Understanding ovarian cancer - prevention

Depending on your personal circumstances and risk for ovarian cancer, you should discuss with your doctor the pros and cons of using the contraceptive pill or hormone replacement treatment (HRT). Low-dose contraceptive pills are considered protective, but HRT may slightly increase the risk of ovarian cancer. If you are considered at high risk for ovarian cancer, ask your doctor about current recommendations for routine blood and ultrasound screening..
Although several studies show that some medications, including aspirin, can lower the risk of ovarian cancer, more research is needed prior to using these medications simply to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.
Any factor that prevents ovulation (the release of an egg) seems to decrease the risk of ovarian cancer.

• Taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
• Pregnancy
• Starting menstrual cycles later in adolescence
• Early menopause
• Tubal ligation (having the tubes tied).

If a woman has a strong family history of ovarian cancer she may want to talk to her doctor about the possibility of being referred for genetic screening at a specialist centre.