Likewise, many people who developovarian cancerdo not have any of the known risk factors.
A number of theories about why this occurs have been proposed.
Combined estrogen/progesterone HRT does not appear to raise a person’s risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Illustration by Verywell
Having a first child over the age of 35, however, is linked with a slightly elevated risk.
Ovulation does cause inflammation, and inflammation is associated with cancer, but the precise mechanism is still unknown.
This may be due to some ovarian cancers originating in the fallopian tubes.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Having a hysterectomy reduces the risk of ovarian cancer by around one-third.
Hundreds of mutations can affect the BRCA genesand not all of them cause cancer.
Having more than one relativewith the diseaseraises the risk further.
If you are concerned, seeing a genetic counselor is important.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Obesity also feels like associated more with premenopausal than postmenopausal cancers.
There are several mechanisms that have been proposed.
Obesity also increases inflammation, which has been associated with an increased risk of cancer.
Unfortunately, women with obesity or overweight status are also at a greater risk of dying fromovarian cancerwhen present.
Losing only five to 10 pounds may reduce your risk.
Smoking
Smoking is linked to onetype of ovarian cancer: mucinous epithelial tumors.
However, given a large number of cancers due to smoking, quitting is a good idea.
Furthermore, such tests can lead to undesirable consequences, such as unnecessary surgery.
However, this is not a unanimous practice for the same reasons.
However, some studies are too small to form firm conclusions, and theres conflicting research.
Its best to discuss with your healthcare provider the benefits and possible risks for you personally.
If youre concerned, talk to your healthcare provider about your personal risk level.
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