What are the Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors: Causes & Prevention Strategies

Having a risk factor does not indicate that the individual will get the disease, while some people who develop the disease may not have any known risk factors. Recent studies have shown that certain risk factors can increase the chance of developing epithelial ovarian cancer.

These risk factors do not apply to other types of cancers, like stromal or germ-cell ovarian cancers.

What is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer involves abnormal cell growth leading to tumour formation in one or both ovaries. It generally develops from three main types of cells within the ovaries: epithelial cells, germ cells, and stromal cells. If it is not diagnosed early, it can spread to surrounding tissues and other parts of the body.

What are the Major Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer?

These are the major risk factors for ovarian cancer in women:

Age

Age is a critical risk factor for the development of ovarian cancer in women. Women usually develop ovarian cancer after menopause due to different hormonal changes. Hormonal fluctuations (like oestrogen) during menopause can contribute to the development of ovarian cancer.   

Genetic Mutations

Mutations in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are involved in the DNA repair process, can cause DNA damage build-up, which eventually increases the risk of cancer. It disrupts the normal functioning of the ovarian cells, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and tumour formation.  

Family History

If anyone in the family has ovarian cancer, then the risk of developing ovarian cancer increases. Genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 play a crucial role in DNA stability and cell repair mechanisms. Disruption in these mechanisms can increase the chance of ovarian cancer at the early or mid-stage of life.    

Endometriosis

It is a condition where uterine tissue grows outside the uterus due to an unknown cause. Recent studies have shown that there is a direct relationship between this and the risk of developing ovarian cancer. Women suffering from endometriosis have elevated levels of estrogen and oxidative stress, with endometrial lesions that are directly linked to symptoms of ovarian cancer.    

Reproductive History

Women who have problems with infertility and cannot get pregnant are at a higher risk of ovarian cancer. However, the link between infertility and ovarian cancer development is still under investigation.  

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Undergoing post-menopausal hormone replacement therapy, particularly with oestrogen and progesterone, can increase the risk of ovarian cancer. The administration of oestrogen or progesterone promotes excessive cell growth, leading to abnormal division and tumour formation.  

Obesity

Weight gain is a common problem after reaching menopause due to subtle hormonal changes. Gaining weight or obesity can increase the risk of cancer development due to the accumulation of excessive adipose tissue (fat tissue). These contribute to the excessive release of oestrogen, leading to abnormal cell growth.  

Lifestyle

Smoking and a diet consists of high in fat can increase the risk of ovarian cancer in females. Tobacco causes harmful carcinogenic toxins, which can influence different genetic mutations. Fat-rich dietary sources can increase blood levels of insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF), which plays a significant role in tumour angiogenesis.

What are the Common Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer can spread all over the abdomen before showing any symptoms. The growth rate of these cancer cells is much faster than other types of cancer. Common symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

●  Abdominal or pelvic pain causing discomfort or bloating.
●  Changes in eating habits lead to a loss of appetite.
●  Vaginal discharge or abnormal bleeding, especially after menopause or outside the menstrual cycle.
●  Diarrhoea and Constipation can cause changes in bowel movements.
●  Increase in abdominal size.
●  Frequent Urination

If anyone develops any of these symptoms listed above, they must schedule a visit with a healthcare provider. Consulting with the healthcare provider can reduce the risk of further complications.