Risk Factors
A risk factor is a characteristic, behavior, or condition that raises the possibility of getting a disease. Here are some known risk factors for developing ovarian cancer:
Age
Your risk for developing ovarian cancer increases with age. Most women with ovarian cancer are older than 50.
Click Image to Enlarge.
Personal History
You may have an increased chance of getting ovarian cancer if you have had cancer in your breasts, uterus, colon, or rectum.
Family History/Genetics
Close relatives (mothers, sisters, daughters) of a woman with ovarian cancer are at an increased risk for developing the disease. Also, a family history of breast cancer, uterine cancer, or colorectal cancer may increase your risk for ovarian cancer. Up to 20% of ovarian cancers may be caused by inherited genetic traits such as mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes or Lynch Syndrome, which is known to be associated with mutations in genes involved in the DNA mismatch repair pathway.
Hormone (Estrogen) Therapy
Women who have taken estrogen after menopause may be at an increased risk for ovarian cancer.
Pregnancy
Older women who have never been pregnant are at an increased risk for ovarian cancer. This risk goes down each time a woman gives birth.
Obesity
Women who are overweight are at an increased risk for developing ovarian cancer.
