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MedicineWorld.Org - Cancer - Risk factors for ovarian cancer
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Diet Increased consumption of fat may be associated with increased risk of ovarian cancer. This may account partly for the increased incidence of ovarian cancer seen in the industrialized countries compared to underdeveloped countries. Higher intake milk may be associated with increased risk of ovarian cancer if the woman has an enzyme deficiency that would lead to faulty metabolism of lactose. Various conflicting reports have appeared in the literature regarding higher risk of ovarian cancer associated with increase consumption of coffee, these findings are not conclusive. Environmental factors Exposure to talc powder during an abdominal surgery may be associated with increased risk of ovarian cancer, but some other studies have failed confirm this connection. The data associated with increased risk of ovarian cancer from radiation is also controversial. No clear relationship has been established between viral illness and ovarian cancer. |
Reproductive factors Low rate of pregnancy and childbirth have been associated with increased risk of ovarian cancer. Treatment with drugs that induces ovulation may increase the risk of ovarian cancer. This risk may be higher with prolonged use of these drugs. No definitive relationship has been established between hormone replacement therapy and risk of ovarian cancer. Use of oral contraceptives have shown to cause a protective effect against ovarian cancer, Women who have used oral contraceptives have only about 50 percent chance of developing ovarian cancer compared to those who never used oral contraceptives. Hereditary cancer syndromes There are few familial cancer syndromes that are associated with increased risk of ovarian cancer. This includes Lynch syndrome (associated with increased risk of ovarian cancer as well) and BRCA mutations (associated with increased risk of breast cancer as well). Please refer to section on BRCA for more information on this topic. |
| Risk factors for ovarian cancer |
