OVARIAN CANCER CAUSES

• Age. Most ovarian cancers develop in women over age 50, with the highest risk in women over age 60.
• Family history. First-degree relatives (mother, daughters, and sisters) of a woman with ovarian cancer are at increased risk of developing the disease. The risk is especially high if two or more first-degree relatives have had it. A family history of breast or colon cancer is also associated with an increased risk for ovarian cancer.
• Personal history. Women who have had breast or colon cancer may have a greater chance of developing ovarian cancer than women who have not had these diseases.
• Childbearing. Women who have never had children are more likely to develop ovarian cancer. The more children a woman has had, the less likely she is to develop the disease.
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Some studies suggest that women who use HRT after menopause may have a slightly increase risk of ovarian cancer.
• Fertility drugs. Researchers are studying a possible link between fertility drugs (drugs that cause a woman to ovulate) and an increased risk for ovarian cancer.
• Talc. Some studies suggest that women who have used talc in the genital area for many years may be at a higher risk for ovarian cancer.