is now a global health epidemic, which is widely understood as a significant risk for ovarian cancer ( the most deadly gynecologic malignancy that is often diagnosed at its advanced stages). Evidence is emerging that an elevated body mass index is associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer, particularly a non-serious type, associated with obesity. Weight management is crucial in mitigating the risk of this disease.

is one of the , due to its tendency to be diagnosed in advanced stages. It is affected by both hereditary and reproductive history, which increases its risk of validation. The association of this cancer with obesity is growing in attention as an important contributor to risk. The rise in obesity rates has now been associated with ovarian cancer, which needs prevention, early detection, and crucial lifestyle changes.

Dear woman, beware! New studies have shown that excess body weight can cause cancer in women - Here's what you need to know about your risk of developing ovarian cancer - one of the deadliest forms of this life-threatening disease.

Obesity is a condition in which body mass index (BMI) is elevated, and is considered to have reached the epidemic stage globally.

If you are wondering how exactly obesity triggers one's risk of developing ovarian cancer - here is what science says about it -

In patients with obesity, excess fat converts the androgen into estrogens, particularly following menopause. High levels of estrogen may stimulate the growth of cells in the ovaries and increase the potential for mutation, which could lead to tumor formation.

Obesity leads to chronic low-grade inflammation with elevated cytokine levels, including TNF- , IL-6, and CRP. This results in damaging the DNA and can also trigger the tumor advancement.

Obesity is often associated with insulin resistance, which leads to an increase in insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Both of them comprise mitogenic and anti-apoptotic properties, which promote the survival and growth of ovarian cancer cells.

Fat tissue secretes hormones known as adipokines. Patients with obesity have a larger amount of leptin than a normal individual. Leptin results in stimulating ovarian cancer cell growth and blood vessel development in the ovarian tumor, which results in accelerating the risk of the disease.

Several research studies have demonstrated the link between obesity and ovarian cancer.

Since obesity can be prevented through the following ways:

• Risk-based screening in women of higher BMI

Obesity is more than just a; it plays a critical role in the biological cycle of survival and growth of ovarian cancer. Recognising it early opens the door for impactful prevention that can be implemented. By prioritising awareness, early diagnosis, and targeting risk-based approaches, we can reduce the global incidence of ovarian cancer and improve the health conditions of women.