Ovarian Cancer (cont.)
Risk factors
Doctors cannot always explain why one woman develops ovarian cancer and
another does not. However, we do know that women with certain risk factors may
be more likely than others to develop ovarian cancer. A risk factor is something
that may increase the chance of developing a disease.
Studies have found the following risk factors for ovarian cancer:
- Family history of cancer: Women who have a mother, daughter, or sister
with ovarian cancer have an increased risk of the disease. Also, women with a
family history of cancer of the breast, uterus, colon, or rectum may also 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 strong
family history of ovarian or breast cancer, you may wish to talk to a genetic
counselor. The counselor may suggest genetic testing for you and the women in
your family. Genetic tests can sometimes show the presence of specific gene
changes that increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
- Personal history of cancer: Women who have had cancer of the breast,
uterus, colon, or rectum have a higher risk of ovarian cancer.
- Age over 55: Most women are over age 55 when diagnosed with ovarian
cancer.
- Never pregnant: Older women who have never been pregnant have an
increased risk of ovarian cancer.
- Menopausal hormone therapy: Some studies have suggested that women who
take estrogen by itself (estrogen without progesterone) for 10 or more years may
have an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
Scientists have also studied whether taking certain fertility drugs, using
talcum powder, or being obese are risk factors. It is not clear whether these
are risk factors, but if they are, they are not strong risk factors.
Having a risk factor does not mean that a woman will get ovarian cancer. Most
women who have risk factors do not get ovarian cancer. On the other hand, women
who do get the disease often have no known risk factors, except for growing
older. Women who think they may be at risk of ovarian cancer should talk with
their doctor.
Next: What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer? »
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