Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors
The cause of ovarian cancer is unknown, but several risk factors are associated with the disease.
Age
The incidence of ovarian cancer increases with age. Fifty percent of all cases are detected in women older than 65, and most are diagnosed after age 60. The American Cancer Society recommends annual pelvic exams for all women over age 40 to increase the chances of early detection.
Genetics
Women with a family history of ovarian cancer face an increased risk. One close relative with ovarian cancer increases the risk threefold, and the more relatives with ovarian cancer, the greater the risk.
Part of the increased familial risk can be explained by genetic mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which normally help protect against both breast and ovarian cancer. To read more about genetic risks, go to our genetic counseling page for more information.
Read more about Genetic Testing and Risk Assessment
Ethnicity
The incidence of ovarian cancer is highest among Caucasian women in Europe and North America and lowest among women of African origin. Incidence is also relatively low among Asian women.
Diet
Population studies show that ovarian cancer rates are highest in affluent societies where diets tend to be high in fat. Animal fats (the kind found in red meats, whole milk or cheese) appear to be most closely linked to ovarian cancer.
Reproductive history
Women who have no or few children or have delayed childbearing until after age 35 appear to have higher risk. Ovarian cancer appears more common in women who begin menstruating before age 12 or reach menopause after age 50.
Birth control pills
Women who take birth control pills have lower risk for ovarian cancer, perhaps because the pill suppresses ovulation and reduces exposure to estrogen. The longer a woman is on the pill, the lower the risk.
Other cancers
Women with a history of breast or endometrial cancer have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. This association may be due to genetic mutations or to such factors as diet and estrogen exposure, which also increase the risks for these other types of cancer.
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