Ovarian Cancer - Cause

SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS

Experts do not know exactly what causes ovarian cancer. Genetics, such as DNA changes, are a risk factor for some women.

A family history Click here to see an illustration. of ovarian or breast cancer is found in 10% to 20% of women with ovarian cancer.8 In general, fewer than 2 out of 100 women (less than 2%) will get ovarian cancer in their lifetime. That risk goes up to 4 or 5 out of 100 if one family member has had ovarian cancer, and 7 out of 100 if two relatives have had it. But if at least two first-degree relatives (meaning mother, sister, or daughter) have had ovarian cancer, the risk is 25 to 50 out of 100 (25% to 50%).13

Women who inherit changes (genetic mutations) in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes have a higher chance of developing ovarian cancer and breast cancer. Women who inherit the gene change in BRCA1 have a lifetime chance of 20 to 60 out of 100 of getting ovarian cancer. For women who inherit the gene change in BRCA2, the lifetime chance is 10 to 35 out of 100.17

You have a higher chance of developing ovarian cancer if you:

  • Are unable to become pregnant (infertility).
  • Have never had a baby.
  • Have not used hormonal birth control methods. Hormonal methods change the normal cycle of the female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, so ovulation does not occur each month.

If you have a strong family history of ovarian or breast cancer, you may want to talk with your doctor or a genetic counselor about having a blood test to look for BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene changes. Women who inherit these changes in one or both of these genes have a higher chance of developing ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or both.

By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: October 22, 2009
Medical Review: Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine
Ross Berkowitz, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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