What You Need to Know About Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is a serious health issue that affects women in the U.S. and around the world. It’s estimated that one in 75 women will develop ovarian cancer at some point in their lives, and it’s the fifth leading cause of death for women in the United States. Knowing the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer is important, as well as understanding how to reduce your risk and what treatments are available if you’ve been diagnosed. Read on to learn more about this important health topic.
Risk Factors for Developing Ovarian Cancer
Researchers are still trying to understand exactly why some women get ovarian cancer while other don’t, but there are certain factors that may increase your risk. These include having a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, being over age 50, having endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), being overweight or obese, taking estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and never having been pregnant or given birth. The good news is that knowing these risk factors can help you take steps to reduce them if possible—for example, getting regular checkups with your doctor and maintaining a healthy weight.
Signs & Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
It’s important to know the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer so you can recognize them early on if they occur. Common symptoms include abdominal pain or swelling; feeling full quickly when eating; changes in bladder habits; fatigue; back pain; indigestion; constipation; menstrual changes; pain during intercourse; and unexplained weight loss or gain. If you experience any of these for more than two weeks, make sure to see your doctor right away for a checkup and further testing if necessary.
Treatments for Ovarian Cancer
If you’ve been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, there are several treatment options available depending on the stage of your diagnosis. As well as other factors such as your age and overall health. Surgery is often used to remove tumors and may be followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy depending on the situation. Additionally, other treatments such as hormone therapy may be used to reduce tumor size before surgery or after surgery if needed. Your doctor can discuss all available options with you in detail. So you can make an informed decision about which treatment plan is best for you.
Ovarian cancer is a serious health issue that affects many women in the United States each year—and worldwide too! To protect yourself against this disease, it’s important to understand its risk factors. As well as its signs & symptoms so you can take action early if needed. Additionally, treatments such as surgery combined with chemotherapy/radiation therapy and/or hormone therapy are available for those who have already been diagnosed with this condition. With knowledge comes power—so don’t hesitate to learn all there is about ovarian cancer today!
