What Are the Risk Factors For Ovarian Cancer

--> Before I list the risk factors for ovarian cancer it is important to know that having a risk factor does not mean you will get the disease. But there are some factors that have been found to increase the likelihood that a women will develop the epithelial ovarian cancer ( the most common type). 

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The average woman’s risk for ovarian cancer in her lifetime is 

1 in 75.

Risk Factors:

Age: The average age of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer is 63 years.

Obesity: Studies have shown a relationship between obesity and ovarian cancer (BMI  of 30)

Reproductive History: Never being pregnant

Estrogen Therapy: Studies show that taking estrogen 5-10 years have an increased risk

Male Hormones: Studies show that women who take male hormones are at a higher risk for Ovarian cancer.

Personal History: Women who have had breast , uterine, colon or rectal cancer have an increase risk for ovarian cancer.

Family History:A family history of breast, ovarian, colorectal cancer ( BRCA1and BRCA2 gene mutations, Lynch syndrome, hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer)  

PTEN Syndrome: Women with the inherited mutation of the PTEN gene have an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Also known as Cowden disease .

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Fertility Drugs: Some studies showed that the use of fertility drug Clomid , increased a woman’s risk for ovarian cancer.

Talc: Women who use talcum powder in the genital area have an increase risk. Please note that since the 70’s talc powder products must be asbestos-free. 

For more information please check this NCI source : http://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovariancancer/detailedguide/ovarian-cancer-risk-factors

Dee
Every Day is a Blessing !