Understanding the Prevention of Ovarian Cancer: Key Risk and Protective Factors
In the realm of women's health, ovarian cancer is a significant concern. Approximately one in every 75 women develop ovarian cancer in their lifetimes, according to the American Cancer Society.
Protective factors that may potentially reduce the risk of ovarian cancer include the use of oral contraceptives (birth control pills) for more than three years, breastfeeding, and reduced use of menopausal hormone therapy. For instance, taking birth control pills for over three years can lower the risk by 30 to 50%.
However, it's essential to note that for most people, these protective factors have a very limited impact on their risk of ovarian cancer.
On the other hand, several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing ovarian cancer. These include older age (typically over 55), family history of ovarian and breast cancer, inherited mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, infertility, early menstruation (before age 12), never having given birth or having a first child after 30, use of estrogen-based fertility medication, hormone therapy after menopause, history of other cancers (breast, uterine, colorectal), Lynch syndrome, smoking, overweight, and conditions like endometriosis.
The protective effect of oral contraceptives is notable because their long-term use has been linked to a decline in ovarian cancer incidence in populations, contributing to improved survival post-2003 alongside advances in treatments and genetic testing.
For those diagnosed with ovarian cancer, treatment options include surgery and chemotherapy. Doctors tend to only recommend risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy, a surgery that removes the fallopian tubes and ovaries, for people who do not wish to conceive. However, it's important to note that this procedure results in infertility and early menopause.
Despite these efforts, there is still a small risk of ovarian cancer developing in the peritoneum after the procedure.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer can include bleeding or unusual discharge from the vagina, pelvic pain, bloating, stomach or back pain, difficulty eating, changes in bathroom habits, and frequent urination.
While it is not currently possible to prevent ovarian cancer for most people, as many known risk factors are unavoidable, giving birth, breastfeeding, tubal ligation or salpingectomy, and risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy may offer some protection.
For those with a high risk of ovarian cancer, regular screening may be recommended, but there is no evidence that regular screening reduces the risk of dying from ovarian cancer for this group.
Sources: - Vanderbilt Health - ovarian cancer facts, risk factors, and genetics - AJMC - improved treatments, prevention, and ovarian cancer mortality trends - PatientsEngage - causes and risk factors of ovarian cancer
Science in the health-and-wellness domain has identified potential protective factors against ovarian cancer, such as using oral contraceptives (birth control pills) and breastfeeding. For instance, a reduced risk by 30-50% can be experienced by taking birth control pills for over three years.
On the contrary, certain risk factors can significantly increase the likelihood of ovarian cancer, including a family history of ovarian and breast cancer, inherited mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, and older age (typically over 55).
