As the monsoon continues to bring more rain this month, it’s time to remember that September is the Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. According to Dr. Suvadip Chakrabarti, one of the best surgical oncologists in Kolkata, ovarian cancer has one of the highest incidence and mortality rates among all cancers of the female reproductive system. For this reason, it is critical that all women are taught about the causes and symptoms of ovarian cancer, as well as the best methods of prevention, in order to preserve their health.

 

Ovarian Cancer Causes and Risk Factors

Though experts have gained a better understanding of ovarian cancer over time, the causes remain still unknown. However, there are a number of risk factors that have been linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer, including:

Age: Women who are over 63 are more prone to develop the condition than younger women.

Genetic: Ovarian cancer is likely to be handed down if someone in your family has had it before, either maternally or paternally.

Mutations in the DNA:  Ovarian cancer has been linked to people who have BRCA1, BRCA2, or Lynch Syndrome.

Previous Medical Conditions Affecting the Reproductive System: Fertility therapies, oestrogen hormone replacement therapy, and the lack of pregnancy may all suggest a higher risk of ovarian cancer.

 

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Many of the signs of ovarian cancer go undiagnosed until the cancer has progressed to an advanced stage, which is one of the reasons it is so dangerous to women. The signs of ovarian cancer, sometimes known as the “silent killer,” may appear normal at first. If you are persistently having any of the following symptoms, pay attention to your health and consider getting checked by a renowned ovarian cancer surgeon in Kolkata:

  • Bloating
  • Back, Pelvic, or Abdominal Pain
  • Difficulty eating or feeling full early
  • Increased frequency and urgency of urination
  • IBS or constipation
  • Uncommon vaginal discharge and vaginal bleeding

 

Prevention of Ovarian Cancer

There are no known concrete measures to avoid ovarian cancer because the causes of the disease are unclear. There are a number of factors that have been linked to a reduced risk of ovarian cancer, including:

  • Using oral contraceptives for over 5 years
  • Tubal ligation, ovary removal, or hysterectomy (uterus and/or cervix removal)
  • Pregnancy and Childbirth
  • Breastfeeding for more than a year has been linked to a “moderately reduced incidence of ovarian cancer”

 

Bottom Line

Remember that while some of the tips have been found to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer in some women, they may not work for everyone and are no guarantee that you will not acquire it. Talk to an experienced ovarian cancer doctor in Kolkata if you want to learn more about prevention strategies that are tailored to your lifestyle and medical history.