Risk factors for ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer can affect anyone with ovaries. Most people who develop ovarian cancer do not have a personal or family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer. However, certain individuals are at a higher risk of developing the disease. If you have any of the following risk factors for ovarian cancer, it’s important to talk to your doctor.
- Genetic predisposition: Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can cause ovarian cancer.
- History: A personal or family history of breast, ovarian, or colon cancer raises your risk of ovarian cancer.
- Increasing age: The likelihood of developing ovarian cancer increases as you get older.
- Infertility or no history of pregnancy: People who have never been pregnant are more likely to develop ovarian cancer than people who have been pregnant.
- Excess body fat: Excess body fat as measured by body mass index (BMI) increases your risk of ovarian cancer. Diet and nutrition may play a role in prevention.
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Evidence suggests that using HRT after menopause may slightly increase your risk of developing ovarian cancer.
- Environmental factors: Certain substances, such as talcum powder, are being researched for links to ovarian cancer. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about any past exposures.
How to prevent ovarian cancer
Currently, there are not any consistently reliable or accurate screening tests to detect ovarian cancer. If you have a family history of ovarian cancer or carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, or are at high risk, we can help you develop an ovarian cancer prevention strategy that may include one or more of the preventative methods below.
Genetic counseling can help determine the likelihood of having a gene mutation associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer. If you are found to carry one of these gene mutations, we can assist you in creating a prevention plan for yourself and, if necessary, your children. This plan may include ovarian cancer genetic testing.
If you have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutation, oral contraceptives (also called birth control pills) may reduce your risk of ovarian cancer by about 50 percent. However, this treatment may also increase your risk of developing breast cancer. Researchers are still examining the risks and benefits of oral contraceptives in relation to ovarian cancer.
If you are at an extremely high risk for ovarian cancer, your doctor may recommend preventive surgery to remove your ovaries. If you have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, removing your ovaries before menopause can decrease your risk of ovarian cancer up to 95 percent and your risk of breast cancer up to 60 percent.
Ovarian cancer prevention at Penn Medicine
Penn Medicine is a national leader in the field of breast and ovarian cancer genetics. We were the first medical center in the country to establish a breast and ovarian cancer risk evaluation program, the Mariann and Robert MacDonald Cancer Risk Evaluation Center, offering comprehensive cancer risk evaluation services. In addition, the Basser Center for BRCA at Penn Medicine offers genetic screening and counseling for BRCA-related cancers to help you understand and reduce your risk. Our teams of expert genetic counselors and gynecologic oncologists can provide the information, care, and support you need to make the best decisions about your health.
Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute
Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.