Ovarian Cysts And Ovarian Cancer – The Warnings Signs You Should Never Ignore

Photo credit: bigstock.com

Photo credit: bigstock.com

Risk Factors For Ovarian Cysts

Although scientists do not yet understand completely why some women form ovarian cysts and others do not, research has identified several risk factors that increase the chances of developing cysts:

  • Smoking
  • Family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer
  • Presence of the BRCA gene
  • Obesity (a body mass index of greater than 20)
  • Women who never become pregnant
  • Women who did not breastfeed their children
  • Certain medications such as fertility drugs or HRT

 

SEE ALSO: Reduce Your Risk of Ovarian Cysts With These Food Options Infographic

 

Risk Factors For Ovarian Cancer

  • Family history of cancer especially bowel, breast, uterine, or ovarian cancers
  • Being between the ages of 40 and 75
  • Having no children or only one child
  • Never taken birth control pills
  • Had or have endometriosis

None of the above risk factors are a guarantee of ovarian cysts or cancer; they are only guidelines to help you decide if you are at a greater risk.

Don’t panic, however. Even if your risk is high, yearly checkups by your doctor and annual CA-125 blood tests can help identify any problems early.

References:

Theodora.com

Aje.oxfordjournals.org

Healthcentral.com

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