• Family history of ovarian cancer
• Age over 50
• No history of childbirth
• Personal history of breast cancer or colon cancer
• Use of fertility drugs
• Use of talc in the genital area
• Use of hormone replacement therapy.

Family History of Ovarian Cancer

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.