Ovarian cancer is cancer that develops in the ovaries. This is the second most common gynecologist cancer in the country. Ovarian cancer shows very few symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose early on. To help you, here are the stages and risk factors of ovarian cancer that you should know about.

Stages of ovarian cancer

1. Stage 1
In this stage, the cancer is contained only to the ovaries or has slightly spilled out of the ovaries. Considered the first stage, doctors recommend surgery to remove the tumor cells.

2. Stage 2
The second stage of ovarian cancer is the gradual growth of the cancer cells from the ovaries to the fallopian tubes, uterus, and sometimes to nearby pelvic organs.

3. Stage 3
This is usually the stage where the disease shows symptoms. In this stage, cancer has spread beyond the ovaries and can be found in organs in the abdomen and in the lymph nodes too. In further sub-stages of stage 3, visible tumors of approximately 2 cm and larger can be identified on inspection.

4. Stage 4
This is an advanced stage of ovarian cancer where cancer has spread all through the body. The stage is called cancer metastasis. Tumor cells can be found in the lungs, the liver, and the spleen. The recovery rate for people with stage 4 cancer is considerably low.

Risk factors for ovarian cancer

1. Genes
Genetically, some people could be at a higher risk for developing ovarian cancer. If a person has first or second-degree relatives with past or current ovarian cancer diagnosis, then the person is at higher risk for this type of cancer and needs to be screened often.

2. History of breast cancer
For some people, an existing diagnosis of breast cancer can also put them at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.

3. Reproductive history
Girls who get their first periods very early in life and women who don’t get their menopause even after 55 years of age are both at a higher risk for developing the condition. Women who don’t choose to have children and those who have their first pregnancy after 35 years of age are at high risk too.

4. Smoking
In the list of stages and risk factors of ovarian cancer, smoking is a very common risk factor. Smoking increases the risk for all kinds of cancer, including ovarian cancer. Smoking changes the DNA of cells and makes them behave abnormally.

Ovarian cancer has a good recovery rate when caught early. Make a note of all these stages and risk factors of ovarian cancer. If you have any symptoms of ovarian cancer like changes in the menstrual cycle, abdominal pain, or abnormal discharge, talk to your doctor right away.