Old Dominion News

Ovarian Cancer: Know Your Risks

According to the American Cancer Society, about 20,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the U.S. in 2022.

 

While that number appears relatively low, nearly 13,000 women who have ovarian cancer will die from it during the same period.

 

Ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women, largely because it is difficult to detect in its early stages, when treatment can be more effective.

 

Knowing your risk factors and what to watch for is key to earlier detection.

 

Risk Factors

While every woman can potentially develop ovarian cancer, some factors can increase your risk. In addition to age—more than half the women diagnosed each year are in their 60s—genetics play a role in ovarian cancer risk:

• A family history of ovarian cancer
• An Eastern European or Ashkenazi Jewish background
• Certain genetic mutations, including BRCA1 or BRCA2, or other BRCA-associated genes

David Iglesias, M.D., a specialist in gynecological cancers at Carilion Clinic, points out that other medical conditions can be associated with an increased risk as well. These include:

• Endometriosis
• Breast, uterine or colorectal cancers
• No history of childbirth

If any of these describe you, talk to your primary care provider or OB/GYN. While the overall risk does remain low, they may recommend genetic counseling to better assess your risk.

Prevention

While there is no “silver bullet” prevention measure to take for ovarian cancer in particular, reducing your risk of any cancer starts with taking care of yourself. Roughly two-thirds of the most common forms of cancer can be prevented by doing three things:

• Eating a healthy, plant-focused diet
• Exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight
• Limiting alcohol and avoiding tobacco in all of its forms

Your reproductive history may also be associated with a reduced risk. In particular:

• Having given birth
• Breastfeeding for a year or more
• Using hormonal birth control for at least five
• Having a hysterectomy, oophorectomy or tubal ligation

Each of these come with their own risks as well, so be sure to talk to your provider about them.

 

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of ovarian cancer can be vague and are often explained away by other reasons, says Dr. Iglesias.

"However," he says, "reach out to your provider right away if you experience any of the following symptoms for longer than a week or two."

• Vaginal bleeding (any amount of bleeding after menopause should be evaluated)
• Pain in the abdomen or back
• Pressure in the pelvic area
• Bloating or an overly “full” feeling
• Constipation
• More frequent urination

Need a primary care physician or OB/GYN? You can find one on our Find a Doctor search page.

Original source can be found here