Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Health

Five facts you should know about ovarian cancer

The symptoms, risk factors and how to raise awareness. - by Women's Health
  • 22 Feb 2019
Five facts you should know about ovarian cancer
Getty

Ovarian cancer is a disease where some of the cells in one or both ovaries start to grow abnormally and develop into cancer. Learn the symptoms, the risk factors and how to help those with the disease. 

1. The types of ovarian cancer

There are four main types of ovarian cancer, and these are named after the type of cells in the ovary where the cancer begins growing:

*Epithelial ovarian cancer begins in the epithelium: the outer cells that cover the ovary. This is the most common type of ovarian cancer, accounting for about 90% of cases.

*Borderline tumours are a group of epithelial tumours which are not as aggressive as other epithelial tumours. Borderline tumours may also be called 'low malignant potential' or LMP tumours. The outlook for women with borderline tumours is generally good regardless of whether the disease is diagnosed early or late.

*Germ cell ovarian cancer begins in the cells that mature into eggs. These tumours account for about 5% of ovarian cancers and usually affect women under 30 years.

*Sex-cord stromal cell ovarian cancer begins in the ovary cells that release female hormones. These tumours account for about 5% of ovarian cancers and can affect women of any age. 

Both germ cell and sex-cord stromal cell ovarian cancers respond well to treatment and are often curable. If either of these cancers affect only one ovary, it may be possible for younger women to have children after treatment.

Doctor and patient
Getty

2. Symptoms of ovarian cancer

It's important for women to learn the symptoms of ovarian cancer. The four types of symptoms most frequently reported are: 
1. Abdominal or pelvic pain; 
2. Increased abdominal size or persistent abdominal bloating;
3. Needing to urinate often or urgently; and
4. Feeling full after eating a small amount.
Whilst women may experience these symptoms from time to time, if these symptoms are new and persist for two weeks or more, consult a doctor to find out the cause.

Mother and daughter holding hands
Getty

3. The genetic risks of ovarian cancer

At least 15% of epithelial ovarian cancers are thought to be the result of inheriting a faulty gene from either your mother's or father's side of the family. Many women who have ovarian cancer or who have a relative with ovarian cancer are eager to find out if the cancer may be hereditary.

If you are concerned about your family history of cancer and the possibility of having inherited a genetic fault, ask your doctor to refer you to a family or familial cancer clinic, located in most major public hospitals throughout Australia.

Pregnant woman holding stomach
Getty

4. How to reduce your risk of ovarian cancer

Risk factors for ovarian cancer
*Age is the main risk factor for ovarian cancer.
*Being a white (Caucasian) woman living in a westernised country with a high standard of living.
*Being of Ashkenazi Jewish descent.
*Having no or few full-term pregnancies.
*Never taking oral contraceptives.
*Smoking cigarettes.
*Eating a high fat diet, or being overweight or obese. 

Protective factors
*Having children.
*Taking oral contraceptives.
*Removal of your uterus.
*Removal of your ovaries.
*Having your fallopian tubes tied.

Teal ovarian cancer ribbon
Getty

5. How to support ovarian cancer research

Throughout February, Ovarian Cancer Australia invites the community to host an 'Afternoon Teal™' with friends and family or work colleagues to help spread awareness about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer as well as raising vital funds for research and support. 

This article first appeared on Women's Health

You might also like:

This veggie has been found to combat bowel cancer

This is the type of person at lower risk of breast cancer

Why there is no escaping cancer-causing chemicals

  • Health
  • Better Life

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Recommended to you

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

The 60 second health check you should be doing

The 60 second health check you should be doing

Women might lose 3 hours of sleep every night thanks to their partner

Women might lose 3 hours of sleep every night thanks to their partner

Weekly bottle of wine has same cancer risk as 10 cigarettes

Weekly bottle of wine has same cancer risk as 10 cigarettes

Taking a girls trip is the best thing for your health, study says

Taking a girls trip is the best thing for your health, study says

{headline}

{headline}

Living near urban green spaces can reduce breast cancer risk

Living near urban green spaces can reduce breast cancer risk

Five ways you can alleviate arthritis pain in your hands

Five ways you can alleviate arthritis pain in your hands

Why some people get hungover and others don't

Why some people get hungover and others don't

{headline}

{headline}

When it comes to weight loss, sometimes it’s not you (it’s your genetics)

When it comes to weight loss, sometimes it’s not you (it’s your genetics)

How to tell the difference between a cold and the flu

How to tell the difference between a cold and the flu

Dr Harry learns about farm therapy

Dr Harry learns about farm therapy

What to do if chocolate is truly your weakness

What to do if chocolate is truly your weakness

The one mistake all Australians are making with sunscreen

The one mistake all Australians are making with sunscreen

The ultimate Christmas health plan

The ultimate Christmas health plan

How to build your own home gym

How to build your own home gym

Bhg
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Bhg Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • All Recipes
  • BHG Shop
  • Girlfriend
  • Home Beautiful
  • New Idea
  • New Idea Food
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • That’s Life
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Better Homes and Gardens

Magazine Subscription Offer

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Shop This Offer
Treat yourself to a subscription