4 Tips to Help Reduce Ovarian Cancer Risks

World Ovarian Cancer Day, celebrated on May 8, represents a great opportunity to raise awareness among women about this dangerous and often silent disease. This type of cancer is recognized as one of the most lethal gynecological tumors, with more than 70% of diagnoses occurring in advanced stages. In this context, the ACCO Institute – Association to Combat Ovarian Cancer – highlights the urgency of raising awareness and education on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

Ovarian cancer impacts thousands of women globally. According to the National Cancer Institute (INCA), it is the second leading cause of death from gynecological cancer, second only to cervical cancer. The danger of this type of cancer lies in its tendency to be asymptomatic in the early stages, which often results in late diagnoses and compromises the effectiveness of treatment.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

When present, the initial symptoms of Ovary cancer are vague and may include:

• Abdominal swelling;
• Pelvic pain,
• Feeling of early satiety;
• Unexplained weight loss;
• Changes in urinary frequency.

Such symptoms are commonly associated with gastrointestinal problems or other benign conditions, which can delay correct diagnosis.

Importance of early detection

According to Fernando de Lima, president of ACCO, early detection is crucial to increase the chances of survival. “When diagnosed in the early stages, ovarian cancer can be successfully treated through surgery, and the chances of survival are significantly increased. Therefore, it is vital that women pay attention to the signs and seek medical attention if they experience any unusual symptoms “, he explains.

The lack of effective screening tests is another challenge in the fight against ovarian cancer. Unlike breast cancer, which can be detected by mammogramor cervical cancer, detected through the Pap smear, there is still no widely available and effective screening tool for ovarian cancer.

How to prevent

Although there is no guaranteed way to prevent ovarian cancer, some measures can help reduce your risk:

1. Know your family history

Women with a family history of ovarian cancer or breast cancer have an increased risk. Consulting a geneticist can help determine the presence of mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, which may influence prevention strategy.

2. Regular checkups

Although there is no effective screening test for ovarian cancer, regular gynecological visits can help detect any abnormalities in the ovaries or pelvic region.

3. Use of oral contraceptives

Long-term use of oral contraceptives may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. However, this is a decision that should be made with medical advice, taking into account individual risks and benefits.

4. Healthy lifestyle

Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercisemay help reduce the risk of several diseases, including cancer.

By Leonardo Devienne