Published: September 6, 2018 | Updated: June 12, 2019
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
All women are at risk for ovarian cancer.
An annual well-woman exam and regular visits to an OB/GYN provide opportunities to discuss your ovarian cancer risk and any possible ovarian cancer symptoms.
Ovarian cancer risk factors
Factors that may increase risk for ovarian cancer include:
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Discuss all of your risk factors with your OB/GYN during your annual well-woman exam. Women with one or more risk factors should be vigilant about symptoms.
Symptoms include:
These can be symptoms for other noncancerous issues as well. When they are associated with ovarian cancer, they tend to be persistent and a change from normal. If you have these symptoms more than 12 times a month, see your health provider.
Lowering your ovarian cancer risk
Some choices can lower your risk. They include:
A Pap test does not detect ovarian cancer. It is a test to detect cervical cancer.
Talk to your OB/GYN about your risk and how to lower it. Your health care provider, who knows your health history, can make the best recommendations for your continued health.