Who is at risk for ovarian cancer?The exact causes of ovarian cancer are not known. However, studies show that the following factors may increase the chance of developing this disease: *Family history. First-degree relatives (mother, daughter, sister) of a woman who has had ovarian cancer are at increased risk of developing this type of cancer themselves. The likelihood is especially high if two or more first-degree relatives have had the disease. The risk is somewhat less, but still above average, if other relatives (grandmother, aunt, cousin) have had ovarian cancer. A family history of breast or colon cancer is also associated with an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. *Age. The likelihood of developing ovarian cancer increases as a woman gets older. Most ovarian cancers occur in women over the age of 50, with the highest risk in women over 60. *Childbearing. Women who have never had children are more likely to develop ovarian cancer than women who have had children. In fact, the more children a woman has had, the less likely she is to develop ovarian cancer. *Personal history. Women who have had breast or colon cancer may have a greater chance of developing ovarian cancer than women who have not had breast or colon cancer. Recognizing ovarian cancer symptoms-Ovarian cancer often shows no obvious signs or symptoms until late in its development. Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer may include: -General abdominal discomfort and/or pain (gas, indigestion, pressure, swelling, bloating, cramps) -Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, or frequent urination -Loss of appetite -Feeling of fullness even after a light meal -Weight gain or loss with no known reason -Abnormal bleeding from the vagina
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