Often, ovarian cancer goes undetected until it spreads to areas within the abdomen and pelvis. The sooner it is detected, the better the chances are of it being treated. As the early stages of this disease hardly cause any major and specific symptoms, mistaking it with other common benign conditions is normal. Some of the common symptoms and signs may include:

• Weight loss
• Feeling full quickly while eating
• Abdominal swelling or bloating
• Feeling the need to urinate frequently
• Feeling discomfort in the pelvis area
• Sudden changes in bowel habits, like constipation

If you are having any symptom and signs mentioned above or something that is worrying you, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Here is a list of some of the causes and risk factors of ovarian cancer so you can understand the condition better:

Causes of ovarian cancer
Well, unfortunately, the exact causes of ovarian cancer are still unknown. However, medical experts and doctors have successfully been able to identify some factors, which can increase the risk of ovarian cancer. To know more about it, read on ahead.

Risk factors of ovarian cancer

• Aging:  The risk of getting this disease increases with aging. According to many medical research reports, this cancer is somewhat rare in a woman whose age is below 40. Most of the times, this disease develops in women after hitting menopause.
• Obesity:  Not only this particular type of cancer, obesity or being overweight can actually increase the risk of many types of cancer. Also, excessive weight can affect the overall survival of a patient having this type of cancer.
• Fertility treatment:  IVF is now quite popular in medical science. However, a few research reports reflect the fact that using such fertility treatments can increase the risk of getting this disease. However, some other medical reports do not show any link between these two. Still, if you are going through any fertility treatment, discuss with your doctor about the potential risks.
• A family history of breast cancer:  If your family has a history of breast cancer, you actually have a higher risk of getting ovarian cancer. It may be that the inherited mutation in the BRCA2 or BRCA1 genes along with the hereditary breast and the ovarian cancer syndromes are the reasons for this.
• Going through hormone therapy after hitting menopause:  Women who use estrogen hormone therapy after menopause are more likely to being diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
• Talc use:  According to many medical research reports, using feminine powders and sprays that contain talc can increase the risk of getting this type of cancer.
• Getting pregnant at an older age or not having a full-term pregnancy:  Women who are having children or having their first full-term pregnancy after 35, are more likely to get this disease. Also, women who have never had a full-term pregnancy are at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.

To avoid a situation where cancer has metastasized, full body checkups at regular intervals are recommended. Be aware of symptoms and consult your doctor for any abnormality so that an effective treatment plan can be devised.