Everyday choices to protect your ovarian health

While no lifestyle change can guarantee prevention, research shows that certain daily habits can influence risk and improve chances of catching ovarian cancer early.

- Dr Sewanti Limaye

Here are the key areas women should focus on:

Reproductive and hormonal choices

Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs): Using birth control pills for five or more years can reduce ovarian cancer risk by up to 50%. This protection continues for years even after stopping the pills.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Both are associated with reduced lifetime risk. This is thought to be because they reduce the total number of ovulations a woman experiences.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Long-term use of estrogen-only HRT after menopause may increase risk. If HRT is needed, it should be used at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest possible time, under medical supervision.

Diet and nutrition

Eat more plant-based foods: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports general cancer protection. Fibre may help regulate estrogen levels and digestive health.