Ovarian cancer risk can be reduced by maintaining a healthy weight and regular physical activity every week. Some studies have shown that a 20% reduction in ovarian cancer risk can be attained with just 30 minutes of exercise every day. In addition, eating certain foods can lower the danger. Vitamins D and A, in particular, should be consumed in large quantities. Antioxidants are plentiful in these foods as well. However, there is currently no prophylactic medicine that may fully eradicate the possibility of ovarian cancer.
Diagnosis of ovarian cancer at an early stage is the first line of defense against the disease. If you think you might have the condition but aren't sure what it is, it's essential to see a doctor as soon as possible. A biopsy should be considered if you have a growth on an ovary. Your doctor will be better able to decide on a course of therapy after learning the fundamental nature of the tumor from the biopsy.
Surgery is a potential option for moderate-risk women. Many women, however, wish to avoid ovarian failure and the onset of menopause before they're ready. Since this is the case, they might have both testicles removed. On the other hand, research on this method is not as extensive as that on the simultaneous removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Reducing the number of eggs a woman has is another approach to protect herself from developing ovarian cancer. But contraception may diminish the risk for at least five years. Birth control pills can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by 50%, says the American Cancer Society. There are, however, additional risks linked with birth control tablets that you and your doctor should talk about.
You can find out if you have a mutation in a gene that puts you at risk by getting genetic counseling and testing. Your doctor can determine the best course of action for preventing this cancer in you after conducting genetic testing. In addition, genetic testing and counseling can shed light on your unique genetic makeup, allowing your doctor to craft a personalized strategy for reducing your risk of developing ovarian cancer. An excellent resource for learning about your risk for ovarian cancer in the context of your family is genetic counseling.
To lower your risk of ovarian cancer, eating well and exercising regularly are two of the best methods. The risk of having the condition can also be reduced by using oral contraceptives. These drugs have side effects, but they last much longer than the pill lowering your risk of disease. If you smoke and take an oral contraceptive, you may have an increased risk of blood clots. You can take further measures, such as giving birth and breastfeeding, to lower your risk.
The chance of developing ovarian cancer can also be lowered by undergoing surgery. A bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy can cut a woman's chance of developing ovarian cancer by as much as 95 percent. However, this treatment has certain downsides, such as the possibility of infertility and an early onset of menopause. Due to this, not everyone is a good surgical candidate for ovarian cancer. Before deciding whether to undergo surgery, a lady should sit down with her physician and discuss the potential outcomes.
Counseling and testing for genetic predispositions are additional methods for lowering ovarian cancer danger. Families can get guidance on the best ways to reduce their risks through genetic counseling and testing. Ovarian cancer is uncommon in the United States, but these two strategies may help decrease those numbers. Patients with high-risk genetics, however, need to be evaluated by their primary care physicians to ascertain the most effective course of action.
Ovarian cancer risk-increasing genetic alterations can be detected through molecular testing. It has also helped women in risky situations make better choices. Ovarian cancer susceptibility can also be determined by genetic testing. For instance, women who carry the BRCA1/2 mutation are at a higher risk.
Breastfeeding is highly effective in lowering a woman's chance of developing ovarian cancer. It has been demonstrated that the likelihood of developing ovarian cancer is cut in half in breastfeeding women. Oophorectomy is a procedure that may be considered for high-risk female patients. Women with a BRCA1 mutation may not benefit from the surgery, although it can still help reduce their chance of developing ovarian cancer.
Women diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer should receive both counseling and genetic testing. This will aid women in determining whether they are at high risk and, if so, which techniques for lowering that risk are most likely to be effective for them. Likewise, families benefit from genetic testing. In addition, the doctor can better advise you on therapy after learning about your risk factors and whether or not you carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation.