Ovarian cancer is a rare disease that affects women’s reproductive organs. Although it is not as common as other types of cancer in women, it can be deadly if not detected early.

Women need to be aware of the risks of ovarian cancer and how to detect it.

Risk Factors

There are certain factors that increase a woman’s risk of developing ovarian cancer. Some of these factors are:.

Family history of ovarian cancer
Personal history of breast cancer
Age (ovarian cancer is more common in women over 50)
Obesity
Endometriosis

Symptoms

Ovarian cancer may not cause any symptoms in its early stages. As the cancer grows, some of the symptoms that women may experience are:.

Bloating
Abdominal pain
Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
Urinary urgency
Changes in bowel movements

Prevention

There is no sure way to prevent ovarian cancer, but there are things that women can do to reduce their risk:.

Take birth control pills
Have a hysterectomy
Have your ovaries removed
Have regular pelvic exams and ultrasound screenings
Eat a healthy diet that is low in fat and high in fruits and vegetables

Early Detection

Early detection of ovarian cancer is crucial for successful treatment. There are several tests that can be done to detect ovarian cancer:.

Pelvic exam
Transvaginal ultrasound
CA-125 blood test

Treatment

The treatment for ovarian cancer depends on the stage of the cancer. The most common treatments are:.

Surgery to remove the cancerous tissue
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy

Support

Women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer may find it helpful to connect with others who are going through the same thing.

There are several support groups for women with ovarian cancer, including the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance and the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.

Conclusion

Ovarian cancer is a serious disease that affects women’s reproductive organs. Although it is not as common as other types of cancer, it can be deadly if not detected early. Women need to be aware of the risks of ovarian cancer and how to detect it.

By taking steps to reduce their risk and getting regular screenings, women can increase their chances of detecting ovarian cancer early and getting the treatment they need.