The exact cause of ovarian cancer is
unknown in most cases. However, the risk of developing this cancer
appears to be affected by several factors:
1. Age: Most ovarian cancers happen after menopause, over 50% of cases occurring in women over the age of 63.
2. Obesity: Study shows that overweight and obese women seem to have a higher risk of ovarian cancer.
3. Having children: There is a lower risk of ovarian cancer in women who have had children compared to those who do not have any children. Pregnancy and breastfeeding lowers the risk as well.
4. Female surgery: Surgical procedures such as "tubes tied" (tubal
ligation), and uterus removal (hysterectomy) may reduce the likelihood
of getting ovarian cancer.1. Age: Most ovarian cancers happen after menopause, over 50% of cases occurring in women over the age of 63.
2. Obesity: Study shows that overweight and obese women seem to have a higher risk of ovarian cancer.
3. Having children: There is a lower risk of ovarian cancer in women who have had children compared to those who do not have any children. Pregnancy and breastfeeding lowers the risk as well.
5. Male hormones: Women taking (androgens) are at higher risk of ovarian cancer.
6. Endometriosis (a condition where tissue from the lining of the uterus grows elsewhere in the body).
7. Fertility drugs: Some studies have found that use of the fertility drug clomiphene citrate for longer than one year, may increase the risk of low malignant potential tumors.
8. Family history of gynecological cancers: Ovarian cancer can run in families. Having a family member with any gynecological cancer (cervical cancer, ovarian cancer etc) can increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
9. Estrogen therapy and hormone therapy: Some recent studies suggest women using estrogens after menopause have an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
10. Genetic changes and syndromes: Certain inherited gene changes (mutations) can increase the risk of ovarian cancer. These include changes in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
11. Breast cancer: Women who have had breast cancer also have a higher risk of ovarian cancer.
12. Talcum powder: Using talcum powder on the genital area is shown to increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
13. Diet: Diet rich in vegetables, fibre and low in fat is associated with a reduced risk of ovarian cancer.
14. Smoking and alcohol use: These increase the risk of one type of cancer (called mucinous).
References:
Ovarian cancer, National cancer institute –
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