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Risk factors :
Most scientists agree that these things affect the risk of ovarian
cancer. Some may apply to you, but others may not.
Age and ovarian cancer :
The risk of ovarian cancer goes up with age. While some women in their
20's and 30's get ovarian cancer, the large majority of cases are diagnosed in
women over 45. The average age that ovarian cancer is found is 61.
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Birth control pills and ovarian cancer :
Women who take birth control pills for at least 5 years have a lower risk of
ovarian cancer. The longer a woman takes the pill, the more she lowers her
risk. While a woman is taking them, birth control pills keep her from ovulating
(when the ovaries produce an egg). Ovulating raises the amount of estrogen a
woman is exposed to throughout her life. Estrogen is a female reproductive
hormone mainly released during the menstrual cycle. High levels of estrogen may
cause cells in the ovaries to become cancerous. Birth control pills can have
positive and negative effects on a woman's health. If taken for at least 5
years, birth control pills can lower a woman's risk of colon cancer, uterine
cancer and ovarian cancer. But while she's taking them, they raise her risk of
breast cancer, heart attack and stroke. When she stops taking them, her risk
returns to normal. For some women, they can also cause side effects like nausea
and vomiting.
WARNING: Smoking and taking birth control pills can be a
deadly combination. Together, they greatly increase the risk of heart attack
and stroke. All women who smoke should quit for good as soon as possible.
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Number of births and ovarian cancer :
Women who give birth to less than 2 children have a higher risk of ovarian
cancer. The fewer pregnancies a woman has, the more she ovulates (when the
ovaries produce an egg). Ovulating raises the amount of estrogen a woman is
exposed to throughout her life. Estrogen is a female reproductive hormone
mainly released during the menstrual cycle. High levels of estrogen may cause
cells in the ovaries to become cancerous. Women who give birth to less than 2
children also have a higher risk of breast cancer and cervical cancer.
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Breast feeding and ovarian cancer :
Women who breast feed for at least 1 year combined over all pregnancies have a
lower risk of ovarian cancer. The more a woman breast feeds, the less she
ovulates (when the ovaries produce an egg). Ovulating raises the amount of
estrogen a woman is exposed to throughout her life. Estrogen is a female
reproductive hormone mainly released during the menstrual cycle. High levels of
estrogen may cause cells in the ovaries to become cancerous.
Women who breast feed also have a lower risk of breast cancer.
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Tied Fallopian Tubes and ovarian cancer :
Women who get their fallopian tubes tied have a lower risk of ovarian cancer.
Scientists aren't sure why. After the operation, there may be changes in
hormone levels which help protect the ovaries from cancer.
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Hysterectomy and ovarian cancer :
Women who've had a hysterectomy have a lower risk of ovarian cancer. Scientists
aren't sure why. After the operation, there may be changes in hormone levels
which help protect the ovaries from cancer.
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Family History and ovarian cancer :
Women who have a mother or sister with ovarian cancer have a higher risk of the
disease. This is because a small number of ovarian cancers are linked to
mutations in the genetic structure (DNA) of the body's cells. These mutations
can be passed on from generation to generation. With many diseases, people who
have a family history have a higher risk. A family history raises the risk of
several cancers like bladder, ovarian cancer, kidney and skin cancer. It also
raises the risk of diabetes, bone loss (osteoporosis) and stroke.
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