risk factors
Last reviewed 01/2018
Factors associated with an increased risk of epithelial ovarian cancer include:
- family history of ovarian cancer: see linked item
- prolonged periods of uninterrupted ovulation:
- nulliparity
- first child after the age of 35 years
- oral contraceptives are protective by suppressing ovulation
- late age of menopause
- white race
Less certain are factors such as the perineal use of asbestos contaminated talc and the use of ovulation-inducing treatments of infertility.
A prior history of infection with the mumps virus may have a protective effect.
Reference:
- (1) GP magazine (22/6/01), 42.
- (2) Cannistra (1993). Cancer of the ovary. NEJM, 329 (21), 1550-1557.
- (3) Tewari K (1998). Lancet, 351, 957.
risk of ovarian cancer with respect to family history