Ovarian cancer is a disease where the cells of the ovaries, an important part of women’s reproductive system, grow uncontrollably and accumulate to form a tumor. Ovarian cancer generally doesn’t show any symptoms in the early stage and it isn’t until it has spread that the symptoms become prominent. Knowing the risk factors and the causes can help women in taking good care of their health, thereby avoiding the occurrence of this disease.

The following overview of ovarian cancer will provide insight regarding the risk factors linked to the disease.

1. Age
Most ovarian cancer patients are diagnosed once menopause has set in. Though this form of cancer can develop at any age, the common range is between the age group of 50 and 60.

2. Inherited gene mutation
Women who inherit gene mutation are at risk of developing this health condition, though these occurrences are rare. Genes associated with breast cancer are known to increase the chances of ovarian cancer in patients. Besides, people who have two or more relatives suffering from the disease are at a high risk of experiencing it themselves.

3. Being overweight
Women with a BMI (body mass index) over 30 are more likely to develop this disease.

4. Causes of ovarian cancer
Though the exact causes remain unknown, the following causes along with the above-mentioned factors are considered to increase the chances of this disease. The information given below helps in understanding the factors that might contribute to the development of this form of cancer.

• Fertility drugs

Intake of fertility drugs for one year, without getting pregnant, can cause women to develop this form of cancer.

• Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy can also lead to the occurrence of this disease. The longer the therapy continues, the higher the risk. However, once the treatment stops, it significantly reduces the risk.

• Intake of birth control pills

Consuming birth control pills for about 3 to 6 months can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. However, one must not consume them without consulting their physicians. The reason behind this is that the pills have various side effects. A physician can offer the patients with proper guidance about whether consuming them is safe or not.

Based on this overview of ovarian cancer, one can determine the types of precautionary measures that are needed to be taken to reduce the risk of the development of this disease.

If any woman shares a family history of this disease or has relatives who are patients of a similar disease, she should consult her doctor to determine her chances of developing the same. Doctors might advise gene testing or other methods to reduce the risk.

Though ovarian cancer cannot be prevented, staying aware of the various risk factors can help in reducing the chances of getting this disease.