Ovarian cancer risk factors

The causes of ovarian cancer are largely unknown. There are however some factors than can put people at higher risk.

Non-changable risk factors

Age

Ovarian cancer is most common in people over the age of 55, but it can occur at a younger age. There are many different types of ovarian cancer, and some are more common in younger people. Younger people tend to be affected by rarer types of ovarian cancer.

Family history

A family history of breast, ovarian and some other cancers can suggest that a gene variation is being inherited through generations. This gene change increases the risk of developing certain cancers, including ovarian. 

Between 5 and 15 out of 100 ovarian cancers (5 to 15%) are caused by an inherited gene change.

The two best known genes involved in inherited ovarian cancer are BRCA1 and BRCA2. These genes can carry a variation that increases the risk of breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancer and can be inherited from male as well as female family members. 

You can read more about ovarian cancer and genetics here

Personal history of cancer

You have an increased risk of ovarian cancer if you've had breast cancer in the past. The risk is higher in women diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age, and those with oestrogen receptor negative (ER negative) breast cancer.

Women who had bowel cancer at a young age have an increased risk of ovarian cancer compared to the general population. The increase in risk of ovarian cancer after previous cancer is likely to be partly due to inherited gene variations such as BRCA 1 and 2, and Lynch syndrome.

Lifestyle and Environmental risk factors

Smoking

Smoking can increase the risk of certain types of ovarian cancer such as mucinous ovarian cancer. The longer you have smoked, the greater the risk.

Asbestos

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classify asbestos as a cause of ovarian cancer.

Using Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Using HRT after the menopause increases the risk of ovarian cancer. In the UK, less than 1 in 100 (1 per cent) of ovarian cancers are linked to HRT use. Remember that the increase in risk is small and HRT is helpful for many people with menopausal symptoms so always discuss your individual situation with your GP.

Radiation exposure

There is some evidence to link radiation with an increased risk of ovarian cancer. A very small number of ovarian cancer cases may be caused by radiotherapy for a previous cancer.

Being overweight or obese

Having excess body fat is linked to an increase in risk of ovarian cancer.

Medical Conditions

Endometriosis

Studies have shown that people with edonmetriosis have a higher risk of ovarian cancer.

Diabetes 

Studies have shown that people with diabetes have an increased risk of ovarian cancer, especially those that use insulin.

No pregnancies

Ovulation is thought to contribute to the development of ovarian cancer, as the ovary’s DNA is damaged each time ovulation occurs. So in theory the fewer times a person ovulates in their lifetime, the lower their risk of ovarian cancer will be. Ovulation usually stops during pregnancy, so this can reduce the lifetime risk of ovarian cancer. Similarly, using contraceptives that prevent ovulation can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.

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