Health and Me

Dr Mohan Menon

Lifestyle Genetics And Hormones: Understanding The Interplay Of Risk Factors For Ovarian Cancer

The ovaries are a pair of pelvic organs in biological females associated with reproduction. <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cancer">Cancer</a> of the ovaries is unfortunately increasing in incidence and usually presents late in the course of the disease. <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/ovarian-cancer">Ovarian cancer</a> is often called the ‘silent killer’ because of the symptoms, which can be vague and easily mistaken for minor digestive issues. To date, we do not have a reliable tool to screen and detect ovarian cancer early.

Certain risk factors for ovarian cancer increase your chance of getting it in the future. An important point to keep in mind is that having a risk factor alone does not mean one will develop ovarian cancer in the future. 

Conversely, some people who get ovarian cancer may not have any known risk factors. Some risk factors, like smoking, can be changed. 

Others, like genetic mutations or family history, can’t be changed. Scientists have discovered several risk factors that increase a person’s chance of developing epithelial ovarian cancer. 

Older age: Most ovarian cancers begin after menopause. If one experiences pelvic bleeding after menopause, it is important to see a doctor.

Genetics: Ovarian cancer does run in families. The most common inherited gene mutations are BRCA1 and BRCA2. We now have very reliable tests to detect these genetic mutations and tailor-made specific treatments which are effective.

Hormones: Hormones play a complex role in the development of ovarian cancer. In general, the total number of times a woman ovulates during her lifetime is related to her risk of ovarian cancer. More ovulations can mean a higher risk. Thus, early menses (before 12 years of age) or late menopause (after 52 years of age), and use of hormone replacement after menopause do increase your risk. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are considered protective.

Lifestyle: Certain factors such as lifestyle choices are within our control. While we cannot change our DNA or our reproductive history, certain lifestyle choices like smoking, drinking, and lack of exercise may influence our biological environment.

Weight Management: Research suggests a link between obesity and an increased risk of several cancers, including ovarian cancer. Adipose (fat) tissue produces estrogens, which can fuel certain cellular changes. Maintain a healthy weight to reduce your risk.

Sedentary Habits: Many studies suggest that regular exercise such as walking, yoga, and weight training can reduce your risk of ovarian cancer.

Smoking: While primarily linked to lung cancer, smoking is strongly associated with mucinous ovarian cancer, a specific subtype of the disease.

Dietary Patterns: While there is no singular “superfood” that can help prevent cancer, consuming a diet rich in vegetables, lots of lean proteins like fish, chicken, eggs, tofu, etc, and whole grains can help support a healthy immune system.

Every year, World Ovarian Cancer Day is observed on May 8. This is an initiative to raise awareness globally for educating the public about symptoms, risk factors, and the need for early detection of ovarian cancer. This year’s theme was No Woman Left Behind, which aims to ensure that all women have access to means of early detection, quality care, support, and to spread awareness so that no symptoms are ignored. 

We should all do our bit but not spread fear or stigma. Since there is no universal screening tool for ovarian cancer, awareness of symptoms and associated risk factors is key. By recognizing the interplay between our genes, our hormonal history, and our daily habits, we can hope to move toward a future where ovarian cancer is detected earlier and treated more effectively.

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The ovaries are a pair of pelvic organs in biological females associated with reproduction. Cancer of the ovaries is unfortunately increasing in incidence and usually presents late in the course of the disease. Ovarian cancer is often called the ‘silent killer’ because of the symptoms, which can be vague and easily mistaken for minor digestive issues. To date, we do not have a reliable tool to screen and detect ovarian cancer early.Certain risk factors for ovarian cancer increase your chance of getting it in the future. An important point to keep in mind is that having a risk factor alone does not mean one will develop ovarian cancer in the future. Conversely, some people who get ovarian cancer may not have any known risk factors. Some risk factors, like smoking, can be changed. Others, like genetic mutations or family history, can’t be changed. Scientists have discovered several risk factors that increase a person’s chance of developing epithelial ovarian cancer. These include:Older age: Most ovarian cancers begin after menopause. If one experiences pelvic bleeding after menopause, it is important to see a doctor. Genetics: Ovarian cancer does run in families. The most common inherited gene mutations are BRCA1 and BRCA2. We now have very reliable tests to detect these genetic mutations and tailor-made specific treatments which are effective.Hormones: Hormones play a complex role in the development of ovarian cancer. In general, the total number of times a woman ovulates during her lifetime is related to her risk of ovarian cancer. More ovulations can mean a higher risk. Thus, early menses (before 12 years of age) or late menopause (after 52 years of age), and use of hormone replacement after menopause do increase your risk. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are considered protective.Lifestyle: Certain factors such as lifestyle choices are within our control. While we cannot change our DNA or our reproductive history, certain lifestyle choices like smoking, drinking, and lack of exercise may influence our biological environment.Weight Management: Research suggests a link between obesity and an increased risk of several cancers, including ovarian cancer. Adipose (fat) tissue produces estrogens, which can fuel certain cellular changes. Maintain a healthy weight to reduce your risk.Sedentary Habits: Many studies suggest that regular exercise such as walking, yoga, and weight training can reduce your risk of ovarian cancer. Smoking: While primarily linked to lung cancer, smoking is strongly associated with mucinous ovarian cancer, a specific subtype of the disease. Dietary Patterns: While there is no singular “superfood” that can help prevent cancer, consuming a diet rich in vegetables, lots of lean proteins like fish, chicken, eggs, tofu, etc, and whole grains can help support a healthy immune system.Every year, World Ovarian Cancer Day is observed on May 8. This is an initiative to raise awareness globally for educating the public about symptoms, risk factors, and the need for early detection of ovarian cancer. This year’s theme was No Woman Left Behind, which aims to ensure that all women have access to means of early detection, quality care, support, and to spread awareness so that no symptoms are ignored. We should all do our bit but not spread fear or stigma. Since there is no universal screening tool for ovarian cancer, awareness of symptoms and associated risk factors is key. By recognizing the interplay between our genes, our hormonal history, and our daily habits, we can hope to move toward a future where ovarian cancer is detected earlier and treated more effectively.

lifestyle genetics and hormones: understanding the interplay of risk factors for ovarian cancer

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Lifestyle Genetics And Hormones: Understanding The Interplay Of Risk Factors For Ovarian Cancer

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Lifestyle Genetics And Hormones: Understanding The Interplay Of Risk Factors For Ovarian Cancer

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