Causes and Risk Factors of Ovarian Cancer

Today doctors still do not know exactly what causes women to get ovarian cancer. However, research has helped to identify certain risk factors that can lead to ovarian cancer or make a person more susceptible to ovarian cancer. The risk factors will increase a persons chance of developing ovarian cancer.

Through research and statistics it has been determined that ovarian cancer is typically found in women over the age of sixty. This was in at least fifty percent of the reported cases of ovarian cancer. It is most common in post-menopausal women which is why it is still possible that is can develop in younger women as well.

In addition, research has shown that ovarian cancer is more likely to develop in Caucasian women rather than African American women. Women who have a prior history of breast cancer will also have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer at some time in their life. Scientists believe this is because of the mutated BRCA gene.

Family history also plays a big role. Those who have a family history of colorectal, breast or ovarian cancer are at an increased risk of getting ovarian cancer sometime in their life. Once again scientists believe this is because of the inherited BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.

Doctors have found that post menopausal women who use hormone replacement therapy have a higher risk of getting ovarian cancer. Those who have never had children or children after the age of thirty have an increased risk factor. Doctor believe this is because the number of menstrual cycles a woman has affects the chances of getting ovarian cancer.

Those who use fertility drugs will have a three times more likely chance of having ovarian cancer over those who don’t use fertility drugs. Those who use fertility drugs and don’t conceive will have an additional higher risk.

Jeanette Pollock is a freelance author and website owner of ovariancancerdomain.com ovariancancerdomain.com. Visit Jeanette’s site to learn more about ovariancancerdomain.com/2006/07/21/causes-and-risk-factors-of-ovarian-cancer/ ovarian cancer risks.

Tags: breast cancer, cancer risk, ovarian cancer

Related posts

• The Facts About Breast Cancer (0)
• Nine Ways to Reduce Breast Cancer Risk (0)
• More Evidence That Green Tea Reduces Prostate Cancer Risk (0)
• Breast Cancer Risks and Prevention Tips (0)
• Are You At Risk Of Breast Cancer (0)

Tags: breast cancer, cancer risk, ovarian cancer