Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors: Age, Genetics, Hormones, and More

Ovarian Cancer: Known Risk Factors

Exact cause unknown; these factors increase probability:

1. Age – Peak 60s; rare <40.
2. Family history – 1st-degree relative with ovarian/breast cancer.
3. Genetic mutations – BRCA1 (40–50% lifetime risk), BRCA2 (10–20%), Lynch syndrome.
4. Personal breast cancer history
5. Endometriosis – Slight ↑ risk (clear cell, endometrioid subtypes).
6. Nulliparity – Never pregnant.
7. Obesity – Especially postmenopausal.
8. Long-term estrogen-only HRT – >10 years.
9. Talc use (genital) – Inconclusive; some meta-analyses show modest ↑.
10. Occupational exposures – Asbestos, radiation, certain chemicals (limited evidence).

Protective Factors

• Oral contraceptives (≥5 yrs → 50% risk reduction).
• Pregnancy, breastfeeding.
• Tubal ligation, salpingectomy.

Screening

No effective population screening. High-risk: consider risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) after childbearing.