Learning the Risks and Preventions of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Nearly 1 out of 50 women will get ovarian cancer in their lifetime. But this number could be significantly lower if women were more educated on the topic of gynecological health and wellness. Although the cause of ovarian cancer is unknown, doctors know what increases the risk of getting ovarian cancer, and how to help women from getting it.

What increases the risk of getting ovarian cancer?

By knowing what increases the risk, you can become more educated on the subject and know if you need to get tested. Some things that increase your risk of getting ovarian cancer can not be changed, such as your ancestry. While other things, such as using talcum powder, can be stopped completely and can no longer be a risk to you.

-Older age. Women who are above 55 have a more likely chance to get ovarian cancer. Getting ovarian cancer has also been linked to women who are postmenopausal and older in age.

-Infertility. Women who don’t use birth control but are sexually active, even though they are infertile, are at a higher risk of getting ovarian cancer. Also taking infertility medicine has been linked to ovarian cancer.

-Never giving birth, but being fertile.

-Women who first had their menstrual cycle at a young age and had entered menopause at an older age.

-A family history of ovarian cancer. About half of women who have ovarian cancer have a close relative who also had ovarian cancer.

-Having breast cancer and other gynecological problems have been shown to increase the risk also.

-Use of hormone replacement therapy and extra estrogen intake.

-Using talcum power around the vulva and vaginal region.

-Women with Icelandic or Ashkenazi Jew ancestry.

-Consuming high amounts of dairy products.

How can I help prevent getting ovarian cancer?

While there is no modern medicine that will completely prevent ovarian cancer, there are some techniques and advice to help you lower the risk on contracting it.

-By tieing off or closing the fallopian tubes after a child, women have shown a decrease in getting ovarian cancer. Of course this surgery prevents women from having children again, so it is sometimes a difficult decision for women to make.

-Using birth control pills with a combination of estrogen and progestin have been shown to lower the risk of getting ovarian cancer by 40%.

-Having one children or more than one child.

-Breast-feeding.

-Having the female reproductive organs removed from the body of women with known gene mutations that cause ovarian cancer.

The Wrap-Up: Since ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer related deaths in women, it is wise to know the facts beforehand. Remember, being more educated gives you more options and knowledge to know how to prevent things. By researching, getting tested, and making good lifestyle choices you will put yourself on the road to a healthier life.