Causes Of Ovarian Cancer

Doctors can not always explain why one woman develops ovarian cancer and the other not. However, we know that women with certain risk factors may be more likely than others to develop ovarian cancer. A risk factor is something that can increase the chances of developing a disease.

Studies have shown the following risk factors for ovarian cancer:

Doctors can not always explain why one woman develops ovarian cancer and another does not. But we know that women with certain risk factors may be more likely than others to develop ovarian cancer. A risk factor is anything that may increase the risk of developing a disease.

Family history of cancer: Women who have a mother, daughter or sister with ovarian cancer have an increased risk of disease. In addition, women with a family history of breast, uterus, colon or rectum also may have an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

If several women in a family have ovarian or breast cancer, especially at a young age, this is considered a strong family history. If you have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, you can talk with a genetic counselor. The counselor may suggest genetic testing for you and the women in his family. Genetic testing can sometimes show the presence of specific genetic changes that increase the risk of ovarian cancer.

More than 55 years: most women are more than 55 years at diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

Personal history of cancer: Women with breast cancer, uterus, colon or rectum are at increased risk of ovarian cancer.

Never pregnant: Older women who have never been pregnant have an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

Menopausal hormone therapy: Some studies have shown that women who self-estrogen (estrogen without progesterone) for at least 10 years may be at increased risk of ovarian cancer.


Having a risk factor does not mean that the woman has cancer of the ovary. Most women who have risk factors do not have ovarian cancer. Moreover, few women make the disease often have no known risk factors, except age. Women who think they can be at risk for ovarian cancer should discuss with their doctor