Ovary Cancer

Women in the UK have one of the highest risks in the world, and it is the fourth most common cancer in women in the UK and Australia , fifth in the US . Ovary cancer is rare under 40 and most common after the menopause but your risk is reduced if you have ever taken the combined Pill. Indeed, taking the Pill for just three years can halve your risk.

What are the causes and risk factors of Ovary Cancer

The risk factor is repeated hormonal stimulation of the ovary, associated with having a relatively large number of ovulatory menstrual cycles in your life.

This means that the later your periods start, the longer you're on the Pill, the more pregnancies you have, the longer you spend breastfeeding and the earlier your menopause, the lower is your risk of ovary cancer. A woman who has never had a child has double the risk.

Repeated use of fertility drugs (such as clomiphene) can encourage ovary cancer. Contrary to older, smaller studies, a major Swedish study reported in 2002 shows that being on HRT may increase the risk.

Drinking too much alcohol on a regular basis encourages ovary cancer. Other factors that remain under suspicion include:

. frequent use of dark hair dye, as certain potential cancer-trigger chemicals ('carcinogens') can pass through the scalp into the blood

. talcum powder and 'feminine deodorants' used on the tummy or vulva, or a sanitary towel, since irritating particles can travel up the vagina and through the fallopian tubes to the ovaries

.mumps viruses

. a high level in the blood of lactose (milk sugar) in women who can't break it down because their gut lacks an enzyme called lactase.

Having your first baby early has a protective effect, as does being on a Pill containing a relatively high dose of progestogen. Like certain other cancers, ovary cancer is less likely in women with allergies; researchers suspect this may be because they make relatively large amounts of immunoglobulin E (lgE) antibodies. These seek out pollens, house-dust mites and other allergens, and it's possible that they also seek out cancer cells and encourage their destruction.

So researchers are investigating safe ways of stimulating IgE production.

Home treatment and prevention of Ovary Cancer

To help treat cancer lead a healthy lifestyle, take general anti-cancer measures and minimise controllable risk factors, as some of these may influence cancer growth.

If your risk is raised because one or more of your close relatives has, or has had, ovary breast or colon cancer - especially if they any of the above symptoms had it before 50 - ask about annual continues for several weeks or is screening with transvaginal ultrasound scans severe or if you are worried and a blood test for CA125. This is a protein General practitioners in the UK that's produced by cancer cells and raised in are encouraged to refer all women over 50 with unexplained over four In five women with ovary cancer. abdominal symptoms to a However, Its level can also be raised by many cancer-unit gynaecologist for an other factors, including menstruation and pregnancy, and is sometimes normal in a woman with ovary cancer. Your doctor may suggest you go on a Pill with a Relatively high dose of progestogen.

If your risk is very high, and you don't want children in future, you may want to discuss the option of having both ovaries removed. This virtually prevents the risk of ovary cancer (and also reduces the risk of breast cancer). Research suggests that being sterilised by having your fallopian tubes cut can also reduce a high genetic risk of ovary cancer.

Need to see a doctor

See a doctor if any of the above symptoms continues for several weeks or is severe or if you are worried. General practitioners in the UK women over 50 with unexplained abdominal symptoms to a cancer-unit gynaecologist for an ovary-cancer check.