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Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
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Many women worry about getting ovarian cancer|, sometimes because a relative has had it. The lifetime risk of a woman in the UK developing ovarian cancer is about 2%. This means that 1 in 50 women will develop ovarian cancer in their lifetime.
The lifetime risk of a woman in the UK developing ovarian cancer is about 2%. This means that 1 in 50 women will develop ovarian cancer in their lifetime.
We don’t know the cause of most ovarian cancers. But we do know that some things, called risk factors|, can increase your chances of developing cancer. Some risk factors are very likely to cause cancer, whereas others will only slightly increase your likelihood of getting it.
We have information about the symptoms of ovarian cancer|.
Genes carry the biological information we inherit from our parents. They affect the way our bodies grow, work and look.
Changes (mutations) in certain genes can increase the risk of ovarian cancer in family members who inherit the genetic change. But, fewer than 1 in 10 cases of ovarian cancer (10%) are thought to be due to an inherited altered gene (genetic mutation) running in the family.
Changes in two genes - called BRCA1 and BRCA2| - increase the risk of ovarian and breast cancer. Rarely, one of these genetic mutations runs in a family, and members of the family who inherit the gene have an increased risk of these cancers.
If you only have one relative who was middle-aged or elderly when they developed ovarian cancer, or a relative with breast or ovarian cancer on each side of your family, this may not significantly increase your risk.
If you only have one relative who was elderly or middle-aged when they developed ovarian cancer, your risk may still be low.
It’s only likely that a genetic mutation, which could increase your ovarian and breast cancer risk, is present in your family if, on one side of the family (either your mother’s or your father’s side), you have:
If any of these apply to your family and you’re worried about developing ovarian cancer, you may want to talk to your GP.
BRCA gene changes may be more common in certain populations. If you have relatives with ovarian or breast cancer, and have Jewish ancestry or come from another ethnic background (Icelandic, Dutch or Norwegian) where BRCA gene changes are more common, you may want to discuss your risk with your GP. If they think you may be at an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer because of your family history, they will refer you to a genetic counsellor, family cancer clinic or a cancer specialist.
We have a tool you can use to assess your risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer. OPERA (Online Personal Education and Risk Assessment) is an interactive program that will offer you personalised information and support about your inherited cancer risk.
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The main risk factor for ovarian cancer is age - about 9 in 10 cases of ovarian cancer affect women over 45.
Risk factors other than family history usually play a more important role in the development of ovarian cancer.
The main risk factor for ovarian cancer is increasing age. Although ovarian cancer is uncommon, the older you are, the more likely you are to develop it.
About 9 out of 10 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer (90%) are over the age of 45, and half of all ovarian cancers occur in women over the age of 65.
Women who have never had children are more likely to develop ovarian cancer, although this does not significantly increase your risk.
Women who had their first period at a young age (under the age of 12) and their menopause late (after the age of 50) are slightly more likely to develop ovarian cancer.
Being overweight may increase your risk of developing ovarian cancer. Scientists think this may be because it increases the levels of sex hormones, such as oestrogen, in the body.
There is some evidence that women who are infertile are at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. Previous research suggested this risk might be linked to infertility treatments, but it’s now thought that this is unlikely. Research to clarify this is ongoing.
A number of large studies have shown a small but significant increase in the risk of developing ovarian cancer among women who use either oestrogen-only or combined oestrogen and progesterone HRT. The risk of developing ovarian cancer increases the longer it is used, but gradually returns to normal once HRT use stops.
Some studies suggest that regular use of talcum powder in the genital area may increase the risk of ovarian cancer. The evidence to support this isn’t strong, but if you’re concerned, it’s best to avoid using talcum powder in this way.
Eating a diet high in animal fats and low in fresh fruit and vegetables may increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer.
There is good evidence that the contraceptive pill decreases your risk of developing ovarian cancer. But the pill is also associated with a slight increase in your risk of developing breast cancer. Having children, particularly before the age of 30, and breast-feeding decrease your risk of ovarian cancer.
Otherwise, there is not much evidence to suggest steps you can take to decrease your risk of developing ovarian cancer.
About 1 in 4 cancers diagnosed in the UK (25%) could be avoided if people made changes to their lifestyles.
There are a number of other things you could consider which will reduce your risk| of cancer.
It’s not known whether screening women without any symptoms for ovarian cancer would save lives or if it would just lead to unnecessary worry and tests. A large study, the UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS), is researching this. The trial stopped recruiting women in 2005, and we should have the results by 2014.
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.