On this page
- What are risk factors?
- Main risk factors for ovarian cancer
- Other risk factors for ovarian cancer
- More support
Each year around 7,500 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the UK.
The risk of developing ovarian cancer in the general population is 2%. That means that 2 in every 100 women will develop ovarian cancer in their lifetime.
Some factors can increase this risk.
Anyone born with ovaries or fallopian tubes is at risk of developing ovarian cancer. This means most women and trans men, some non-binary people, and some people who have differences in sex development are at risk of ovarian cancer. If your ovaries and fallopian tubes have been removed you’re at lower risk, but a small risk still remains.
What are risk factors?
A risk factor is something that can increase your chances of developing a cancer. Different cancers have different risk factors. Some risk factors are linked with more than one cancer.
The biggest risk factors for ovarian cancer are age and a strong family history of ovarian or breast cancer.
Age
The risk of developing ovarian cancer increases as you get older. Most cases of ovarian cancer happen in those who have already gone through the menopause (when you stop having periods). More than 80 in 100 cases of ovarian cancer are in those over 50 years old.
If you're younger than 50 years old and haven’t been through the menopause you can still get ovarian cancer. Although it’s less common in younger women, over 1000 women under the age of 50 develop ovarian cancer every year in the UK.
That’s why it's important that everyone is aware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer. This is especially important if you have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer.
Family history
Around 20 in 100 cases of ovarian cancer are caused by an inherited gene variant. This is a change in one or more of our genes that can be passed down through families and can increase the risk of developing some cancers.
It’s most commonly found in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene (BReast CAncer 1 and 2). If you inherit a variant of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene from a family member you have a much higher risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer than those who don’t have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene variant:
- If you have a BRCA1 gene variant you have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer in your lifetime of around 44 per cent (44 in 100 chance).
- If you have a BRCA2 gene variant you have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer in your lifetime of around 17 per cent (17 in 100 chance).
There are some other gene variants which can also increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer. These include:
- RAD51C
- RAD51D
- BRIP1
- PALB2
- MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 (these gene variants are linked to lynch syndrome, an inherited condition that can increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer).
Speak to your GP if one or more person in your family has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and/or breast cancer (on either your mother or father's side of the family). Your GP will offer you more information about your level of risk. They may then refer you to a genetic counsellor to help you decide whether to have genetic testing.
Your genetic counsellor and specialist team will support you through this process. They will help you to understand your risk and offer advice on how to manage it.
Ovarian cancer can affect any woman, regardless of background, race or ethnicity. However some communities have a higher risk of carrying a gene variant. This includes those who are Ashkenazi Jewish, Sephardi Jewish or Greenlander.
More about hereditary ovarian cancer.
Other risk factors
- Lifestyle factors linked to ovarian cancer
You have a slightly higher risk of developing ovarian cancer if:
- You're overweight or obese – slightly over a 2 in 100 chance (around 2.5 in 100).
- You smoke – slightly over a 2 in 100 chance (up to 2.6 in 100).
Some studies suggest that there's more of a link between smoking and mucinous ovarian cancer tumours, compared to other types of ovarian cancer.
- Medical conditions or medications linked to ovarian cancer
You have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer if:
- You have diabetes – slightly over a 2 in 100 chance (around 2.5 in 100).
- You have endometriosis (around a 4 in 100 chance).
Studies suggest it’s linked more with certain types of ovarian cancer such as low grade serous, clear cell and endometrioid epithelial cancer. - You use oestrogen only or combined hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – slightly over a 2 in 100 chance (around 2.3 in 100).
Some studies suggest that there’s more of a link with serous or endometrioid ovarian cancers, compared to other types of ovarian cancer. However HRT can be useful for those experiencing symptoms while going through the menopause. You should talk to your GP about the benefits and risks of HRT before deciding whether to take it.
- Ovulation and the risk of ovarian cancer
You may have a higher chance of developing ovarian cancer if you have released more eggs (ovulated) throughout your lifetime. Starting your periods earlier, going through the menopause later (after the age of 55) or not giving birth may mean you have ovulated more in your lifetime.
- Substances linked to ovarian cancer
Using talcum powder
The evidence to show a link between using talcum powder between the legs and ovarian cancer is limited. Some studies show a small, weak link but the evidence isn’t yet strong enough to support this. Other studies show no link. More, higher quality research needs to be done in this area.
Asbestos
While the level of risk is not fully known, some studies suggest that being exposed to asbestos increases the risk of developing ovarian cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer also concludes that asbestos is a cause of ovarian cancer.
Need someone to talk to?
If you want to know more about the risk of ovarian cancer, or you’re worried about ovarian cancer, then our specialist nurses are here. Call our support line on 0808 802 6000. We’re open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
