Can Ovarian Cancer Be Prevented?

Cancer is an unproliferated growth of cells. Ovarian cancer, as the name depicts is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries (a female organ that produces eggs). This can remains undetected until it gets spread within the stomach and pelvis.

The age bracket that is affected most is 41-60 and more. According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in every 75 women is diagnosed with ovarian cancer. It must be diagnosed in early stage so to avoid fatality. Though, in early stages, it is very hard to detect this type of cancer, but in later stages it is associated with certain symptoms.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

The most common symptoms include:

• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Urge of frequent urination
• Upset stomach
• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Pain during sex
• Back pain
• Abnormalities or Irregularities in woman’s period
• Abdominal swelling followed by weight loss

How to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer?

There are several strategies to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. But, the most important is by staying on a healthy weight and avoiding hormone replacement therapy before menopause. Other factors include are:

Oral contraceptives: Usage of birth control pills can decrease the risk of ovarian cancer and its carrier, BRCA.  Those women who take oral contraceptive pills for 3 or more years have the tendency to lower down the risk of ovarian cancer by nearly 50% as compared to those who never have used oral contraceptives.

Breastfeeding: The longer a woman breastfeeds, the lower the chances of ovarian cancer.

Gynecologic Surgery: Tubal ligation and hysterectomy are two surgical methods that can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. Women who have undergone tubal ligation and hysterectomy have minimal risk of developing cancer.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Consumption of blueberries, spinach, Endive, Kale, Onions, fish and tomatoes can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, as they possess certain anti-cancerous properties.