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Causes of ovarian cancer

Just like any other cancers, the cause of ovarian cancer is unknown. Many studies suggest that the following risk factors may be associated with the ovarian cancer:

Age

The chance of developing ovarian cancer increases with age. Most ovarian cancer cases are found in women who are past menopause and/or over the age of 50.

Having children

Having children seems to reduce the risk of having ovarian cancer. The more children a woman has had, the less likely she will develop ovarian cancer.

Family history of cancer

About 1 in 20 ovarian cancer cases, are caused by inherited mutation genes. These genes are known as BRCA1 and BRCA2. These two genes are also known to contribute to breast cancer risk. Women with the BRCA1 mutation are at greater risk of developing ovarian cancer. If someone in your family has had ovarian cancer or breast cancer, you may have a greater chance of developing ovarian cancer than other women. If this is the case, you should consult your doctor or the genetic counseling if you are worried about your chance of having cancer.

Personal Medical history

Your personal medical history plays an important part in the possibility of developing ovarian cancer. If you have had a history of breast or colon cancer, you may have a greater chance of developing ovarian cancer than other women who do not have history of any of these cancers.

Using hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Research suggests; HRT might have some association with the risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Having Endometriosis

There are findings that, women with endometriosis have a greater chance of developing ovarian cancer.