Pregnancy and Age? Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors You Must Know

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For women around the world, the thought of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer can be a terrifying one. But understanding the risk factors for this deadly disease and taking steps to reduce them can help keep you healthy.

What Is Ovarian Cancer?

Before we dive into the risk factors, let's take a look at what ovarian cancer is and how it develops. This occurs when cancer cells in the ovary begin proliferating and forming tumours. These tumours can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous)¹.

Ovarian cancer symptoms can be hard to spot in the early stages of the disease but may include abdominal pain, bloating, and frequent urination².

Most ovarian cancers start in the epithelial tissue of the ovary, often known as epithelial ovarian cancer³. Other types of tumours are rare but include germ cell tumours and stromal tumours.

Age: The Unavoidable Risk

One of the biggest considerations when it comes to ovarian cancer is age. Generally speaking, you have an increased risk of cancer as you grow and most cases are diagnosed in women over 55 years old⁴.

This happens when a woman's ovaries have been exposed to higher levels of oestrogen for longer periods of time, causing cell damage and making them more susceptible to cancer.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) 

After menopause, hormone replacement therapy can help reduce some of the symptoms associated with the transition. But taking HRT for long periods of time has been linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer⁵.

It is important to speak with your doctor about the potential risks of HRT and consider alternative methods for symptom management.

Genetics: A Family History

This disease can strike any woman, but for some, the causes of ovarian cancer are rooted in genetics. If you have a family history of cancer, your risk of developing ovarian cancer increases, especially if your mother, sister, or daughter has had a history of ovarian, colorectal, or breast cancer. In fact, about 10 to 15% of ovarian cancer cases are hereditary in nature.

What causes this genetic mutation? Most ovarian cancers can be traced to mutations in two genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2. These can increase the chances of developing certain cancers, including ovarian cancer⁶.

Pregnancy: An Unexpected Protector

Surprisingly, pregnancy can actually help reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. Women who have had at least one full-term pregnancy are less likely to develop ovarian cancer⁷.

However, for those who have never been pregnant, their risk is higher. One probable reason is that pregnancy causes a woman’s hormone levels to shift, which helps protect her ovaries against cell damage.

Questionable Factors: Androgens and Talc

Though it is still under debate, some researchers suggest that high levels of androgens, or male hormones, can increase a woman’s risk of developing ovarian cancer⁷.

Another unclear factor is the use of talcum powder near the genital area. Some studies suggest that talcum powder use may cause an inflammatory response that leads to ovarian cancer but more research is still needed to draw an accurate conclusion⁷.

Ovarian Cancer Treatment and Screening

To know whether or not you are at risk for the disease, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor and get an ovarian cancer screening. This can include a pelvic exam, blood tests, and imaging tests such as an ultrasound or CT scan.

So what if you get an ovarian cancer diagnosis? According to the National Cancer Institute, there are several treatment options available to help fight the disease. These include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and more, depending on the stage and type of cancer.

All in All

At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that understanding your risk factors and taking steps to protect yourself can help prevent ovarian cancer. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have, and make sure you get regular check-ups as recommended. With the right knowledge and support, you can take control of your health and stay healthy for years to come.