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Ovarian Cancer Prevention

The ovary is a female reproductive organ located in the pelvis. Its function is to produce female hormones and to store eggs that, if fertilized by sperm, can develop into a baby. Women have two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus.

Tumors found in the ovaries may be noncancerous tissue growths (cysts) or cancerous growths that may spread to other parts of the body.

Significance of ovarian cancer

In the United States, more women die of ovarian cancer each year than of cervical and endometrial cancers combined. Survival rates have not greatly improved, and screening has not been proven to decrease the death rate.

Ovarian cancer prevention

Ovarian cancer can sometimes be associated with known risk factors for the disease. Many risk factors are modifiable though not all can be avoided.

Age - The risk of developing ovarian cancer increases as a woman gets older.

Oral Contraceptives -  Studies suggest that the use of oral contraceptives may reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer. The longer you use oral contraceptives the lower your risk might be. The decrease in risk may last for a long time after the use of oral contraceptives has ended.

Childbearing and Breast-feeding - Women who have had at least one child are less likely to develop ovarian cancer than women who have never had children. Studies have also shown that women who breast-feed are less likely to develop ovarian cancer.

Tubal Ligation or Hysterectomy - Studies have shown that women who have undergone tubal ligation (sterilization) or hysterectomy are at decreased risk of developing  ovarian cancer.

Family History of Ovarian Cancer  - A woman whose mother or sister has had ovarian cancer has a higher than
average risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Prophylactic Oophorectomy - Sometimes women with a very strong family history of ovarian cancer decide to have prophylactic oophorectomy (removal of both ovaries).   However, this has not been proven to avoid the risk of ovarian cancer;  and ovarian removal can have unwanted effects. Careful discussion of  pros and cons of this procedure is important before deciding if it is  appropriate for you.

Hormone Replacement Therapy - Hormone replacement therapy may be associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer in postmenopausal women.

Fertility drug use has been associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Other risk factors that have been suggested for ovarian cancer are the use of talcum powder in the area between the vagina and the anus and eating a high-fat diet. The exact relationship remains unclear.

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Date Last Modified: 06/2000
Reprinted courtesey of the National Cancer Institute
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