Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors

A woman's lifetime risk of getting ovarian cancer is about 1 in 75. Her lifetime chance of dying from ovarian cancer is 1 in 100.

In the research conducted, only 1 percent of women were aware that frequent urination could be one of the symptoms of cancerovary. This includes other symptoms, such as loss of appetite and feeling full all the time. Even the slightest symptom and being responsive to some of the risk factors for ovarian cancer can help women save their lives. Want to know more about ovarian cancer? Consult with an oncology consultant obstetrician at RSU Hermina Medan

Knowing the statistical data above, it is important to know the risk factors for ovarian cancer. The following is a description of the information.

• Age Increase

All women can be at risk of developing ovarian cancer regardless of age. However, the rate of ovarian cancer is highest in women aged 55–64 years. The average age of women diagnosed with this disease is 63 years.

• Using Hormone Replacement Therapy

Doctors usually prescribe hormone replacement therapy to relieve symptoms associated with menopause (hot flashes, night sweats, difficulty sleeping, vaginal dryness) that occur as the body adjusts to declining estrogen levels. Hormone replacement therapy usually involves treatment with estrogen alone (for women who have had a hysterectomy; removal of the uterus) or a combination of estrogen and progesterone.

Women who use menopausal hormone therapy are at increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. It is possible that taking a combination of estrogen and progesterone for five years or more significantly increases the risk of ovarian cancer in women who have not had a hysterectomy.

• Never Pregnant

Having never been pregnant or getting pregnant over the age of 35 is enough to have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.

• Using Fertility Treatments

Fertility treatmentwith in vitro fertilization (IVF) appears to increase the risk of a type of ovarian tumor known as "borderline" or "low malignant potential". However, this research needs to be explored further. It's good before using fertility drugs, couples discuss the potential risks with a doctor.

• Dietary habit

There was a reduced rate of ovarian cancer in women who ate a diet high in vegetables or a diet low in fat. The American Cancer Society recommends eating a variety of healthy foods, with an emphasis on plant sources. Limit the amount of red meat and processed meat. While the effect of these dietary recommendations on ovarian cancer risk isn't 100 percent certain, following them can help prevent some diseases and other types of cancer.

• Genetic Mutation

The most significant risk factor for ovarian cancer is an inherited genetic mutation in one of two genes; breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) or breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2). These genes are responsible for about 10–15 percent of all ovarian cancers.

Because this gene is linked to breast and ovarian cancer, women who develop breast cancer also have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.

• Obesity

It turns out that there is a relationship between obesity and ovarian cancer. Obesity is associated with an almost 80 percent higher risk of ovarian cancer in women aged 50–71 years.