Doctors cannot always clarify why one woman have ovarian cancer and another do not. But we know, that women with certain risk factors may be more likely than others to develop ovarian cancer. Having risk factor doesn't mean you will get ovarian cancer for sure. But it's only a sign that increase the chance of getting this disease.
Studies have found the following risk factors for ovarian cancer:
- Age over 55: Most women are over age 55 when diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
- Family history of cancer: Women who have family-related peoples with ovarian cancer have an increased risk of the disease. And, women with a family history of cancer of the breast, colon, rectum , or uterus may also have an increased risk of ovarian cancer. If several women in a family have ovarian or breast cancer, especially at a young age, this is considered a strong family history. If you have a strong family history of ovarian or breast cancer, you may wanna talk to a genetic counselor. The counselor may advice testing for you and the women in your family. Genetic tests can sometimes indicate the presence of specific gene changes that increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
- Menopausal hormone therapy: Some studies have adviced that women who take estrogen by itself (estrogen without progesterone) for 10 or more years may have an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
- Personal history of cancer: Women who have had cancer of the breast, colon, rectum , or uterus have a higher risk of ovarian cancer.
- Never pregnant: Older women who have never been pregnant have an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
As I said before, having a risk factor does not mean you will have ovarian cancer for sure. Most women who have risk factors do not have ovarian cancer. On the different situation, women who do get the disease often have no known risk factors, except for growing older. If you think you may be at risk of ovarian cancer should talk with their doctor.
Source: MedicineNet
Image: MetroHealth
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