Research suggests that one in seventy-eight women may develop ovarian cancer during their lifetime. It is one of the leading causes of mortality among women who are in their late 30s right up to those in their early 70s. Ovarian cancer is a complicated condition as there is no single cause for it and most symptoms show up in the advanced stages. Doctors may prescribe medications like Vectibix and Rubraca, or surgery to treat ovarian cancer. Here is a brief overview of the known risk factors and signs of ovarian cancer:

1. Risk factors
Here are a few risk factors for ovarian cancer:

• Age
  Women above the age of 55 may develop epithelial, stromal, or germ cell tumors, depending on the type of cancer. Older women can also develop metastatic ovarian cancer, wherein the tumors grow in the ovaries but spread to other parts of the body.
• Hereditary problems
  Having a family history of ovarian cancer, certain genetic mutations, and even inherited genetic disorders increase the risk of cancer. While genetics may not be the direct cause, abnormalities in the gene pool that mainly affect the reproductive organs can trigger abnormal cell growth.
• Health complications
  Women who already suffer from conditions, such as breast, endometrial, or colorectal cancer, are at a high risk of developing ovarian cancer. Further, complications associated with late births (especially after the age of 30) can also result in tumorous growth in some women. Obesity and the use of fertility medications and hormone therapies also increases this risk to a great extent.

2. Symptoms
It is difficult to diagnose ovarian cancer in its early stages, as most of the symptoms also overlap with those of digestive issues. Many of these discomforts are noticeable only when the cancer has advanced to a particular stage.

• Common signs
  Bloating, persistent pain in the abdomen, difficulty eating, and even feeling full after a small meal may indicate a developing problem. Also, an urge to urinate frequently is a common urinary discomfort. In addition, an unusual swelling in the belly region and persistent acid reflux should be immediately checked, as they are also markers of ovarian cancer.
• Uncommon signs
  Persistent back pain or extreme tiredness can be one of the signs to look out for, especially among older women. Frequent changes and pain during regular menstrual cycles may be indicative of ovarian cancer. Abnormal bleeding and pelvic pain can also point to the growth of ovarian cysts or tumors that may be benign in nature. Many women may also experience pain during intercourse if the cancer has already started developing in the ovaries.