Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells that form tumours. It can occur in any part of the body, and when this growth occurs in the ovaries or the fallopian tubes, medical professionals define it as ovarian cancer. The ovaries, small organs in the female reproductive system where eggs form, are the starting point for ovarian cancer. According to recent research, most ovarian tumours begin in fallopian tubes.
However, in most cases, the symptoms do not show up till the last stage, so detecting the presence of tumours, if any, is even more complicated. Ovarian cancer is treated just like any other cancer with the help of surgery, chemotherapy and other treatments used to cure cancer.
In this blog, we will talk about the causes of ovarian cancer in detail.
Causes of ovarian cancer
The causes of ovarian cancer are unknown, but some factors increase your chance of developing the disease. These risk factors include:
- Family history- Family history of the disease is one of the major causes of ovarian cancer development. If your mother, sister or daughter has ever suffered from the disease, it increases your chances of developing cancer. Moreover, a family history of breast, endometrial or colon cancer also puts you at higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.
- Obesity- Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial because it is related to disease-free life. Obesity is directly related to an increase in fat tissues in the body, which ultimately is associated with the production of hormones that promote the growth of the tumour, putting you at increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. Moreover, obesity increases the chances of developing ovarian cancer by 2%.
- Endometriosis- Another significant cause related to the development of ovarian cancer is endometriosis. It is a situation where there is an outgrowth of cells in the uterus lining. Women with endometriosis are at an increased risk of suffering from the disease.
- Age- The cause of ovarian cancer is directly related to age. Belief holds that women over 50 face an increased risk of developing the disease. Yet, healthcare professionals diagnose most cases of ovarian cancer after age 65.
- Hormone replacement therapy- One of the major causes of ovarian cancer is hormone replacement therapy. It is said to increase the risk of developing ovarian, breast and endometrial cancer. Many believe that using hormone replacement therapy for five years leads to an additional one ovarian cancer diagnosis per 1,000 therapy users.
- Diabetes- Women with diabetes are also at higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. Diabetes increases your chances of developing ovarian cancer by 20 to 25% compared to prediabetic women.
- No pregnancy- Not being able to get pregnant once in a lifetime also puts you at the risk of developing ovarian cancer compared to women who have had at least one pregnancy.
- Menstruation age- Another major cause of ovarian cancer is menstruation. Women who have early periods, usually at 12, have more menstrual cycles in their lifetime, and starting menopause at a later age puts you at increased risk of developing the disease.
Conclusion
The causes of ovarian cancer are still unknown, but there are many factors that put you at an increased risk of developing the disease. Although some factors like family history and infertility are not in anybody’s control, we cannot do anything. But factors like awareness concerning age-related complications, diabetes and hormonal factors are somewhat in control. By understanding and addressing these issues, we can lessen the chances of developing ovarian cancer. Having a comprehensive health insurance plan can help cover the costs of regular screenings, diagnostic tests, and treatments, ensuring timely intervention and financial support for managing ovarian cancer effectively.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a certified medical and/or nutrition professional for any questions. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.