Worries about ovarian cancer

[Dineez]

I'm a 41 year old black woman who has never been pregnant and no history of taking oral contraceptives. Having children was something me and my husband discussed before getting married, and when it never happened we thought it just wasn't meant to be. At this stage in life I am very worried about ovarian cancer. What can I do to lower my risks? I was told that oral contraception contraception could lower my risks, but I'm concerned about taking it at my age. Also, what about tubal ligation or having a hysterectomy? Will having a CA125 blood test and transvaginal ultrasonography annually help with early detection? There is no history of ovarian cancer in my family, but I have a cousin (my mother's daughter) who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. Am I being overly concerned, or are my worries justified?

Thank you very much for any responses.

[Dineez]

Thanks for your responses ladies. I had a small cyst on my ovary last year but it was of no concern and dissolved on its own as well. Also I have no symptoms of ovarian cancer to speak of. Thank God! My concern just comes from knowing what the risk factors are. I never followed up at the doctors about why I couldn't conceive. It was just one of those things me and my husband accepted. Luckily I am very much in tune with my body, and am aware of what the symptoms of ovarian ca are. I'm currently in search for a new gyno and will discuss my concerns with them. Thank you ladies for your responses and wish all of you the best of luck and health.

[vegas2cr]

Nothing you are going to do will prevent  ovarian cancer.. I had no family history, had 3 kids had a tubal ligation at 28 active thin healthy and bam diagnosed with late stage IV ovarian cancer 15 months ago.. I even breast fed my kids... etc.. it was in the cards for me no real apparent reason. Most ovarian cancer is idiopathic meaning no KNOWN cause...

A ca 125 for a pre menopausal women is not accurate.... If it was me I would not worry about it but be aware of symptoms that doctors push away as Iritable bowel syndrome.. I never had any warning.. one day I had a dull pain on my left side and severe constipation.. 3 weeks later after exploratory surgery we knew the truth... you know your own body...

Also ovarian cancer is EXTREMELY RARE.  I wish you continued good health.. Ronni

[Bo33]

What prompted your concern did you have a cyst?  What was said? You have no Hx correct any symptons? I am 34 y/o blk female with post 2 kids, I have no hx in my family, but they are also poor historians my mother is healthier than me!! LOL.. I however had swelling last year and for a ultrasound which showed a cyst. It dissolved on its own. Most do. If your that concerned speak to your gyn? Were u given a Dx as to why you could not concieve? If there were not medical reasons or components to worry about with ovarian ca.   From my understanding  a ca-125 test will measure ovarian ca  in late stages.. If your not satisfied like I was not a needed a piece of mind, get a second opinion... I was frantic especially being a single parent with a hectic career.. So now I take a hormone and hopefully it will work.