BEIRUT (Enmaeya News) — September 28, 2025

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women, experts say several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing the disease.

Risk Factors
Women over the age of 50, particularly postmenopausal women, are more likely to be affected. A family history of ovarian, breast, or colon cancer in a first-degree relative—such as a mother or sister—also raises the risk due to possible inherited genetic mutations.

Other risk factors include infertility, early onset of menstruation, delayed menopause, and gynecological conditions such as endometriosis.

Symptoms
Signs of ovarian cancer can be subtle and include:

• Persistent bloating or abdominal swelling

• Feeling full after small meals

• Continuous pain in the stomach, back, or pelvis

• Frequent or sudden urges to urinate

• Digestive issues such as constipation or diarrhea

• Unexplained fatigue

• Unexplained weight loss

Treatment
The first step in treatment is surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible. This may involve both ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the uterus, and parts of nearby organs.

Following surgery, most patients undergo chemotherapy. Targeted drugs are also available to prevent cancer cells from returning, and immunotherapy is increasingly used to treat recurrent cases.