Age
Risk for ovarian cancer increases as a person ages.
Because as we age, cells become damaged, making it more likely for cancer to develop. This disease is more common between the ages of 50 to 79.
Everyone born with ovaries has some risk for ovarian cancer. Some people have higher risk than others based on a number of factors.
These factors can increase a person’s risk of ovarian cancer:
* If one or more of the risk factors marked with an asterisk applies to you, visit the prevention & detection page to find out how you can stop ovarian cancer before it starts.
Ethnicity*
Some genetic mutations, including BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 are more common among certain ethnic groups.
For instance, those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, French-Canadian descent, or Icelandic/Dutch descent have an increased risk for ovarian cancer. The only way to know for sure is to pursue genetic testing.
Mutations to BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes are often associated with ovarian cancer. While finding one of these mutations does not necessarily mean that you will develop this disease, it does increase risk to as much as 50%. Importantly, it also means that you can take action to prevent ovarian cancer or reduce risk.
If you are interested in learning more about your genes, speak to your doctor about genetic testing and the best way to access a test.
Genetic mutations or a family history of certain cancers*
If you have a family history of ovarian, breast, prostate, pancreatic, endometrial, or colorectal cancer on the biological mother’s or father’s side of the family, there is a possibility of a genetic mutation being passed from generation to generation.
Genes carry the instructions cells need to grow and function. A genetic mutation occurs when a gene is altered and stops working as it should. Certain genetic mutations, such as BRCA gene mutations, increase a person’s risk of ovarian cancer and other diseases.
If a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, child) has an inherited mutation, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have the same genetic mutation. Nor does it mean that you are going to develop ovarian cancer. What it does mean is that you may have an increased risk for this disease.
There’s only one way to find out your risk. Learning more about your genes can inform your options for prevention, or risk reduction. Speak to your doctor about genetic testing, and the best way for you to access a test. Knowing about genes can support first-degree relatives in taking steps to learn more about their own risk for this disease. Consider pursuing genetic testing to advance treatment and improve outcomes.
More about genetic mutations
While having a mutation associated with ovarian cancer does not necessarily mean that you will develop this disease, it can increase your risk to as much as 50%. Knowing about a genetic mutation can help save your life and your family members’.
Learning about your genes is vital, especially if you are living with ovarian cancer, are related to someone who has been diagnosed, have a family history of cancer, or are of Ashkenazi Jewish, French-Canadian, or Icelandic/Dutch descent. Knowledge of a genetic mutation can inform preventative action, stopping the disease before it starts. In other cases, it can help target treatment for improved outcomes.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 (Breast Cancer 1 and 2)*
The BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes are involved in most cases of hereditary ovarian cancer.
Everyone has BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes that are known as tumour suppressors. Mutation of these genes has been linked to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.
Those who test positive for the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 gene mutation are at increased risk for both ovarian and breast cancer. Often with the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation, breast cancer appears at younger ages and increases the risk of a second cancer.
Other gene mutations
Some incidents of ovarian cancer are related to other gene mutations, such as Lynch Syndrome, also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC).
Lynch Syndrome is an inherited condition that puts people at increased risk for certain types of cancer at a younger age, including but not limited to ovarian, colorectal, and uterine cancers.
Populations at risk for having this mutation have:
- Three or more relatives with a Lynch syndrome-related cancer; and one relative must be a first-degree relative (parent, brother, sister, or child) of the other two
- At least two generations with cancer (such as a parent and child)
- One or more cases of cancer diagnosed younger than age 50
If you have a family history, it is important that you let your doctor know.
Ask for a referral to a genetic counsellor. This is an important step to help you understand the risks and benefits of genetic testing.
Use of talc powder
Some research suggests that if talc particles travel through the vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes, it may contribute to cancer in the ovaries.
According to Health Canada, use of talc powder in the female genital area can increase risk of ovarian cancer.
Endometriosis
Risk for specific types of ovarian cancer may be higher if there is a history of endometriosis, which is a benign condition associated with growth of endometrial (lining of the uterus) tissue outside the uterus. However, reasons for the correlation have not been confirmed.