The most important risk factors for the development of ovarian cancer are:
- Age. As you age, your chances of developing ovarian cancer increase. According to the American Cancer Society, half of all ovarian cancer cases are in women over the age of 63.
- Previously having cancer. This is especially true if you have a personal history of breast cancer. What initially caused the breast cancer may have been the inherited gene mutations BRCA 1 or BRCA 2, which are also determinants for ovarian cancer.
- Never having been pregnant. If you have never given birth or have experienced problems becoming pregnant, you may have a higher risk of ovarian cancer than parous women (those who have given birth). Risk goes down with every pregnancy a woman has.
- Family history of the disease. If your mother, sister or daughter has been diagnosed with the disease before, your risk of developing the disease is higher than if a more distant relative has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Almost 10 percent of ovarian cancers occur in women who are at increased risk due to familial history of the disease.
- Inherited gene mutations. The BRCA 1 and BRCA 1 inherited gene mutations have been proven to increase risk. Still, only a small percentage of ovarian cancers can be linked to this.
- Hormone replacement therapy. Often used for menopause, this form of therapy has recently been associated with increased ovarian cancer risk. Despite this possible link, findings confirming it as a risk factor have been inconsistent.
- Obesity. Women with a body mass index of at least 30 have a high risk of ovarian cancer. In one study conducted by the American Cancer Society, risk increased by up to 50 percent in obese women.