5 Important Steps to Take to Prevent Ovarian Cancer

This is a scary condition that women may worry about, but you may find that it’s easier than you thought to prevent ovarian cancer. This type of cancer may be manageable if you are proactive. Extreme measures are not usually necessary. Therefore, if you are worried and want to know the best ways to prevent ovarian cancer, you can take matters into your own hands with these tips:

1. Know your family history: If you have a family history of ovarian cancer, you may want to consider blood tests or other diagnostic procedures. Be sure that you talk to a gynecologist regularly. You may want to be seen more regularly for checkups if you have higher risk factors.

2. Listen to your body for unusual signs or symptoms: Though cancer may manifest differently in different people, you need to become your own best advocate if you are trying to prevent ovarian cancer. If you are having irregular cycles, are experiencing a great deal of pain, or feel that something just isn’t right, then you want to get that checked out. Sometimes the signs and symptoms are more easily identified than you might think.

3. Take the birth control pill: Taking the birth control pill for a length of time can be of significant help in this regard. If you are on the right pill for over five years, this can help to diminish your risks. Be sure that you use the type that is right for you and take it for an extended duration for the most benefit.

4. Know your risks and work to manage them: If you are at greater risk, then be aware of what to look for. Even having a baby can help your risk factor to go down quite significantly. Do whatever is within your reach and talk to your doctor to know what your risks may be and what you can do to manage or minimize them if you want to prevent ovarian cancer.

5. Get proper screenings and consider other proactive procedures if applicable: This may be one of the most important ways to prevent ovarian cancer. Get regular exams, pap smears, and even blood screenings if necessary. In extreme cases, a hysterectomy may be necessary, but that’s not the norm. Assuming responsibility for your own health with regular cancer screenings can be the best way to take care of yourself for the long term.