Watching Out for Ovarian Cancer

One of the cancers that are among the deadliestirregular menstrual cycles (although many women
is ovarian caner. It is rare, but it is among thehave these anyway, but someone prone to
most deadly, with a low survival rate in the finalcancer will find that birth control does not properly
two stages. This is because it is a relatively silentregulate it), frequent nausea and fever, and
killer that often progresses beyond any hope ofvaginal bleeding. A frequent need to use the
healing before it is discovered. New tests arebathroom is another indication of the possibility of
allowing doctors to catch this disease earlier,ovarian cancer. All of these things need to be
improving chances of survival, but it is still adiscussed with your doctor so that she or he
little-known menace that affects women.knows what the possibilities might be.
Ovarian cancer initially attacks the ovaries. As withBehaviors that are though to reduce the risk
most cancers, the exact cause of the cancer is(although nothing can completely eradicate the risk
not completely known. However, it does start inof ovarian cancer) include healthy diet and
the ovaries. If caught soon enough, the ovariesexercise, oral contraceptives, breastfeeding, and
can usually be removed, with a very god chancehaving at least one full-term pregnancy. Of
of success. The key, however, is catching thecourse, none of these behaviors are complete
cancer early. It needs to be caught in its first orprotection against any illness, including cancer, but
second stage for the best chance of survival. Andit can help you reduce your chance of developing
therein lies the problem. Most of the time, theit. Surgical procedures are also thought to help.
cancer is not found until it is in the third or fourthThings like having your tubes "tied" and also the
stage. These stages are pretty much too late forremoval of the ovaries can reduce your risk as
most people. The fourth stage especially, as bywell. Although, interestingly enough, even removing
this time the cancer has probably spreadyour ovaries does not completely eliminate your
throughout the body. This cancer cannot bechances of developing ovarian cancer (even
detected by a pap smear. Therefore, it isthough it helps significantly).
important that you inform your doctor of a familyBy understanding your family history and taking
history of ovarian cancer (genetics is the maincare to live a healthy lifestyle, you can probably
indicator and cause) and any other irregularities.avoid ovarian cancer. It is a rare cancer, but more
Even though improved tests can help detect thedeadly perhaps because of that rarity. Most
cancer earlier than before, it is important thatwomen are not likely to get it, but it is a good
your physician be on the look out for indicators.idea to be on your guard, especially if there is a
Some of the symptoms of ovarian cancer includehistory of ovarian cancer in your family.