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 primary peritoneal cancer:
Age
Your risk for developing primary peritoneal cancer increases with age. Most women with primary peritoneal cancer are older than 50.
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Personal History
You may have an increased chance of getting primary peritoneal 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 primary peritoneal cancer are at an increased risk of developing the disease. Also, a family history of breast cancer, uterine cancer, or colorectal cancer may increase your risk for primary peritoneal cancer. Some cases of primary peritoneal cancer may be caused by inherited genetic traits such as mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes or Lynch Syndrome, which is associated with mutations in genes involved in DNA mismatch repair.
Hormone (Estrogen) Therapy
Women who have taken estrogen after menopause may be at an increased risk for primary peritoneal cancer.
Pregnancy
Older women who have never been pregnant are at an increased risk for primary peritoneal cancer. This risk goes down each time a woman gives birth.
Obesity
Women who are extremely overweight are at an increased risk for developing primary peritoneal cancer.
