Who is at increased risk for developing ovarian cancer?

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(Free-Press-Release.com) January 10, 2005 -- Who is at increased risk for developing ovarian cancer?




Different factors may increase the risk for developing ovarian cancer. It is important to remember that while the presence of one or more of the following risk factors may increase a woman�s risk for developing ovarian cancer, it does not necessarily mean that it will. The following is a list of the more common risk factors related to the development of ovarian cancer.



� Personal or family history of breast, ovarian, endometrial, prostate or colon cancer.

� One or more first-degree relatives (mother, sister, daughter) who have ovarian cancer

� Several family members with ovarian and/or breast cancer

� Carrying a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation

� Uninterrupted ovulation (infertility, never used birth control pills or never pregnant)

� Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer or syndrome.

� Increasing age.

� Use of high dose estrogen for long periods without progesterone may be a risk factor.

� North American or Northern European heritage and/or Ashkenazi Jewish population..

� Living in an industrialized country.

� Age 40 or older. As with most cancers, a woman�s chance for developing ovarian cancer increases with increasing age. The highest risk group is age 70-79.