September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecologic cancer in the U.S. and can be difficult to detect. Early diagnosis and treatment are incredibly important with all cancer, but especially ovarian cancer, as it’s often misdiagnosed due to its symptoms – the most common symptoms are also present in a myriad of medical conditions.

If something seems abnormal within your body, advocate for yourself and don’t be afraid to seek out second, third, and even fourth opinions.

What is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a cancer that begins in the female organs that produce eggs (ovaries). This type of cancer is difficult to detect until it has already spread through the pelvis and stomach.

What are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?

Symptoms include:

• Abdominal bloating or swelling
• Quickly feeling full when eating
• Weight loss
• Discomfort in the pelvic area
• Fatigue
• Back pain
• Changes in bowel habits
• A frequent need to urinate
• Pain or pressure in your hip/pelvic area

What Causes Ovarian Cancer?

Oftentimes, doctors are unsure what causes ovarian cancers. There are some risk factors attributed to higher rates of ovarian cancer, discussed below.

What are the Risk Factors of Ovarian Cancer?

• Being middle-aged or older
• Having a mother, sister, aunt, or grandmother who has had ovarian cancer
• Being overweight
• Having never had children or having had trouble getting pregnant
• Having had breast, uterine, or colon cancer
• Having a genetic mutation, called BRCA1 or BRCA2 or one associated with Lynch Syndrome
• Having endometriosis
• Having an Eastern European or Ashkenazi Jewish background

Reducing your Risk

There is no known way to prevent ovarian cancer, but below are recommendations that are associated with a lower risk.

• Exercising regularly
• Eating well
• Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol
• Breastfeeding for a year or more
• Using birth control pills for 5+ years
• Having a tubal litigation
• Having given birth

To find what works for you, it is most important to talk to your primary care physician and OB-GYN about your health history and develop a plan of preventative strategies.

For more information on ovarian cancer, check out the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition’s website.