The exact cause of ovarian cancer is not known, so identifying risk factors is an important aspect in early detection and prevention. When found in the early stages, women have a five-year survival rate of 93 percent, according to the American Cancer Society. Even with early detection, only 20 percent of ovarian cancers are found before the tumor spreads beyond the ovaries, notes the Mayo Clinic. Heeding the warnings of the risk factors may save lives.
Hormone Therapy
Women using hormone replacement therapy, especially estrogen alone, are at greater risk for developing ovarian cancer, states the American Cancer Society. The risk is greater when women use the therapy for a number of years--a minimum of five to 10. The risk may be lower for women taking a combination of estrogen and progesterone, although this is not certain.
Family History
Ovarian cancer may run in families, so women with a first-line relative, such as a mother or sister, with this disease are at greater risk themselves. The risk is higher if the relative is young when she receives her diagnosis. The risk also increases if a multitude of family members have this disease.
Age
The Mayo Clinic explains that ovarian cancer typically occurs after menopause, with the risk increasing with age through a woman's late 70s. The American Cancer Society concurs, adding that half of all ovarian cancers are found in women over the age of 63.
Being Infertile
While the link between infertility and ovarian cancer is not clearly understood, the Mayo Clinic explains that infertility increases a woman's risk of developing ovarian cancer. Using the fertility drug clomiphene for more than one year may increase the risk as well; however, it is not clear if this is due to the drug itself or from being infertile.
Having Children
It appears that having children actually reduces a woman's risk for ovarian cancer, and the risk decreases with every child she has. Therefore, women with no children may face a greater risk for this disease.
Male Hormones
Women suffering from endometriosis are sometimes given the drug danazol to treat their condition. This drug is male hormone which may increase the risk of ovarian cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Further studies are needed to prove this theory.
