Ovarian cancer is a serious health issue that can be treated with various preventive measures. Screening, genetic testing, and early diagnosis are examples of such methods. However, these methods have risks, so discussing the relative risks and benefits with your doctor is important. Prophylactic surgery is recommended in some cases. An incision is made on both sides of the ovaries in this case. This surgery reduces the risk of developing ovarian cancer, but the risk is small.
Women should discuss their concerns about ovarian cancer and its associated risks with their doctors. Based on the test results, your doctor will assess your risk for the disease and recommend preventive measures. If you are at high risk, your doctor may advise you to undergo screening tests to detect the disease before it spreads to other body parts. Early signs of ovarian cancer, on the other hand, are often nonspecific and difficult to identify.
Maintaining a healthy weight is another approach to avoid the condition. Birth control pills can reduce ovarian cancer risk by up to 50%. Women who use alternative hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are also less likely to develop this disease. Giving birth and nursing a kid may reduce the risk by up to 2%. However, each preventative measure has advantages and disadvantages.
A family history of cancer is also a major risk factor for ovarian cancer. Genetic testing may be an option if you are a family member of a woman who has developed the disease. If you do have a mutation, your doctor may advise you to have the ovary removed.
Ovarian cancer prevention measures have advanced due to a better understanding of the disease and its associated genes. Genetic testing is now widely available, and it has assisted doctors in identifying many women whose tubes and ovaries should be surgically removed. Despite these new developments, the decision-making process is growing more complicated.
It has been discovered that eating a healthy diet and exercising several times per week can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by up to 20%. Some foods are especially beneficial in lowering the risk of developing ovarian cancer. Vitamin D and A-rich foods have been demonstrated to reduce risk.
Other preventive strategies may also be beneficial in lowering the chance of getting ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is significantly reduced by oral contraceptives, for example. Women who use oral contraceptives for five years are 50% less likely to develop ovarian cancer.
You may benefit from genetic counseling or testing if you have a family history of certain genetic mutations. This assists in determining which gene mutations in your family put you at risk of developing ovarian cancer. Doctors can use genetic tests to determine which risk-reduction strategies are most effective for you. This allows you to make the best decisions to reduce your risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Although birth control pills reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, there are some risks associated with them. While taking birth control pills may reduce the risk of breast cancer, research into the risks is ongoing. The surgical removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes is another procedure that greatly reduces the risk of ovarian cancer. This is known as a prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Oophorectomy, on the other hand, may not be the best option for women who have a BRCA1 mutation.
Another risk factor for ovarian cancer is infertility. Menopausal women are often administered hormone replacement treatment to assist reduce menopausal symptoms. These symptoms occur as the body tries to adjust to reduced estrogen levels. While there is no cure for ovarian cancer, estrogen replacement therapy can help reduce the risk.
Using oral contraceptives is another factor that reduces the risk of ovarian cancer. These medications prevent ovulation, lowering the risk of the disease by up to 50%. On the other hand, oral contraceptives have additional risks that should be discussed with your doctor. Using oral contraceptives for at least five years is the safest option.