What is ovarian cancer and how are women with different from those without it?

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the ovaries, which are two small, almond-shaped organs located in a woman's pelvis, on either side of the uterus. Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States.

Women with ovarian cancer may experience a variety of symptoms, including:

* Pelvic pain or discomfort

* Bloating

* Abdominal swelling

* Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly

* Weight gain or loss

* Fatigue

* Nausea and vomiting

* Constipation

* Diarrhea

* Frequent urination

* Changes in menstrual cycles

Some women with ovarian cancer may not experience any symptoms at all, especially in the early stages of the disease. This is why it is important for women to see their doctor regularly for checkups, even if they are not experiencing any symptoms.

Ovarian cancer is more common in women who are:

* Over the age of 50

* Have a family history of ovarian cancer

* Have never been pregnant

* Have used fertility drugs

* Have taken hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for a long time

* Are obese

However, it is important to note that ovarian cancer can occur in any woman, regardless of her age, race, or ethnicity.

There are several risk factors for ovarian cancer, including:

* Age: The risk of ovarian cancer increases with age. Most cases of ovarian cancer occur in women over the age of 50.

* Family history: Women who have a mother, sister, or daughter who has had ovarian cancer are at an increased risk of developing the disease.

* BRCA gene mutations: Women who carry a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.

* Lynch syndrome: Women who have Lynch syndrome, an inherited condition that increases the risk of several types of cancer, including ovarian cancer, are at an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.

* Endometriosis: Women who have endometriosis, a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus, are at an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.

* Obesity: Obese women are at an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.

* Smoking: Smoking cigarettes has been linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

* Infertility: Women who have never been pregnant are at an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.

* Use of fertility drugs: Women who have used fertility drugs are at an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.

* Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Women who have used HRT for a long time are at an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.

There are several things women can do to reduce their risk of ovarian cancer, including:

* Maintaining a healthy weight

* Exercising regularly

* Eating a healthy diet

* Avoiding smoking

* Limiting alcohol intake

* Getting regular checkups with your doctor

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of ovarian cancer, it is important to see your doctor right away.