The ovaries are the female reproductive organs which produce the female hormones estrogen and progesterone and release the eggs, or ova. To date there is no definitive cause of ovarian cancer, but there are a number of factors which increase a woman's risk of developing cancer. The National Cancer Institute estimates that, in the United States, 21,880 new cases are diagnosed each year.
Familial
A review published in the August 2005 issue of the journal "Human Pathology" showed that 10 percent of ovarian cancer sufferers had a family history of ovarian cancer. The majority of genetic ovarian cancers are linked to mutation in the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2, with the others being associated with HNPCC. Most ovarian cancers with mutations in BRCA 1 or 2 occur in younger women and are often advanced on diagnosis; however, this family-history ovarian cancer appears to have a better clinical outcome.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is considered a benign condition causing painful, heavy periods. A study published in 2010 in the "Journal of Ovarian Research" showed that women with endometriosis had an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. These women were also 5 years younger than women who have ovarian cancer but no endometriosis.
Infertility Treatment
Previous studies had implicated the use of certain infertility treatments and an increase in ovarian cancer. However, a study published in 2009 in the "British Journal of Cancer" followed women who had received infertility treatment. The study found after 20 years of follow-up that there was no increase in ovarian cancer in these women.
Age and Weight
Ovarian cancer occurs more frequently in older women, with the highest incidence among those between 60 and 64 years of age. Weight is considered a risk factor because the fat cells can produce extra female hormones. The extra hormones can increase the risk of ovarian cancer as well as other cancers such as breast cancer.
Hormones
The oral contraceptive pill has been found to be associated with a reduced risk of ovarian cancer. This effect can persist after discontinuing the oral contraceptive pill. However, the role of hormone replacement therapy and ovarian cancer remains unclear.
References
- National Cancer Institute: Ovarian Cancer
- "Human Pathology"; Hereidtary Ovarian Cancer; Prat J, et al; August 2005
- "Journal of Ovarian Research"; Endometriosis-Associated Ovarian Cancer: A Ten-year Cohort Study of Women Living in Estrie Region Of Quebec, Canada; Aris A; January 2010
- "British Journal of Cancer"; Ovulation-stimulation Drugs and Cancer Risks: A Long-term Follow-up of a British Cohort; Idos Silva S, et al; June 2009
