Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors

Genetic Mutations

Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations face dramatically elevated ovarian cancer risk, with BRCA1 mutation carriers having a cumulative lifetime risk of 48.3% (38.8%-57.9%) for ovarian cancer by age 70, according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 1
BRCA2 mutation carriers have a cumulative lifetime risk of 20.0% (13.3%-29.0%) by age 70, as reported by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 1
BRCA mutations account for approximately 90% of hereditary ovarian cancer cases, which comprise 5-10% of all ovarian cancers overall, according to the European Society for Medical Oncology 2
In population-based studies of unselected ovarian cancer patients, 3.8-14.5% carry BRCA1 mutations and 4.2-5.7% carry BRCA2 mutations, as found by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 1
Lynch syndrome confers a cumulative ovarian cancer risk exceeding 12%, with diagnosis typically at younger ages, as stated by the American Academy of Family Physicians 3

Women with two or more first- or second-degree relatives with ovarian cancer have significantly elevated risk, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians 3
A single first-degree relative with ovarian cancer confers more than a twofold increase in ovarian cancer risk, as reported by the European Society for Medical Oncology 4
Multiple pregnancies provide substantial protection against ovarian cancer, while nulliparity, early menarche, and late menopause increase risk, as found by the European Society for Medical Oncology 4
Suppression of ovulation reduces ovarian cancer risk, as stated by the European Society for Medical Oncology 4

Ovarian cancer is predominantly a disease of postmenopausal women, with risk increasing substantially after age 50, as reported by the European Society for Medical Oncology 4
Over 80% of cases are diagnosed in women over age 50, with an estimated lifetime risk for women in the general population of approximately 1 in 54, according to the European Society for Medical Oncology 4
Obesity increases ovarian cancer risk, as found by the European Society for Medical Oncology 4

The American College of Physicians recommends referring a woman for genetic counseling when she has two or more first- or second-degree relatives with ovarian cancer on the same side of the family 5, 6
The National Cancer Society suggests referring a woman for genetic counseling when she has one first-degree relative with ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer at any age 7, 8
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends referring a woman for genetic counseling when she has a combination of breast and ovarian cancer in first- or second-degree relatives on the same side of the family 5, 6
The Society of Gynecologic Oncology recommends referring a woman for genetic counseling when she has a personal history of epithelial ovarian, tubal, or peritoneal cancer, regardless of family history 9

The US Preventive Services Task Force found that oral contraceptive use reduces ovarian cancer risk by approximately 50% 5
The American College of Physicians found that pregnancy, breastfeeding, and bilateral tubal ligation also reduce ovarian cancer risk 5

The US Preventive Services Task Force gives a Grade D recommendation against ovarian cancer screening, even in women with family history, as the harms outweigh the benefits 5, 6
The Society of Gynecologic Oncology recommends against ordering CA-125 or transvaginal ultrasound screening for women with family history alone 5, 6

The American College of Medical Genetics recommends referring a woman for genetic counseling when she has Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry with one first-degree relative or two second-degree relatives on the same side with breast or ovarian cancer 5