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Risk Factors For Ovarian Cancer

All women are at risk for ovarian cancer but some women appear to be at greater risk. The following factors seem to contribute to an increased risk.

A family history of breast, ovarian, or colorectal cancer which accounts for 5-10%.

Women with the BRCA1 or BRCA2, which are gene mutations, have a 60% chance of getting ovarian, breast, or colon cancer.

Women who have never had children are at higher risk. Preventive measures include taking birth control pills for five years or more.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) in post-menopausal women very slightly increases the risk.

Infertility drugs appear to increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer.

To determine your risk factors, contact your gynecologic-oncologist or genetic counselor.

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Ovarian cancer is very treatable when detected early.