Ovarian Cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women. This accounts for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system.
It’s important to know how to recognize the symptoms and when to call the doctor.
There has been a lot of research on several risk factors that will increase women’s chances of developing epithelial ovarian cancer. Here are 5 simple ways to decrease your risk of Ovarian Cancer.
1. Family History
Women with a mother, sister, grandmother or aunt who has had ovarian cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease. Therefore, it is important to have regular gynecology visits and have annual pap smears regularly.
2. Obesity
Obesity has been connected to the risk of many cancers but more commonly ovarian cancer. It’s not exactly clear as to why, but a body mass index of at least 30 puts you at risk for an aggressive kind of ovarian cancer. The best practice you can do is to have normal body weight and to make sure you’re eating a healthy diet.
3. Estrogen Hormone Replacement Therapy
Long-term use of HRT can increase your risk of Ovarian cancer. There are many research studies that show the link of HRT and Ovarian cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, if 1,000 women who were 50 years old took hormones for menopause for 5 years, one extra ovarian cancer would be expected to develop.