According to the blog article titled “Ovarian Cancer Risk: What To Know If It Runs In Your Family,” out of all women, ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest diseases. It is also late in diagnosis since the symptoms are often not pronounced. As per the information shared by global authorities, 1 in 78 women in the US have a risk of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer during their lifetimes, while there’s a 1 in 108 chance of succumbing to the disease. This is why all the risk factors and symptoms must be understood.
Ovarian cancer can occur in certain women more readily than in most, and this includes women with relatives having the same. Take, for example, a girl who has a maternal grandma, a sister, or an aunt having an ovarian tumor. In that case, she is likely to be posed three times more risk than a woman who does not have such a family history. Such gene alterations found on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations may widen such risks. These mutations prevent the body’s cells from transforming into carcinogenic cells; however, tumors are inevitable if they do not function well. Women should ensure that they talk to their practitioners about their family history and worries.
Genetic Factors and Family History
Some types of ovarian cancer are believed to be hereditary. 5 to 15 percent of the disease variation is due to mutations of two genes, namely BRCA1 and BRCA2. These genes are the ones that are predominantly involved in the repairing of DNA. Still, when mutated, they cause an increased risk of both breast and ovarian cancer. Individuals who bear such mutations are said to have an ovarian cancer risk that lies between 15 and 45 percent. Out of 100 women who carry these mutations, about 15 to 45 will develop the disease in their lifetime. More specifically, the risk is much higher, about 39% to 58% for women with BRCA1 mutations. In comparison, women with BRCA2 mutations have an 11% to 29% risk.
Women are particularly vulnerable if they are closely related to other individuals (their mother or sister) with ovarian cancer; their risk goes up three times, quite substantially, compared to those who lack this familial relation. There is yet another condition called Lynch syndrome, which may also be associated with a heightened predisposition to the development of multiple cancers, ovarian cancer among them. These risks assist practitioners in devising strategies and measures for targeting and managing the disease early on in women who are more likely to develop the disease.
Importance of Genetic Counseling
For women whose family members have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, genetic counseling makes sense because it lets them decide whether they carry specific genes that raise their risk of developing the condition themselves. During counseling, a family member of the woman described a trained professional who reviews her family medical records and formulates questions to identify patterns associated with increased risk.
We define a woman as “high risk” if we believe the woman has an increased risk of cancer based on family history. She is given practical suggestions relating to her future management — monitoring her for further risk or, in some cases, even prophylactic ovarian surgery, which is effective in drastically decreasing the risk of developing ovarian cancer. Evidence suggests that this addition of surgery can lower risk considerably — reported as 96% for certain females.
In summary, genetic counseling offers critical insights. It empowers women in their health decisions, making them more empowered and ready.
Ovarian Cancer and Family Ties: What Women Should Know About Their Risks
Comprehending the way family relatives influence the risk of ovarian cancer risk is crucial for maintaining good health. Even though genes inherited from parents are heavily influential, some choices can make a significant difference.
Life choices that affect the risk of ovarian cancer:
The following are some of the assessed life choices that may either increase or reduce the chances of contracting ovarian cancer:
- Obesity: There is a reason why being heaped with too much weight is a risk factor for developing ovarian cancer – it is a risk factor. These lumps of fats have hormones, which, if secreted in excess amounts, may show unhealthy friendships with ovarian cells and encourage their growth. An ideal weight can be maintained with a proper diet and physical activity regularly.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): HRT may be used for menopausal women suffering from conditions, for instance, as hot flashes. However, such women have been said to be at higher risk for ovarian cancer during more years of using replacement therapy. Women need to look for alternatives to this track; indeed, many better options are available.
- Smoking: Cigarette smoking is also a high-risk factor for some types of ovarian unsupported cancers, especially mucinous tumors. It has been shown that the absence of smoking helps in reducing the chance of occurrence of many cancers, including ovarian cancer; therefore, stopping smoking is indeed quite helpful.
In conclusion, by shifting their lifestyle habits, people can enhance their general well-being and remarkably decrease their risk of developing ovarian malignancy in the future.
Preventive Measures
Women may minimize their chances of getting an ovarian cancer diagnosis via several kinds of measures.
- Using Birth Control Pills: Birth control tablets are a practical means to lower the probability of ovarian cancer by quite a bit. Women who have taken the pills earlier will find themselves protected even after some time has passed.
- Having Babies and Breastfeeding: Women who give birth and breastfeed their children usually go through fewer ovulation cycles in their entire lives, which puts them at a lower risk for ovarian cancer. Some reports claim that a year of breastfeeding can help decrease cancer risk. Among women who also breastfeed for over 31 months, their risk is slashed by as much as 91%.
- Regular Doctor Visits: Women can benefit from periodic checkups with the doctor. This can prevent problems that have yet to occur. Ovarian cancer is an ailment that goes unidentified; however, the following signs—bloating or pain in the pelvis—are sometimes noticeable.
Inherited Risks: How Family History Influences Ovarian Cancer Development
Ovarian cancer is a disease that is quite complex and is associated with genetics, heredity, and lifestyle factors. Breast and ovarian cancer predisposition were observed in families who possessed genetic mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. These genes possess cancer walling capabilities; without their proper functioning, the individual has increased risks.
Lifestyle factors impact health. Hormone replacement therapy and being overweight can have negative effects. It is important for women to understand their family medical history, especially concerning female health issues. This knowledge can help lower future health risks. Knowing family history is important for cancer prevention and control.
Recognizing Symptoms Early
Undoubtedly, we need to listen to our bodies, especially our tummy, if we feel that something is up. Our stomach is quite sensitive in that sense! So, my friends, if you feel tight around your waist and find it difficult to walk normally, consider this a gentle reminder that such conditions should not be ignored. Also, the pain around the stomach region might symbolize an underlying condition. You can also find yourself hungry and unable to finish a single meal – those are signs that one should take notice of! Excessive urges to pee can be detrimental, too! If these emotions and sensations last too long, consider visiting a physician as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Women need to appreciate the risks associated with ovarian cancer. If cancer occurs in their family, some women might have a greater propensity for getting this type of cancer. Talking about family health with a physician is, thus, quite important. Families can benefit from genetic counseling to help them understand whether they are susceptible and how to remain healthy. Other methods to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer include good nutrition and regular exercise. If women become more attentive and proactive, they can improve their ability to detect issues early and obtain appropriate therapy.
Sources:
https://www.kucancercenter.org/news-room/blog/2020/08/what-is-ovarian-cancer-symptoms-treatment
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/ovarian-cancer/risks-causes