by KYW medical editor Dr. Brian McDonough
Ovarian Cancer is a particularly frightening form of cancer because we don't necessarily have warning signs that tip us off as to who is suffering the condition often until it is too late.
But there is information about who is at greater risk.
According to a new report, ovarian cancer survival is influenced by reproductive factors -- things like how often a women has a menstrual cycle.
A report from the Journal of Cancer looked at women who have their first menstrual period earlier are at greater risk of ovarian cancer and have a poorer survival rate.
Things that can offset ovarian cancer are pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives, and breast feeding.
That's because all of these things temporarily cause ovulation to cease. Those who have the highest risk for ovarian cancer are those who have family members with the condition.