MOUNT VERNON — Knox Community Hospital is celebrating Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month by sharing some key insights into ways to identify the risks, symptoms and a few ways to reduce your risk factors.

According to the CDC, treatment options are most effective when ovarian cancer is found sooner in the staging process. Knowing your risk without question is challenging, but there are some markers to offer some insight. Middle‐aged women with a family history of ovarian cancer, those formerly diagnosed with breast, uterine or colorectal cancer, those diagnosed with endometriosis, those with challenges getting pregnant or giving birth are at the highest risk for ovarian cancer.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer can include vaginal bleeding or discharge (especially those who have experienced menopause); back, abdominal and pelvic area pain or pressure; bloating or feeling full quickly; and any changes in restroom habits. The CDC recommends that you track symptoms for two weeks to assure that what you are experiencing is not related to another condition, and then contacting your provider to learn more.

Reducing your risk factors can begin by talking with your primary care provider or your OB/GYN about what options suit you best. The following options may lower the risk of ovarian cancer. Believe it or not, if you've used birth control pills for five years or more, had a tubal ligation (tubes tied), both ovaries removed, a hysterectomy, gave birth or breastfed for a year or more are all considered ways that you can lower your risk for ovarian cancer.

If you are looking for a new OB/GYN, please visit our team at kch.org/obstetrics‐gynecology or call 740-326-3531 to schedule an appointment.

To learn more about ovarian cancer, please visit cdc.gov/cancer/ovarian/basic_info/index.htm.