Ovarian Cancer; Prevention

NWHRC Health Center - Ovarian Cancer, May 30, 2006

There is no known way to prevent ovarian cancer, but your level of risk may be reduced by:

Having both ovaries removed; this procedure, this procedure, called an oophorectomy, is only performed on women who have an extremely high risk of ovarian cancer, usually only in women over 40. While it significantly reduces the risk of cancer, it doesn't entirely eliminate it. There is still a slight risk of primary peritoneal cancer, which stems from the same cells that lead to ovarian cancer.

Using oral contraceptives for three or more years. This can reduce your risk as much as 30 to 50 percent.

Having one or more children, particularly if the first is born before you're 30, and breastfeeding for a year or longer. However, health care professionals do not suggest making a decision about when to have a child simply for the purpose of reducing ovarian cancer risk. Taking the pill has a greater impact on ovarian cancer risk than pregnancy.

Having a tubal ligation, a surgical procedure in which the fallopian tubes are tied to prevent pregnancy. Some studies show that when performed after childbearing, tubal ligation can reduce the risk for ovarian cancer up to 67 percent. However, this procedure should only be done for valid medical reasons, not solely to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.

Having a hysterectomy, an operation in which your uterus is removed, may also reduce your risk. However, you should not have a hysterectomy just to reduce your risk of ovarian cancer. If you are having a hysterectomy for a medical reason and you have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer or are over age 40, talk to your doctor about also having your ovaries removed.

No one knows for certain why tubal ligation and hysterectomy decrease the risk of ovarian cancer. One theory is that these procedures may prevent some cancer-causing substances from entering the body through the vagina and traveling through the uterus and fallopian tubes to the ovaries.

Some research suggests a slightly increased risk of ovarian cancer with exposure to talcum powders in the genital area and frequent douching.

Research and New Treatments on the Horizon

Several new treatments and screening tests are being explored for primary and recurrent ovarian cancer. They include:

Screening Research

There are several ovarian cancer screening trials that are currently in progress that may provide valuable new screening tools. For instance, the Prostate, Lung, Colon, Ovarian Cancer Screening (PLCO) trial of the National Cancer Institute is evaluating the combination of annual CA-125 measurements with transvaginal ultrasound and pelvic examination.

Another study is evaluating the effectiveness of using transvaginal sonography, CA-125 and other tumor markers for women with a family history of ovarian cancer.

References

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Questions and Answers: OvaCheckT and NCI/FDA Ovarian Cancer Clinical Trials Using Proteomics Technology. National Cancer Institute. [Press release]. Available at http://www.cancer.gov. Accessed July 20, 2004.

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