Ovarian cancer has a lifetime risk of about 1 in 78 for women, according to the American Cancer Society. Routine screening is not recommended as ovaries are difficult to assess directly. Screening is typically based on family history, particularly BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 genes. If you have a family history, it's important to get checked for these genes, especially before age 40. Screening should be done in consultation with your healthcare provider, who can provide personalized guidance based on your medical and family history. If you have concerns about ovarian cancer risk, discuss them with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.

Common risk factors for ovarian cancer include a family history of ovarian, breast, or colon cancer, a personal history of breast or colon cancer, the presence of certain gene mutations (such as BRCA1 and BRCA2), increasing age, never being pregnant or having a first pregnancy after the age of 35, use of estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for a long duration, and a history of endometriosis.

Warning signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer may include abdominal bloating or swelling, pelvic or abdominal pain, feeling full quickly or difficulty eating, changes in bowel or bladder habits (such as increased urgency or frequency), unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and changes in the menstrual cycle. However, it's important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions and may not necessarily indicate ovarian cancer.