About risk factors
Anything that increases a person’s chance of developing a disease is called a risk factor, while anything that decreases a person’s chance of developing a disease is called a protective factor. Some risk factors cannot be changed, for example, your age or family medical history. Others can, such as your weight.
When reading about risk factors and possible protective factors, it’s imperative to keep in mind that having one or more risk factors doesn’t mean you will develop ovarian cancer.
- If you have questions or concerns about risk factors, you should follow up with your physician, or contact UCSD Medical Center to arrange a consultation with one of our gynecologic oncology specialists.
Ovarian cancer risk factors
When it comes to ovarian cancer, the greatest risk factor is an inherited genetic mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. These genes are responsible for about five percent to 10 percent of all ovarian cancers. Another genetic link to ovarian cancer is an inherited syndrome known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) or Lynch Syndrome. Women from families with HNPCC have an increased risk of developing several cancers, including ovarian.
Having a relative with ovarian cancer can also increase your risk, although not as much as the genetic mutation.
Age is the next greatest risk factor. The majority of ovarian cancers occur in women who have reached menopause, and the risk increases with age.
The following are also considered or suspected to be risk factors in ovarian cancer, according to the PDQ® (Physician Data Query), which is the National Cancer Institute’s comprehensive cancer database. This database contains peer-reviewed summaries on cancer treatment, screening, prevention, genetics, and supportive care.
- Obesity: Excess body fat as measured by BMI (body mass index), including during the teen years, is considered to be a risk factor.
- Hormone replacement therapy, also called hormone therapy: Considered to be a risk factor for postmenopausal women. The risk may be different for estrogen-only therapy and estrogen-progestin replacement therapy .
- Fertility drugs: Some studies have shown an increased risk in women who have used these drugs, especially those who did not become pregnant.
- Talcum powder: Some studies have shown a relationship between use of talcum powder in the genital area and increased risk.
Possible Protective factors
Protective factors which may decrease risk of ovarian cancer, according to the PDQ® database, include:
- Use of oral contraceptives: Compared with women who have never used them, women who have used them for three or more years may reduce their risk by up to 50 percent.
- Childbearing and breastfeeding: Having at least one child has been shown to lower risk, while breastfeeding for a year or longer may reduce your risk.
- Tubal ligation: This sterilization procedure has been linked to lower risk.
Learn More About Ovarian Cancer
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