Ovarian cancer is a deadly disease affecting women all over the world. According to the American Cancer Society, this year, approximately 21,000 women in the United States alone will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and around 14,000 will die from it.

This disease can be aggressive, and early diagnosis is key to survival. However, prevention is always better than cure, and one way to lower the risk of ovarian cancer is by taking contraceptives.

What is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the ovaries, which are part of the female reproductive system. The ovaries produce eggs and female hormones, including estrogen and progesterone.

Ovarian cancer typically develops in the epithelial cells that cover the outside of the ovary, but it can also start from the germ or stromal cells found inside the ovary.

Causes of Ovarian Cancer

Doctors do not know what causes ovarian cancer, but certain factors can raise a woman’s risk of developing the disease, including:.

A family history of ovarian or breast cancer
A personal history of breast or colon cancer
A genetic mutation, such as the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation
Age, as ovarian cancer is more common in women over 50 years old
Obesity
Endometriosis
Smoking

How Contraceptives Lower the Risk of Ovarian Cancer

Studies have shown that using contraceptives can lower the risk of ovarian cancer. This is because contraceptives prevent ovulation, which is the release of eggs from the ovaries.

When a woman ovulates, her ovaries are exposed to hormones and other substances that can damage the DNA in the ovarian cells, leading to mutations that can cause cancer. By preventing ovulation, contraceptives reduce the exposure of the ovaries to these harmful substances, potentially reducing the risk of cancer.

Types of Contraceptives

Several types of contraceptives are available, including hormonal and non-hormonal methods.

Hormonal contraceptives contain synthetic estrogen and/or progestin, which work to prevent pregnancy by suppressing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg, and thinning the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation of a fertilized egg. Non-hormonal contraceptives, such as the copper intrauterine device (IUD), work by creating an environment that is hostile to sperm, preventing fertilization of the egg.

Effectiveness of Contraceptives in Preventing Ovarian Cancer

Studies have consistently shown that using contraceptives can lower the risk of ovarian cancer.

A review of 45 studies found that women who used hormonal contraceptives for at least five years had a 50% lower risk of ovarian cancer compared to women who did not use contraceptives. Another study found that the risk of ovarian cancer decreased with increasing duration of use of hormonal contraceptives, with the lowest risk seen in women who had used contraceptives for 10 years or more.

Side Effects of Contraceptives

Like all medications, contraceptives can have side effects. Hormonal contraceptives may cause headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, and changes in menstrual bleeding patterns.

They may also increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack, especially in women who smoke or have other risk factors for these conditions. Non-hormonal contraceptives, such as the copper IUD, may cause heavier menstrual bleeding and cramping. However, for most women, the benefits of using contraceptives outweigh the risks.

Conclusion

Ovarian cancer is a serious disease that can be difficult to treat. While there is no sure way to prevent ovarian cancer, using contraceptives can lower the risk of developing the disease.

Women who are at high risk of ovarian cancer, such as those with a family history of the disease or a genetic mutation, should talk to their doctors about screening and preventive measures, including the use of contraceptives.

Remember, prevention is always better than cure, and taking care of your health should always be a top priority.