Ovaries are glands that produce eggs for reproduction. Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries or in the cells of the fallopian tubes. Early ovarian cancer often causes few or no symptoms, making early detection challenging and emphasizing the importance of risk reduction.
Ovarian cancer is not completely preventable, but certain risk factors can increase a person’s risk of developing the disease:
Early-stage ovarian cancer may cause no symptoms; however, some women may experience persistent, nonspecific symptoms, such as:
While there is no sure way to prevent ovarian cancer, as it has many causes, there are some steps you can take to lower your risk:
Depending on the disease stage and type and the tumor’s size and location, ovarian cancer may be treated with one or a combination of the following:
