Although most cases of ovarian cancer cannot be prevented, there are certain things a woman can do that may lower her risk of developing ovarian cancer:
- Taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills) for more than five years reduces a woman's risk by about 50 percent.
- Breastfeeding may decrease a woman's risk of ovarian cancer.
- Healthy diet and regular exercise are important ways to reduce your risk of cancer and other diseases.
- Surgical removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes (prophylactic oopherectomy) decreases a woman's risk. This is generally recommended only for certain very high-risk patients over age 40. It does not entirely eliminate the risk, because cancers can still form in the cells that line the pelvic and abdominal cavity.
- Tubal ligation (having the fallopian tubes tied) may decrease a woman's risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Last reviewed on 7/22/09
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