With the increasing number of women being affected by the ovarian cancer, one should know about the ovarian cancer prevention. Though there are no full proof methods to prevent ovarian cancer, there are certain factors which helps reduce the chances of developing ovarian cancer. These factors which decrease the risk of developing ovarian cancer are also called as protective factors. Prophylactic ophoectomy, the process of removing ovaries through surgery is an ovarian cancer prevention method. Women inherited with changes in gene BRCA1 and BRCA2 and in the gene linked with hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC) generally opt for this surgery. This surgery causes early menopause in premenopausal women. So, a woman with greater risk of ovarian cancer and one who has completed her family life should go for this surgery.

Using birth control pills is another way of ovarian cancer prevention. Women who have family history of ovarian cancer can use birth pills to reduce the risk by 50%. However, the use of birth control pills comes with the side effects. The women who consume birth control pills are under increased risk of developing a breast cancer during the period of their consumption. Consumption of contraceptive pills also increases risk of blood clot.

The surgical procedure to tie off the fallopian tubes may lower the chances of ovarian cancer. However, a woman cannot become pregnant after the surgery. Hence, once should talk with the doctor before considering this method of ovarian cancer prevention. The cancer causing agents are prevented from reaching the ovaries by this surgery called as tubal litigation. A pregnant woman and one who breast-feeds a child releases less number of eggs during ovulation. So, bearing a child helps reduce risk of ovarian cancer. Hence, breast-feeding and pregnancy are factors of ovarian cancer prevention. Genetic counseling for the women whose family history suggests that she may have a genetic mutation is advisable. The counseling will help them to take informed decisions about the prevention strategies.

Online personal education and risk assessment (OPERA) is an online interactive assessment tool which helps to determine how much risk you have in developing ovarian cancer. A person’s risk on the basis of family history of ovarian cancer and breast cancer is assessed by this tool. This is another factor that can be stated under ovarian cancer prevention. Obesity is a risk factor for ovarian cancer. Hence, reducing weight with the help of exercise and having a balanced diet and exercise helps to reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer. Though there are no reliable screening methods available, clinical trials are conducted. Women with strong family history of cancer and with greater risk of developing ovarian cancer are eligible for screening test. The screening test includes a blood test for higher than a normal level of CA125 (a chemical that cancer cells produce) and a transvaginal ultrasound test. In trasvaginal ultrasound test, an ultrasound probe is inserted into the vagina for showing the size of the cysts and texture and size of the ovaries present.