Prevention of ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer cannot be fully prevented, and there is no proven screening test for women at average risk. You can lower risk and catch problems earlier.

Steps that may lower risk

• Combined oral contraceptive pills: use for 5 or more years lowers risk. Discuss benefits and side effects with your doctor.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding are linked with lower risk
• Tubal ligation or removal of the fallopian tubes when you are having other surgery and have completed your family. Ask your doctor.
• Healthy weight, regular activity and no smoking
• Be cautious with long-term hormone therapy after menopause and review it each year

If you have a high-risk family

• Genetic counselling and testing for BRCA1, BRCA2 and related genes if a close relative had ovarian or breast cancer, or if several relatives had cancers young
• Risk-reducing surgery to remove the ovaries and tubes may be advised after childbearing for BRCA carriers. This is a major decision for your doctor and you.

Screening

CA-125 blood tests and pelvic ultrasound are not recommended for screening average-risk women, as they often give false alarms and have not been shown to save lives.