September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about this disease and encourage women to learn about their risk factors and take steps to protect their health. Ovarian cancer is a serious and often deadly disease, but early detection and treatment can improve the chances of survival. In this blog, we will discuss the importance of ovarian cancer awareness and what you can do to protect yourself.
Understanding Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is a disease that occurs when abnormal cells in the ovaries begin to grow and divide uncontrollably. The ovaries are a pair of small organs located in a woman’s pelvis that produce eggs and hormones. Ovarian cancer can occur at any age, but it is most common in women over 50.
Unfortunately, ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it has progressed to an advanced stage. This is because the symptoms of ovarian cancer can be vague and easily mistaken for other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or premenstrual syndrome (PMS). However, it is important to note that the symptoms of ovarian cancer can be different for every woman.
Symptoms 
Some common symptoms of ovarian cancer include:
- Abdominal bloating or swelling
- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Increased urgency to urinate
- Changes in bowel movements
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider right away. These symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, but it is always better to err on the side of caution and have them checked out.
Reducing your Risk of Ovarian Cancer
While there is no sure way to prevent ovarian cancer, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk:
- Birth control pills: Taking birth control pills for several years can reduce your risk of ovarian cancer.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Women who have given birth and breastfed may have a lower risk of ovarian cancer.
- Surgery: If you have a family history of ovarian cancer or have tested positive for a gene mutation that increases your risk, you may want to consider surgery to remove your ovaries and fallopian tubes.
- Healthy lifestyle choices: Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can all help reduce your risk of cancer.
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is an important time to learn about this disease and take steps to protect your health. If you are experiencing symptoms or are concerned about your risk of ovarian cancer, request an appointment at New River Women’s Health. Remember, early detection and treatment can make all the difference in improving outcomes for ovarian cancer patients!
