Dr. Oz: Ovarian Cancer
Dr. Oz talked about new medical news that says there’s a new risk for ovarian cancer: even without a family history, women can be genetically predisposed for ovarian cancer. Gynecologic oncologist Dr. Diljeet Singh was on Dr. Oz to weigh in on this new research.
Dr. Oz talked about a new study that shows there’s a genetic predisposition for ovarian cancer even without a family history of cancer.
Dr. Singh said that this new research shows that potentially 1 in 5 women with ovarian cancer got it as a result of predisposition. This is good news, because it means we may be able to prevent 20 percent of ovarian cancer in the future.
Dr. Oz: Risk Factors For Ovarian Cancer
Dr. Singh said other risk factors for ovarian cancer include women who have never been pregnant, family history of ovarian cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer, and uterine cancer, and women who are overweight or obese.
This new study shows us that there’s even more women out there with inherited predisposition. Dr. Singh said that every woman who has ovarian cancer should consider genetic testing not only for herself, but also for her family. Women with a family history of cancer in the family should meet with a genetics expert to talk about genetic testing options.
Dr. Oz: Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
Ovarian cancer is curable if it’s found early enough. Symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, pelvic pain, feeling full or not being able to eat as much as you normally can, urgency to urinate, and frequency of urination. Dr. Singh said if you have these symptoms once, they’re not as important as if it’s new to you and you have it every day or every other day for at least two weeks. That’s something you should talk to your doctor about.
Dr. Oz: Ovarian Cancer Prevention
Oral contraceptives are important in the fight against ovarian cancer. They’re very protective. If you take them for 3 to 5 years, your risk can be decreased from 30 to 50 percent. Talking to your doctor to make sure you’re eligible to be on the pill is a great start to prevention.
You should also make sure you have a normal vitamin D level. Eating vegetables and fruits, having a normal body mass index, and exercising on a regular basis also all decrease a woman’s ovarian cancer risks.
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