Ovarian cancer is a deadly disease that can affect any woman. It is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, and the risk of developing ovarian cancer increases with age.

However, there are several steps women can take to reduce their risk of developing ovarian cancer. This article will provide tips on how to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.

1. Know your family history

If you have a family history of ovarian cancer, your risk of developing the disease is increased. Women who have a mother, sister, or daughter who has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer are at a higher risk.

If you have a family history of ovarian cancer, it is important to talk to your doctor about your risk and what you can do to reduce it.

2. Use birth control

Using birth control can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. Women who use birth control pills for several years have a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer than women who have never used birth control pills.

The longer a woman uses birth control pills, the greater the reduction in risk. Using an intrauterine device (IUD) may also reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.

3. Have children

Women who have had children have a lower risk of ovarian cancer than women who have never had children. The more children a woman has, the greater the reduction in risk. This may be due to hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy.

4. Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding may also reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. Women who breastfeed have a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer than women who do not breastfeed. The longer a woman breastfeeds, the greater the reduction in risk.

This may be due to hormonal changes that occur during breastfeeding.

5. Maintain a healthy weight

Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of ovarian cancer. Women who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer than women who maintain a healthy weight. This may be due to hormonal changes in the body.

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6. Exercise regularly

Regular exercise can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. Women who engage in regular physical activity have a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer than women who are inactive.

Exercise may help reduce the risk by reducing the levels of certain hormones in the body.

7. Eat a healthy diet

A healthy diet can also reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. Women who eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains have a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer than women who eat a diet high in fat and processed foods.

A healthy diet can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce inflammation in the body.

8. Get regular check-ups

Regular check-ups can help detect ovarian cancer early. Women should have regular pelvic exams and may need to have a transvaginal ultrasound and a CA-125 blood test to check for ovarian cancer.

Women who are at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer may need to have these tests more often.

9. Consider genetic testing

If you have a family history of ovarian cancer, you may want to consider genetic testing. Genetic testing can determine if you carry a genetic mutation that increases your risk of developing ovarian cancer.

If you do carry a genetic mutation, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing ovarian cancer.

10. Avoid smoking

Smoking can increase the risk of ovarian cancer. Women who smoke have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer than women who do not smoke. Quitting smoking can help reduce the risk of ovarian cancer as well as other diseases.