Why Are So Many Young Women Getting Ovarian Cancer?

Dr.Neelam Meena, 2 mins read

Diseases, which were once believed to be a concern for older adults, have now become prevalent among the young population as well. Take the example of ovarian cancer. Earlier, this cancer used to affect women after menopause, between the ages of 55 and 74. 

But now the trend has shifted, and about a third of women who get ovarian cancer are younger than 55. And around 1 in 10 cases are in women younger than 45. 

In India, there are many factors to be blamed, like obesity, lifestyle changes, hormonal imbalance, PCOS, genetic predisposition, delayed childbearing, and environmental stress. Let’s delve more into it in this guide.

What Is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer refers to the growth of malignant cells in the ovaries, the female reproductive glands responsible for producing eggs for reproduction. These malignant cells multiply quickly and invade healthy cells.

When ovarian cancer develops, it might not cause any noticeable symptoms. Those who experience and get primary consultation are sometimes even misdiagnosed for other conditions. To help you out, here are some common signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer:

• Abdominal swelling or bloating
• Feeling full quickly
• Discomfort in the pelvic area
• Fatigue
• Back pain
• Changes in bowel habits
• Frequent urination
• Weight loss 

Why Are Younger Women Getting Ovarian Cancer?

As discussed above, there are many culprits. Here, we have listed the common ones:

Lifestyle Changes and Obesity

Factors like inactive lifestyle, smoking, alcohol abuse, unhealthy snacking, and obesity are closely associated with ovarian cancer. Excess fat increases inflammation and estrogen levels, which raises the risk. 

Delayed Childbearing and Hormonal Imbalance

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are believed to be helpful in reducing the risk of ovarian cancer by reducing ovulatory cycles and longer periods of estrogen stimulation. Childbirth is a protective way to reduce the chance of ovarian cancer. However, delayed childbirth reduces natural proactive factors, putting you at higher risk. 

PCOS and Reproductive Disorders

Certain reproductive disorders and PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) have a huge impact on women’s health. Unfortunately, such issues are on the rise these days. If such issues are not addressed promptly and on time, they may increase the risk of ovarian cancer in future.

Environmental Factors

Factors like stress, exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and pollution are rapidly emerging as contributors to the increased cases of ovarian cancers in the younger population. 

Genetic Susceptibility 

Changes in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes significantly raise the risk of developing ovarian cancer at an early age. Additionally, the practice of genetic testing is still not common in India, which is very concerning.