Bowel Ovarian Cancer: What to Know

Bowel ovarian cancer is not a recognized type of cancer. There are two separate types of cancer that affect these areas: bowel cancer (also known as colorectal cancer) and ovarian cancer.

Bowel cancer

Bowel cancer, or colorectal cancer, starts in the large bowel, also known as the colon or rectum. It is one of the most common types of cancer in the world.

Risk factors for bowel cancer include:

* Age: The risk of bowel cancer increases with age.

* Family history: People with a family history of bowel cancer are more likely to develop the disease.

* Personal history of polyps: Polyps are small growths that can form on the lining of the colon or rectum. Some polyps can develop into cancer.

* Inflammatory bowel disease: People with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease are more likely to develop bowel cancer.

* Obesity: Obese people are more likely to develop bowel cancer.

* Physical inactivity: People who are physically inactive are more likely to develop bowel cancer.

* Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of bowel cancer.

* Alcohol consumption: Heavy alcohol consumption increases the risk of bowel cancer.

* High-fat diet: A diet high in saturated fat and red meat increases the risk of bowel cancer.

* Low-fiber diet: A diet low in fiber increases the risk of bowel cancer.

Symptoms of bowel cancer can include:

* A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or a feeling of incomplete bowel movements

* Blood in the stool

* Narrow stools

* Abdominal pain or discomfort

* Weight loss

* Fatigue

* Nausea and vomiting

Treatment for bowel cancer depends on the stage of the disease. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.

Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the ovaries, which are two almond-sized organs located on each side of the uterus. Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States.

Risk factors for ovarian cancer include:

* Age: The risk of ovarian cancer increases with age.

* Family history: Women with a family history of ovarian cancer or breast cancer are more likely to develop the disease.

* BRCA gene mutations: Women who carry a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene are at an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

* Lynch syndrome: Women with Lynch syndrome, an inherited condition that increases the risk of certain types of cancer, are at an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

* Endometriosis: Women with endometriosis, a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, are at an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

* Obesity: Obese women are more likely to develop ovarian cancer.

* Nulliparity: Women who have never given birth are more likely to develop ovarian cancer.

* Hormone replacement therapy: Women who have taken hormone replacement therapy for a long period of time are at an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

* Pelvic inflammatory disease: Women who have had pelvic inflammatory disease are at an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:

* Bloating

* Pelvic pain

* Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly

* Weight loss

* Fatigue

* Nausea and vomiting

* Urinary urgency or frequency

* Constipation

* Diarrhea

* Menstrual irregularities

Treatment for ovarian cancer depends on the stage of the disease. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.

Prevention

There are no sure ways to prevent bowel or ovarian cancer, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of these diseases.

For bowel cancer:

* Eat a healthy diet that is high in fiber and low in saturated fat and red meat.

* Get regular exercise.

* Maintain a healthy weight.

* Avoid smoking.

* Limit alcohol consumption.

* Get regular cancer screenings, such as colonoscopies.

For ovarian cancer:

* Know your family history of cancer.

* Consider genetic testing if you have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer.

* Use oral contraceptives for at least 5 years.

* Have children if you can.

* Breastfeed your children if you can.

* Maintain a healthy weight.

* Get regular exercise.

* Eat a healthy diet.

* Avoid smoking.

* Limit alcohol consumption.

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