family history of ovarian cancer

March 19, 2005 (Press Release) -- Women who have a family history of ovarian cancer are at an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Women who have one first-degree relative (mother, daughter, or sister) with ovarian cancer are at an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. This risk is higher in women who have one first-degree relative and one second-degree relative (grandmother or aunt) with ovarian cancer. This risk is even higher in women who have two or more first-degree relatives with ovarian cancer.