Ovarian cancer can be a difficult cancer to diagnose in the early stages because symptoms usually aren’t noticeable for women until the disease has progressed. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 20,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year in the U.S. The good news? There are steps you can take to understand your risk better—and possibly lower it.
Start with Family History
One of the most important things you can do is learn about your family’s health history. If your mom, sister, daughter, or even extended relatives have had ovarian or breast cancer—especially at a young age—talk to your doctor. They may recommend genetic testing to check for BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. These gene changes can increase your chances of both breast and ovarian cancer. Knowing your risk early gives you more options to protect your health.
Birth Control Pills May Help
Studies show that women who take birth control pills for five or more years can cut their risk of ovarian cancer by up to 50%. The protection continues even after you stop taking them. Like any medication, birth control isn’t right for everyone. It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about the pros and cons based on your personal health.
Surgery for High-Risk Women
If genetic testing shows you’re at high risk, due to a BRCA gene or other inherited conditions, your doctor may talk with you about preventive surgery to remove your ovaries and fallopian tubes. This type of surgery can lower your risk dramatically. It’s not a decision to take lightly, but for some women, it’s an important option to consider.
Don’t Ignore the Signs
Ovarian cancer is often called a "silent" disease, but there are symptoms. They can be vague due to similar symptoms of a woman’s menstrual cycle, but if you notice any of the following signs happening more than usual (more than 12 times in a month), check in with your doctor:
- Feeling bloated.
- Feeling full quickly when eating.
- Needing to pee more often or more urgently.
- Ongoing pelvic or stomach pain.
It’s easy to dismiss these as normal, everyday discomforts—but it’s better to be safe and get them checked out.
Healthy Habits Can Make a Difference
While you can’t change your genes, you can take care of your body in ways that may help lower your risk, including breastfeeding, if possible, and staying at a healthy weight.
No lifestyle change can prevent ovarian cancer completely, but adopting healthy habits is always a good place to start.
See Your Doctor Regularly
There’s no simple test to screen for ovarian cancer in women who aren’t high-risk. That’s why annual wellness checks are important. Your doctor can help track any symptoms, look at your risk factors, and order follow-up tests if needed—like a transvaginal ultrasound or a CA-125 blood test.
Trust Your Gut and Speak Up
You know your body better than anyone. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t brush it off. Be persistent and ask questions. When it comes to ovarian cancer, early detection can make a huge difference.
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