What is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer is the most common type of cancer found in females.Ovarian cancer is a growth of cells that forms in the ovaries. The cells multiply quickly and can invade and destroy healthy body tissue.
The female reproductive system contains two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus. The ovaries — each about the size of an almond — produce eggs (ova) as well as the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
It is a disease in which abnormal cells in the body grow out of control and form a tumor. Ovarian cancer is a cancerous tumor that forms in the tissues of an ovary. The ovaries are a pair of female reproductive glands that make eggs and female hormones.
For all types of ovarian cancer taken together, about 78% of those with ovarian cancer live for at least 1 year after diagnosis. More than 60% live for at least 3 years after being diagnosed, and over 50% of patients with ovarian cancer are still alive at least 5 years after diagnosis.
What are the symptoms?
Many a time the symptoms does not occur.If symptoms do occur, they can resemble those of other conditions, such as premenstrual syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, or a temporary bladder problem. However, in ovarian cancer, the symptoms will persist and worsen. Some of the symptoms are pain or pressure in the pelvis, unexpected vaginal bleeding, pain in the back or abdomen, bloating feeling full rapidly when eating,changes in urination patterns, such as more frequent urination,changes in bowel habits, such as constipation and etc.
Can it be cure?
The answer is Yes, many women fully recover from ovarian cancer following surgery and/or chemotherapy around two in 10 women with advanced-stage ovarian cancer are effectively cured and survive at least 12 years after the treatment.but about 78% of women with ovarian cancer live for at least 1 year after diagnosis. More than 60% live for at least 3 years after being diagnosed, and over 50% of women with ovarian cancer are still alive at least 5 years after diagnosis.
What are the causes of ovarian cancer?
Some of the common causes of ovarian cancer are age (risk increases for women over 50)
family history of ovarian, breast or bowel cancer, early onset of periods (before 12 years) and late menopause,women who have not had children or had their first child after the age of 35, using oestrogen only hormone replacement therapy or fertility treatment and etc.
How can you reduce the risk of Ovarian Cancer?
Currently, there is no way to prevent ovarian cancer, which develops in the female organs that produce eggs (the ovaries). But you can reduce the risk of it by following some terms; Consume a nutritious diet, Exercise regularly, Maintain a healthy body weight,Do not smoke or use other tobacco products,Give birth and Do not use hormone replacement therapy after menopause.