Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer

 

While the presence of one or more risk factors may increase a woman's chance of getting ovarian cancer, it does not necessarily mean she will get the disease. A woman should be extra vigilant in watching for early symptoms. Risk factors include:

 

·   Personal or family history of breast, ovarian, endometrial, prostate or colon cancer;

·  Hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer or syndrome;

·  Increasing age;

·  Unexplained infertility, no pregnancies and no history of birth control pill usage;

·  Use of high dose estrogen for long periods without progesterone may be a risk factor;

·  North American or North European heritage and/or Ashkenazi Jewish population;

·  Living in an industrialized country.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

 Ovarian cancer is difficult to detect, especially, in the early stages. This is partly due to the fact that these two small, almond shaped organs are deep within the abdominal cavity, one on each side of the uterus. These are some of the potential signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer:

·         Unexplained change in bowel and/or bladder habits such as constipation; urinary frequency, and/or incontinence

·         Gastrointestinal upset such as gas, indigestion, and/or nausea;

·         Unexplained weight loss or weight gain

·         Pelvic and/or abdominal pain or discomfort;

·         Pelvic and/or abdominal bloating or swelling;

·         A constant feeling of fullness;

·         Fatigue;

·         Abnormal or postmenopausal bleeding;

·         Pain during intercourse.