Ovarian Cancer - Know Factors That Can Put You In Danger!

Are you concerned about being at the risk of having ovarian cancer? Ovarian cancer is a form of cancer that occurs in your ovaries. It leads to abnormal cells, which are capable of spreading to other parts of your body. The major symptoms of ovarian cancer that are experienced at later stages of the condition include pelvic pain, bloating, swelling and loss of appetite. There are several risk factors which increase your chance of developing ovarian cancer. The most important factors are as follows:

1. Age
   • Your chances of developing ovarian cancer increase with your age.
   • The condition is uncommon in women below the age of 40 and most cases of ovarian cancer are likely to occur in women after menopause.
   • Most cases of ovarian cancer are found in women who are above the age of 63.
2. Obesity
   • There is an association between obesity and the development of ovarian cancer. It has been observed that obese women are at a higher risk of getting ovarian cancer.
3. Reproductive history
   • Women who have been pregnant and completed their term before the age of 23 are at low risk of having ovarian cancer. The risk increases with each full-term pregnancy and women who have a full-term pregnancy after 35 are more likely to develop ovarian cancer.
4. Birth control
   • Women using birth control pills or oral contraceptives are at a lower risk of getting ovarian cancer.
   • The risk gets lowered only after using the pills for a period of 3 to 6 months. The longer you use the pills, the less risk you are at.
5. Fertility drugs
   • According to studies, the use of a certain fertility drug for a period of more than one year increases your chances of developing ovarian tumours and hence, ovarian cancer.
   • The risk is maximum in women who did not get pregnant while using the drug. These drugs increase the risk of ovarian tumours, which are called low malignant potential.
   • Infertile women are usually at a higher risk of being affected by ovarian cancer, even if they do not use fertility drugs.
6. Androgens
   • These are male hormones. A certain drug that is used for increasing your androgen levels is associated with higher chances of developing ovarian cancer. However, this is not yet confirmed and more research is currently being undertaken to find out how much androgens are responsible for causing ovarian cancer.

It is recommended for you to consult a doctor and undertake several tests and examinations. This will help in the proper diagnosis of your condition and regular screenings will help you to keep safe and know about any disruption in your ovaries that indicate ovarian cancer development.