At Risk for Ovarian Cancer?

Am I at risk for ovarian cancer:  My period started when I was 15 and ended at age 50.  I had two children in my mid 20's and breastfed one child for about 3-4 months.  I had one ovary removed because of a benign cyst in my early 30's.  I also had a tubal ligation in my early thirties.  My mom had breast cancer at 50, but I am fine.  I seem to get UTI's about once a year.  I am not bloated, but do have back pain from time to time.  I will be seeing my gyn. on monday for an annual exam as I have not been to see him in almost three years (I know, shame on me).  I become concerned when I hear all these symptoms of ovarian cancer.  Thanks for your reply

[SimplyStar]

Your risk would seem very low if you are getting the follow ups that you do, OVCA is actually rare, a tubal ligation seems to help avoid it as does breast feeding,  tell your concerns to the gyn and let him know you are worried, I am sure he/she will be able to set your mind at ease.  It is good that the word is getting out there  to women about the symptoms, maybe we will be able to get more women, if they do have it, to be diagnosed early enough.

[NancyAngel]

Thank you for your comments!  I agree "we" all should be well informed as women!

[nyc lady]

You are probably just really scared and beating yourself up because you have not been to a GYN in almost 3 years....I know I have been there.

OvCa is a very rare disease.  Things like number of pregnancies, use of the pill, breast feeding, etc are thought of as being a good way to possibly prevent the disease because ovulation is ceased.  I recently attended a seminar where the doctor stated that tubal ligation is also a "preventative" in the sense that it prevents any foreign matter of any sorts from reaching the ovary.  

Take a few deep breathes....try to relax, you have nothing to worry about...if when  you see the doctor and there is a problem, then it is time to start to worry...not yet!!!!

Keep us posted.

[freshair]

Alot of women now are getting transvaginal ultrasounds on a yearly basis to keep a watch on the ovaries. If your deeply concerned I recommend that. I know that when I talked to the nurse at NYU, she said all the nurses were doing that. Very smart.