Test Your Knowledge

To date, there is no known method for preventing ovarian cancer. However, individuals can take certain steps to reduce the likelihood of developing epithelial ovarian cancer, the most common form of the disease. There is little information known about reducing the risk of germ cell tumors and stromal tumors in the ovaries. Therefore, the following strategies apply only to epithelial ovarian cancer:

• Birth control pills. Women who use oral contraceptives (birth control pills) for at least three years have approximately a 30 to 50 percent lower risk of developing ovarian cancer, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Recent studies have indicated that taking oral contraceptives for as little as six months may decrease woman’s risk of ovarian cancer.
  
  
• Gynecologic surgery. According to the ACS, women who have their fallopian tubes surgically “tied” to prevent pregnancy after giving birth to children reduce their risk of developing cancer of the ovaries by up to 67 percent. This procedure has also been effective in lowering the risk of ovarian cancer in patients with a BRCA1 gene mutation, which is associated with breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Whether tubal ligation can reduce cancer risk in patients with a BRCA2 mutation is uncertain. Having a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) can also reduce a woman’s risk of ovarian cancer. It is important to note that both of these surgeries should be performed for valid medical reasons and not solely for the purpose of reducing ovarian cancer risk. Some women who carry the BRCA1 gene mutation may decide in agreement with their physicians to have their ovaries removed. Recent research has shown that women with both the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations who had their ovaries removed had lower rates of ovarian, fallopian tube and peritoneal cancers.
  
  
• Diet. Numerous studies have shown a reduced rate of ovarian cancer in patients who ate a diet rich in vegetables. In addition, recent research has suggested that milk products may increase the risk of ovarian cancer. The link between dairy products and ovarian cancer remains inconclusive. The ACS recommends consuming a variety of healthful foods, especially those derived from plants, and limiting the consumption of red meats and unhealthy fats. 
  
  
• Exercise. Moderate physical activity may lower the chances of developing ovarian cancers. Researchers believe exercise may enhance the antioxidant and immune systems and lower the risk of obesity.
  
  
• Pain relievers. Aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen have been found to reduce risk of ovarian cancer in some studies. However, further research is necessary to determine the relationship between analgesics and cancer of the ovaries.

Additionally, women with a family history of ovarian cancer may choose to have genetic counseling and testing to determine whether they have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, which is associated with increased risk of ovarian cancer. In some cases, a woman who finds that she has such a mutation may opt for removal of both ovaries (bilateral oophorectomy). However, this does not completely eliminate the risk of ovarian cancer, according to the ACS, and is an option that should be considered only after close consultation with a physician.

Although pregnancy and breastfeeding can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, they have not been shown to prevent the disease and physicians do not recommend planning a pregnancy solely to prevent ovarian cancer.

 Currently, there is no standard screening recommended for women at average risk for ovarian cancer. Researchers continue to study possible screening procedures for women who are not in a high-risk category.

For women who have an increased risk of ovarian cancer, such as those with a family history or BRCA gene mutations, screening tests may be appropriate. Tests that are considered for screening purposes include the CA-125 tumor marker test and/or ultrasound. A woman should consult with her gynecologist about her need for ovarian cancer screening.

Most ovarian tumors are not detected through routine pelvic examinations unless they are in an advanced stage. In addition, a Pap smear rarely detects ovarian cancer cells. However, all women should have regular Pap smears and pelvic exams because they can detect other reproductive cancers and conditions.