Ovarian Cancer

Prevention

Ovarian cancer cannot be prevented, but you may be able to reduce some of your chances for developing it.

Studies have found that the use of a combined estrogen and progestin birth control pill for more than 5 years reduces a woman's risk of ovarian cancer.² One study showed that the low-dose combined pills are most effective for reducing risk.¹⁸ Another showed that the protective effect lasts for several years after the woman stops taking the combined pills.¹⁹ Women who have a family history of ovarian cancer may also lower their risk by using birth control pills. The results are not clear from studies on the use of birth control pills in women who have BRCA gene changes.

Having surgery to close or tie off your fallopian tubes (bilateral tubal ligation) will lower your chances of developing ovarian cancer.² But, you will not be able to become pregnant after having this surgery. Talk to your doctor about whether this choice is right for you.

Having one or more babies lowers your chances for ovarian cancer. Breast-feeding for at least one year also lowers your chances.²⁰

A small number of women with ovarian cancer have a first-degree female relative—such as a sister, mother, or daughter—or a second-degree female relative—such as an aunt or grandmother—who has had ovarian cancer. Changes (mutations) in two major genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, are most closely related to a higher lifetime chance for ovarian cancer in these families.⁵ You may consider a BRCA gene test if you have a family history of ovarian cancer. Most experts recommend that women with known BRCA mutations have their uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes removed while these organs are still healthy, to reduce their lifetime chance of developing ovarian cancer. You will not be able to become pregnant, but studies have shown that this surgery lowers your chance of getting ovarian cancer by about 95%.^{1, 21}

There is still a small chance of getting ovarian cancer, even after the ovaries are removed. This is because there can already be a tiny cancer growing before the ovaries are removed. Those cancer cells can remain in the body after the surgery, where they continue to grow.²² It is also possible to develop cancer on the smooth tissue lining the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). This type of cancer—called peritoneal cancer—looks like ovarian cancer, has similar symptoms, and is treated in the same way.

Should I have a gene test for breast and ovarian cancer?

Should I have my ovaries removed to prevent ovarian cancer?

Including lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet may help protect against ovarian cancer.⁶

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH	Last Updated: July 10, 2007
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Ross Berkowitz, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.