Ovarian cancer is a kind of cancer that affects one or both ovaries. The ovaries are the female organs that store eggs used in producing babies.

Although there are no known causes of ovarian cancer, certain factors make some women more likely to develop it than other women.

Increasing Age

The risk of getting ovarian cancer increases as you age. Most ovarian cancers develop after menopause. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that regular consultations with your Doctor should be prioritized as you get older to be on the safe side.

Genetics and Genetic Mutation

In the case of genetics, people inherit the likelihood of getting ovarian cancer and not the disease itself. However, not all people who inherit the likelihood will get ovarian cancer.

Previous Cancer History

Women who have had cancer previously, especially breast, endometrial (cancer of the uterus), and bowel cancer (cancer of the colon and rectum), have a higher chance of getting ovarian cancer. This may result from the changes in the breast cancer genes (BRCA1 and 2) that increase the chances of having breast and/or ovarian cancer. This can also result from the treatment used for previous cancer.

Obesity

Fat tissue, also called adipose tissue, usually presents in a significant amount in the body of an obese individual and produces extra amounts of estrogen, which is associated with ovarian cancer. Obese people also have chronic inflammatory conditions, increasing their risk of having ovarian cancer.

Other factors that influence ovarian cancer include late menopause (55 years or older), early onset of periods (below 12 years), history of diabetes, and so on.

Treatment for ovarian cancer depends on the stage of cancer and other factors. Options for treatment include – surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and palliative care.

A consultation with a doctor will help determine the type of treatment to go for.