pregnant.

Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer

The recent talcum powder lawsuits causing cancer have raised eyebrows how the use of everyday cosmetics and beauty products is harmful. The research is still in the initial stage, in the years to come through medical research that will clear the air surrounding talcum powder and ovarian cancer.

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

The symptoms of ovarian cancer are vague and vary from one individual to another.

The prevailing symptoms include:-

  • Abdominal Pain
  • Bloating
  • Nausea
  • Weight Change
  • Pain During Sex
  • Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding

While, most of these symptoms feel pretty normal to the woman’s body, but if any of these last more than a week, it is best to speak with a gynecologist right away. They will advise undergoing some tests to be on the safer side.

A blood test known as CA-125 along with transvaginal ultrasound is suggested by the doctor to identify ovarian cancer.

Now, coming to the four ways to lessen the risk of developing ovarian cancer-

Tip 1: Oral Contraceptives

It has been that a woman who is having a history of oral contraceptives have lower odds of developing ovarian cancer. The longer you take the oral contraceptives, the lesser the risk of developing a tumor in the ovaries.

However, oral contraceptives are not everyone, it is advisable to consult your physician beforehand for the right piece of advice.

Tip 2: Pregnancy and Breasting

Pregnancy & breasting are two critical aspects of a woman’s life that somewhat leads to skittish feeling.

According to medical science, a woman who has a baby before the age of 30 has a significantly lower risk of developing ovarian cancer. Further, the risk of ovarian cancer reduces with each childbirth.

Not just pregnancy, but also women who breastfeed have a lower risk of getting diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Tip 3: Having A Healthy Lifestyle

Just like with any other cancer type, having a healthy lifestyle is a powerful way to stay clear of any life-threatening disease.

It is highly advisable to keep your alcohol consumption in check, limit it to special occasions, and avoid tobacco products.

Half an hour of exercise daily not only will lower the risk of ovarian tumor, but also keep your heart healthy. It is important to maintain a healthy diet. Food such as eggs, nuts, and those are rich in vitamin D and leafy greens are good to add to your meal plate.

Tip 4: Surgical Procedure

Women who had a hysterectomy or a tubular ligation have considerably lower risk of developing an ovarian tumor.

The removal of the uterus (or sometimes cervix) is a hysterectomy, and tubal ligation is a surgical procedure to deter pregnancy. Doctors often recommend an advanced method, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy that involves the removal of both ovaries, if the patient has a higher risk of Fallopian tube cancer.

Conclusion

In the end, these above-mentioned things do reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, but they are often not recommended for everyone, as each comes with its own set of pros & cons. And, most importantly, avoiding these risk factors doesn’t mean the possibility of getting ovarian cancer is null.