Ovarian Cancer - What Should You Know?

The exact cause of ovarian cancer is still unknown. However, there are certain conditions that are considered to be the risk factors for ovarian cancer. A woman above 50 years of age is more likely to develop ovarian cancer as compared to a younger woman. The risk increases once the woman reaches 60 years of age. A woman who has never had a child is more likely to get ovarian cancer than a woman who has given birth to a child. In fact, it has been discovered that the number of childbirth is related to decreased risk of developing ovarian cancer. It is seen that an obese woman is at a higher risk of death from ovarian cancer as compared to a woman of normal weight.

Ovarian cancer can occur in females of any age group. It may even occur in childhood but it is most common in women who have attained menopause. With an increase in age, the risk of developing ovarian cancer also increases. Women between the ages 75 and 79 are reported to suffer from the maximum number of ovarian cancer cases.

Surgery is usually considered as the first line of treatment for ovarian cancer. Depending upon the extent of nearby invasion of other tissues by cancer, a gynecologist may remove one or both of the ovaries. In a few cases, the Fallopian tubes, uterus, and other adjacent organs may also be removed.

Most of the ovarian cysts are non-cancerous and they usually disappear on their own. But any noticeable change in the periods should not be neglected and should be consulted with a gynecologist.