Reducing Ovarian Cancer Risks
Ovarian cancer is named after the development of cancerous tissues/ cells in ovaries (an organ that is found in women and is an important part of the female reproductive system). Like any type of cancer, the thought of ovarian cancer is very frightfu
Ovarian cancer is named after the development of cancerous tissues/ cells in ovaries (an organ that is found in women and is an important part of the female reproductive system). Like any type of cancer, the thought of ovarian cancer is very frightful for every woman. Most cancer research and even the American Cancer Society do suggest eating an assortment of healthy foods. Diets, which are high in vegetables are recommended by nearly all studies and researchers. Those woman who eat five helpings of fruits and vegetables each day seem to reduce their risks of all cancers by 50% and ovarian cancer is included in those reduced risks. Also recommended is whole grain type foods; beans, pasta, rice and some types of cereal. There is still some debate on how much these foods reduce ovarian cancer, however no one has suggested that they would cause ovarian cancer or hurt you in anyways
Causes and Risk Factors
Through research and statistics it has been determined that ovarian cancer is typically found in women over the age of sixty. This was in at least fifty percent of the reported cases of ovarian cancer. It is most common in post-menopausal women which is why it is still possible that is can develop in younger women as well.
In addition, research has shown that ovarian cancer is more likely to develop in Caucasian women rather than African American women. Women who have a prior history of breast cancer will also have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer at some time in their life. Scientists believe this is because of the mutated BRCA gene.
Family history also plays a big role. Those who have a family history of colorectal, breast or ovarian cancer are at an increased risk of getting ovarian cancer sometime in their life. Once again scientists believe this is because of the inherited BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Some physical symptoms of ovarian cancer include:
- abdominal discomfort or pelvic pain
- bloating
- difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
- frequent urination
- fatigue
- backache
- nausea, indigestion, loss of appetite
- weight loss
- change in bowel habits
- gas
- pain during intercourse
- abnormal vaginal bleeding (rare)
If you find that these symptoms last longer than three weeks or consistently are increasing in intensity, contact your doctor. One other thing to remember is that these symptoms can also be caused by other health issues, not necessarily cancer.
Prevention
One way to reduce your risk of ovarian cancer is the use of oral contraceptives or birth control pills. This has been found to reduce the risks of ovarian cancer by up to 50% by those women who use them for up to three or more years. For those women who have had genetic screening and have been found to have mutations of certain genes may also get significant benefit although more study will be needed to confirm this.
Tying of the fallopian tubes can also significantly reduce risks of ovarian cancer by two-thirds or 66%. It might be an option for you if you are sure you are done with having your last child. There is also many studies suggesting that hysterectomies decrease the risks of ovarian cancer. Of course such operations probably are not a good idea unless there is another good medical reason. It is recommended for those women who have already been thru menopause or near menopause that ovaries should be removed with a hysterectomy operation.
About the Author
Read About Breast Enlargement And Also Read About Breast Enlargement And Sagging Breasts
Article Directory: http://www.articlerich.com
Whole Foods vs. Antioxidant Supplements for Optimal Health