What Causes Ovarian Cancer?
The exact causes of
ovarian cancer are not known. However, studies show that certain factors may increase a person's chance of developing the disease. These are known as ovarian cancer risk factors.
Specific risk factors for ovarian cancer include:
Family History of the Condition
First-degree relatives (mother, daughter, or sister) of a woman who has had ovarian cancer are at increased risk of developing this type of cancer themselves. The likelihood is especially high if two or more first-degree relatives have had the disease. The risk is somewhat less, but still above average if other relatives (grandmother, aunt, or cousin) have had ovarian cancer. A family history of breast or
colon cancer is also associated with an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Age Over 50
The likelihood of developing ovarian cancer increases as a woman gets older. Most ovarian cancers occur in women over the age of 50, with the highest risk in women over age 60.
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