5 Tips To Reduce The Risk Of Ovarian Cancer | Health Tips
5 Tips To Reduce The Risk Of Ovarian Cancer
Irregular periods, Here’s everything you need to know from ovarian cancer symptoms to prevention tips and diagnosis with our expert Dr Thijaswini J, Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Columbia Asia Hospital, Sarjapur Road.
What is Ovarian Cancer?
The female reproductive system consists of two ovaries, each with a uterus about the size of an almond. The primary function of these ovaries is to produce eggs with the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
- lose weight
Have to urinate frequently - Stomach swelling
- Discomfort in the pelvic region
- After eating a little, the stomach is full
- Constipation
Tips To Reduce The Risk Of Ovarian Cancer
Here we have listed some simple tips and tricks suggested by Dr. Thijaswini J that you can follow to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.
1. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Over the years many researchers have come to a general conclusion that breastfeeding for any duration is associated with a reduced risk of invasive and borderline ovarian tumors. Women who have breastfed or given birth before age 30 have a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer. According to a study, it was found that for every 12 months a woman breastfeeds, the risk of developing ovarian cancer decreases by 4.3% compared to mothers who do not.
2. Healthy Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is the key to a healthy and disease free body and hence it is important to lead a healthy lifestyle.
3. Diet and Exercise
Physical activity and exercise are important for your physical fitness, weight loss or muscle building and play an important role in your overall health and help ward off certain chronic diseases and illnesses. Moreover, adding ovarian cancer-preventing foods such as broccoli, ginger, tea, spinach, eggs, carrots, and cucumbers to your diet can help you reduce your risk of ovarian cancer to a great extent.
4. Keep Carcinogens at a distance
Everyday products such as talcum powder, make-up, vaginal deodorants and baby powder contain carcinogens, which are substances capable of causing cancer. There are many cases where women have regularly used carcinogenic products like baby powder near their genitals, leading to the development of ovarian cancer over time.
5. Oral Contraceptives
Who knew that after all these side effects oral contraceptive pills would be such a boon to its users that it would help reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. Some researchers have shown that women with a history of taking oral contraceptives have a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer. The longer the drug is used, the less likely it is to develop ovarian cancer.
Diagnosis
Although early stage ovarian cancer is difficult to detect, there are several ways and various medical tests to diagnose ovarian cancer. Abdominal CT scan, ultrasound, blood test, transvaginal ultrasound are some tests for diagnosis.
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