Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovary, the female reproductive organs that produce eggs. Though it is not common, it is a serious disease that can be fatal if not detected and treated in the early stages.

This article will provide a comprehensive overview of ovarian cancer, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and most importantly, how to protect yourself from this deadly disease.

Causes of Ovarian Cancer

The exact cause of ovarian cancer is not known. However, certain factors may increase a woman’s risk of developing this disease. These factors may include:.

Age: The risk of ovarian cancer increases as a woman gets older.
Family history: Women who have a family history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or colon cancer are at a higher risk.
Genetics: Women who carry mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Reproductive history: Women who have never been pregnant or who have had trouble getting pregnant may be at a higher risk.
Hormonal factors: Women who have taken estrogen hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or have undergone fertility treatment may have an increased risk.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer may not cause any symptoms in the early stages. However, as the cancer grows and spreads, women may experience the following symptoms:.

Abdominal bloating, swelling, or pain
Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
Urinary urgency or frequency
Back pain
Pain during sexual intercourse
Changes in menstrual cycle

If you experience these symptoms for more than a few weeks, it is important to talk to your doctor, especially if you have other risk factors for ovarian cancer.

Diagnosing Ovarian Cancer

Early diagnosis of ovarian cancer is key to successful treatment. However, ovarian cancer can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are vague and can be caused by other factors.

If your doctor suspects ovarian cancer, he or she may recommend the following tests:.

Pelvic exam: Your doctor will feel for any swelling or lumps in your ovaries.
Blood test: Your doctor may check your blood for a protein called CA-125, which is often elevated in women with ovarian cancer. However, this test is not specific to ovarian cancer and may also be elevated in other conditions.
Imaging tests: Your doctor may recommend an ultrasound or CT scan to look for any abnormalities in your ovaries.
Biopsy: If an abnormality is found, your doctor may perform a biopsy to take a sample of tissue for analysis.

Treatment for Ovarian Cancer

The treatment for ovarian cancer depends on the stage of the cancer and a woman’s overall health. The three main types of treatment are:.

Surgery: The goal of surgery is to remove as much of the cancer as possible. This may involve removing one or both ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the uterus, and other nearby organs.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be given before or after surgery.
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It may be used if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Protecting Yourself from Ovarian Cancer

While there is no surefire way to prevent ovarian cancer, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk:.

Know your family history: If you have a family history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or colon cancer, talk to your doctor about your risk and what you can do to lower it.
Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help reduce your risk of many types of cancer, including ovarian cancer.
Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein may help reduce your risk of ovarian cancer.
Use birth control: Using birth control pills or other forms of hormonal birth control may reduce your risk of ovarian cancer.
Get regular check-ups: Regular gynecologic exams can help detect any abnormalities in your reproductive system early on.

Conclusion

Ovarian cancer is a serious disease that can be fatal if not detected and treated in the early stages. While there is no surefire way to prevent ovarian cancer, knowing your risk factors and taking steps to reduce your risk can help protect you.

If you experience any symptoms of ovarian cancer, talk to your doctor right away.