The short answer
Ovarian cancer risk is higher for those with a family history, inherited BRCA gene changes or Lynch syndrome, older age, and certain reproductive factors. Genetic counseling can help people with a strong family history understand their risk.
A family history of ovarian or breast cancer raises risk.
Inherited gene changes, especially BRCA1 and BRCA2, strongly raise risk.
Lynch syndrome also raises ovarian cancer risk.
Risk increases with age, mostly after menopause.
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The full explanation.
The simple version
A risk factor is anything that raises the chance of developing a disease. For ovarian cancer, family history and inherited genes are among the strongest factors. Having risk factors does not mean you will get ovarian cancer.
Family history and genes
A family history of ovarian or breast cancer raises risk. Inherited changes in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes strongly raise risk, and Lynch syndrome also does. People with these may consider extra screening or risk-reducing steps.
Inherited BRCA changes strongly raise ovarian cancer risk.
Other factors
Risk also increases with age, mostly after menopause, and is influenced by some reproductive and hormonal factors. Some factors, like certain birth control use, are linked to lower risk.
Genetic counseling
People with a strong family history of ovarian or breast cancer, or a known gene change in the family, may benefit from genetic counseling to understand their risk and their options.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸What raises ovarian cancer risk?
Key factors include a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, inherited gene changes (especially BRCA1 and BRCA2), Lynch syndrome, older age, and some reproductive and hormonal factors.
▸How much do BRCA genes matter?
Inherited BRCA1 and BRCA2 changes strongly raise the risk of ovarian and breast cancer. People with these changes may consider extra screening or risk-reducing steps.
▸Should I consider genetic counseling?
People with a strong family history of ovarian or breast cancer, or a known gene change in the family, may benefit from genetic counseling to understand their risk and options.
▸Can anything lower risk?
Some factors, such as certain reproductive history and use of some birth control, are linked to lower risk. Discuss your personal risk and options with your doctor.
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