Prevention of Ovarian Cancer

The pelvis is home to the ovary, a reproductive organ responsible for producing female hormones and storing eggs waiting to be fertilized. There are two ovaries in the female body, one on each side of the uterus. As with any cancer, there are risk factors that increase a woman's chances of developing the disease. Some risk factors can be prevented, decreasing a woman's chances of developing the disease, while other risk factors cannot.

Change Your Diet

• This is a risk factor that can increase a woman's chances of developing ovarian cancer, even if she was obese during her teen years. Obesity is measured by a person's body mass index, or BMI. A normal range for women is between 23 and 25; if it is 26 or more, you are considered obese. To reduce your risk of developing ovarian cancer, eat foods low in saturated fats, consume at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day and try to include soy products.

Undergo a Prophylactic Oophorectomy

• This is an option for those who have a family history of ovarian cancer and wish to decrease their risk and prevent the disease. It is a procedure which removes both of their ovaries. However, even with the removal of the ovaries, there is a small chance the cancer may develop in the abdomen or pelvis. Before having the procedure done, you should have a cancer risk assessed, especially if you are young enough to have children. Once your ovaries are removed, you will be infertile, may experience hot flashes, have an increased risk of heart disease and have a decreased libido.

Use Contraception

• Using contraceptives may decrease your risk of developing ovarian cancer, especially with prolonged use. In addition, the decreased risk may last as long as 25 years after the use of the contraceptive has ended.

Receive a Tubal Ligation

• A tubal ligation is a sterilization procedure women undergo once they decide they don't want to have any more children. It involves tying the fallopian tubes together, blocking the eggs from passing from the ovaries to the uterus. It is believed that women who have had this procedure are at a lower risk for developing ovarian cancer.