Can ovarian cancer be prevented?

The most suitable approach depends on personal and family history, inherited gene changes, age, plans for pregnancy, and overall health. Risk reduction does not remove every possibility of developing the disease.

There is no routine screening test that reliably prevents ovarian cancer in people without symptoms. Some ovarian cancers are associated with inherited BRCA gene changes or Lynch syndrome, so a detailed family history can help identify who may benefit from genetic counselling and testing.

For someone at substantially increased inherited risk, a specialist may discuss surgery to remove the fallopian tubes and ovaries after childbearing is complete. This can lower risk, but it causes infertility and, before natural menopause, brings on surgical menopause. The timing requires an individual discussion of benefits, harms, and personal priorities.

Collect information about close relatives who have had ovarian, breast, bowel, uterine, pancreatic, or prostate cancer, including their age when diagnosed if known. Share it with a clinician, especially when several relatives are affected or cancers occurred at younger ages.

If an inherited risk is suspected, genetic counselling can clarify what a test may show and what the result could mean for you and your relatives. Do not make decisions about preventive surgery from a home genetic test alone; clinical confirmation and specialist advice are needed.

General health measures such as avoiding tobacco, being physically active, and maintaining a weight that is healthy for you support overall wellbeing, but they cannot guarantee that ovarian cancer will be avoided.

Arrange a medical assessment for new or persistent abdominal swelling, bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, feeling full sooner than usual, or urinary changes. Ovarian cancer can present with these symptoms, although they can also have many non-cancerous causes; persistence or worsening is the reason to be checked.

Seek urgent care for severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain, marked swelling with difficulty breathing, fainting, or repeated vomiting. These features need prompt assessment regardless of their cause.

Ask whether your family history suggests genetic counselling, which type of genetic test would be appropriate, and how a positive or negative result would change your care. If surgery is being considered, discuss fertility, menopause symptoms, bone and heart health, recovery, and whether you should consult a gynaecological oncologist.