The ovaries are the female gonads: they support the maturation and release of ova and allow for female fertility. Ovarian cancer develops from an abnormal growth of specialized cells in the ovary, leading to the development of invasive tumors. The cancer affects a number of women, causing almost 14,000 deaths and more than 21,000 new cancer diagnoses in the U.S. in 2009, according to the National Cancer Institute. Ovarian cancer is linked to number of factors, with both genetics and medications known to cause the cancer.
BRCA1/2 Mutations
A genetic cause of ovarian cancer is mutation to the genes BRCA1 or BRCA2. Both of these genes normally serve a protective function against cancer development, and mutations that inactivate these genes can cause ovarian cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. When the cell becomes exposed to damaging agents that cause genetic mutation, the activation of BRCA1/2 allow the cell to repair itself before it can divide. In patients with inherited mutations to BRCA1 or 2, this protective ability is compromised, and ovarian cells can more easily develop additional genetic mutations that promote cancer development. Women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer may wish to undergo genetic testing to check for BRCA1/2 mutations and consider preventative measures to protect against ovarian cancer.
Estrogen Replacement Therapy
Estrogen replacement therapy has also been known to cause ovarian cancer. During menopause, the ovaries cease to produce female hormones, such as estrogen, and this decrease in estrogen levels can cause discomfort in women going through menopause. The decrease in estrogen can cause hot flashes, as well as more serious conditions like osteoporosis. To combat these symptoms, some women going through menopause take hormone replacement therapy to supplement estrogen levels in the body. However this abnormal estrogen level can also cause ovarian cancer. The University of Maryland Medical Center indicates that women receiving estrogen replacement therapy increase their risk of developing ovarian cancer by around 20 percent, if they have not had a hysterectomy. Women seeking hormone therapy to alleviate the symptoms of menopause should consult with a physician to assess their risk for ovarian cancer.
Extended Fertility Drug Use
The extended use of fertility drugs such as Clomid and Serophene may play a role in causing ovarian cancer. Clomid and Serophene are normally used as an ovarian induction drugs--they promote the activity of the ovaries and support ovulation. Women who have taken these drugs increase their risk for developing ovarian cancer. Women who receive more than 12-month treatment cycles triple their risk of developing ovarian cancer, according to Georgia Reproductive Specialists. Although the specific mechanism through which these fertility drugs can cause ovarian cancer is not yet known, the link between extended drug use and ovarian cancer is clear. Women with a family history of ovarian cancer may consider other fertility drugs that have no link to ovarian cancer.
