World Ovarian Cancer Day: Simple Lifestyle Changes to Lower Your Risk

New Delhi — On World Ovarian Cancer Day, health experts are emphasizing the importance of making small lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, a condition that disproportionately affects women over the age of 50. Ovarian cancer is often detected too late, making early detection and prevention crucial.

Understanding the Risk Factors

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent ovarian cancer, research suggests that certain lifestyle adjustments can significantly lower the chances of developing the disease. Key recommendations include maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and being mindful of birth control and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Obesity is closely linked to a higher risk of ovarian cancer, as excessive body fat can lead to hormonal imbalances. These imbalances may contribute to abnormal cell growth in the ovaries. By staying at a healthy weight through proper nutrition and regular exercise, women can reduce this risk. The focus should be on eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while limiting sugary and processed foods.

Other Crucial Lifestyle Changes

Birth Control: Using birth control methods, when appropriate, has been shown to reduce ovarian cancer risk. However, it's important to discuss options with a healthcare provider.

Avoiding Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): HRT can increase the risk of ovarian cancer. Women should consider alternatives and consult a doctor for advice.

Regular Check-ups: Routine health check-ups and awareness are essential. Detecting ovarian cancer early can significantly improve treatment outcomes.

The Role of Awareness

Experts stress the importance of awareness, especially for women with a family history of ovarian cancer. Knowing your family history and seeking early screenings can help in early diagnosis, which is vital for successful treatment.

Prevention and Health

Along with the lifestyle changes, awareness about the symptoms of ovarian cancer is important. These can include abdominal pain, bloating, and frequent urination. While these symptoms are not exclusive to ovarian cancer, any unusual change in health should be reported to a doctor.

This World Ovarian Cancer Day, let’s commit to adopting healthier habits and staying informed about the risks and preventive measures. By making small but significant lifestyle changes, women can lower their chances of developing ovarian cancer and lead healthier lives.