Can I Prevent Ovarian Cancer?

To answer your query in the first place, there is no sure way to prevent ovarian cancer. Many medical research and surveys have done over ovarian cancer suggest as a woman you can considerably lower the risk of developing this life-threatening disease by following a few simple things.

Here, in this post, we’ve rounded up the different measures you can take: –

Oral Contraception:

The intake of oral contraception is known to significantly lower the risk of ovarian cancer among women who have been using birth control pills for some time, probably years. A woman who is taking the oral contraceptive pills for at least years or more has a 50% lower risk compared to those who have never taken the birth control pills.

However, there are several side effects associated with the regular intake of oral contraception. These include increasing the risk of breast cancer slightly.

Thereby, it is best if you speak to your gynecologist when you are considering taking the control bills, based on your health, they’ll put forth the benefits and risks associated with having such drugs.

Also, they’ll advise on the dose of oral contraception.

Gynecologic Surgery

If you are having a family history of ovarian cancer, then undergoing the gynecologic surgery will provide you with complete peace of mind.

Both the tubal ligation & hysterectomy procedures are effective in lowering the odds of developing ovarian cancer. But, don’t undergo any surgical procedure just because you fear the risk of developing the ovarian tumor, and instead seek your doctor first, before taking such a big decision.

If you have a valid medical reason to opt for the hysterectomy procedure, then it is highly recommended to find a qualified surgeon who has the experience and practical knowledge to deal with such cases.

In the hysterectomy medical procedure, typically the fallopian tubes and both the ovaries are removed.

Apart from the family history factor, the doctor may recommend the patient to get both her ovaries removed, if the woman has passed through the menopause phase or close to it.

If your age is above fifty, then it is advisable to talk to a specialized gynecologist to discuss the perks and potential risks associated with getting the ovaries removed.

An alternative for those ladies who don’t want to lose their ovaries is bilateral salpingectomy, in this procedure instead of the ovaries, the Fallopian tubes are removed, along with the uterus.

Breast Feeding & Pregnancy

One can lower the odds of developing ovarian cancer by delivering a baby before the age of 25 and breastfeeding, this is suggested by various medical research done by many international institutions.

Healthy Diet and Lifestyle

As with any other cancer type, ovarian cancer too can be prevented by eating right and following an active lifestyle, this is reported by the American Cancer Society. The best way to prevent ovarian cancer is to maintain an optimal weight to live a healthy life.

Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer – Revealing The Truth

As per the latest study published in the journal Epidemiology, a clear-cut linkage between talcum powder and ovarian cancer is established. The report reads that using talcum powder in the genital region can increase the risk of developing ovarian tumors by 33%, and the effect of the talcum powder becomes even more dominant if used daily.

Comprehensive medical research is needed to clear the air of confusion caused by the thousands of baby powder cancer lawsuits filed over the course of the last decade. As the American Cancer Society, the women must either avoid or limit the use of the beauty products that contain talc, till a conclusion is not reached on this debate.

Even though the lifetime risk of developing this disease is on the lower side, it is one amongst the deadliest gynecological cancers. Therefore, it is indispensable not to overlook the prevalent signs or symptoms mentioned below: –

Lower Abdominal Pain or Pressure
Weight Gain or Weight Loss
Abnormal Periods
Gas, Nausea, or Vomiting

Conclusion

Ovarian cancer is treatable, but early detection is essential for a better outcome with conventional medical treatment. Thereby, never turn a blind eye to the unusual symptoms you are experiencing, consult your doctor right away.