Any kind of cancerous growth in the ovary is referred to as ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is known as the fifth most common cause of death among women. It has been reported that more than 22,000 citizens undergo diagnosis checkup for ovarian cancer annually. The risk factors such as family history, older age, reproductive history, and obesity can work as triggers for the development of ovarian cancer. The treatment options for ovarian cancer primarily include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.
1. Causes of ovarian cancer
Any uncontrolled growth of cells in ovary primarily leads to the condition of ovarian cancer. However, medical science is yet to identify the exact cause of the abnormal growth of cells in the ovary.
The following risk factors are linked to higher chances of developing ovarian cancer:
Female who has close relatives had a history of breast or ovarian cancer are at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. A genetic test can determine if such women carry any genes which can trigger ovarian cancer
It has been observed that usually, ovarian cancer occurs after menopause, i.e. it’s more prevalent among females aged between 50 and 60 years. It’s almost rare developing the symptoms of ovarian cancer before the age of 40.
Full-term pregnancy before 26 years reduces the risks. The number of pregnancies and breastfeeding also decreases the risks of developing the symptoms of ovarian cancer.
Consumption of birth control pills reduces the risks of developing the symptoms of ovarian cancer
The medication prescribed during these treatments can lead to ovarian cancer in some cases. The risk is much higher among the female who has not conceived for more than one- or two-years post commencement of the treatment.
The females diagnosed with breast cancer always has a higher risk of developing the symptoms of ovarian cancer.
It needs to be noted that hormone therapy among women can lead to higher risks of developing the symptoms of ovarian cancer. The risk becomes higher during the treatment and usually comes to normal post completion of the treatment.
Being obese and overweight is not healthy as it starts interrupting the functioning of certain body parts. It has also been observed that obesity and overweight always increase the risk of developing cancer in the human body. The case is the same with ovarian cancer too.
2. Symptoms of ovarian cancer
You will not know that you have been developing ovarian cancer at its early stages, as it rarely shows any symptoms. As it develops slowly and reaches a more mature and an advanced stage, it will start showcasing a few nonspecific symptoms. Such symptoms are often mistaken as these are highly common for other minor medical conditions too.
The prime symptoms of ovarian cancer include:
3. Treatment of ovarian cancer
The treatment for ovarian cancer is primarily based on its stage, the magnitude of cancerous development and general health condition of the patient.
Usually, the treatment for ovarian cancer consists of the below treatment procedures:
Based on the medical condition of the patient, one or more treatment procedures for ovarian cancer can be advised simultaneously.