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Risk factors for ovarian cancer
Age
Ovarian cancer is a disease of older women. Ovarian cancer rarely develops in pre-menopausal women. Majority of ovarian cancers develop in women aged between 50 and 75 years. The chance of developing ovarian cancer increases with age. The highest risk of ovarian cancer development is between ages 75 and 79.
Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
Although the majority of cases of ovarian cancer occur in women who don't have a strong family history of the disease, a small number of ovarian cancer cases are linked to a hereditary and familial factors. There are several genes those, if mutated, will increase a woman's risk of ovarian cancer. The most important of these genes include BRCA1 and BRCA2. Women who have BRCA1 gene mutation have up to an 80-percent increased lifetime risk of breast cancer, and as much as a 60-percent increased lifetime risk of ovarian cancer. Genetic tests are available to determine whether a woman has a BRCA1 gene mutation.
Use of fertility drugs
Fertility drugs are commonly used in women who have difficulty in getting pregnant. These drugs may be associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
Use of hormone replacement therapy
Women who use HRT after menopause may be at increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. HRT may have other negative effects as well. Taking HRT as a combination therapy estrogen plus progestin can result in serious side effects and health risks. If you're considering HRT, work with your doctor to evaluate the options and decide what's
Race
In the United States ovarian cancer is more common in Caucasian women compared to African American women.
More resources for ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer news
Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer genetic testing
Breast cancer and ovarian cancer resources
cancer Basics
Introduction to cancer
Cancer information
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