A factor that increases one’s risk or chance of developing a certain condition is known as a risk factor. However, a risk factor does not necessarily mean that the disorder will be developed. Some of the risk factors for ovarian cancer are listed below.

1. Age
Ovarian cancer is most often diagnosed in women over the age of 63 and rarely in women below the age of 40. Hence, one of the risk factors for ovarian cancer is age. This type of cancer is commonly diagnosed in women who have gone through menopause.

2. Weight
Obesity is one of the risk factors for ovarian cancer and many other types of cancer. Women who have a body mass index (BMI) of about 30 have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.

3. Pregnancy
Never getting pregnant or not having a full-term pregnancy till after 35 is also considered a risk factor for ovarian cancer.

4. Hormonal therapy
Women who undergo hormonal therapy after menopause have a higher chance of developing cancers, such as ovarian cancer, than those who do not opt for hormone therapy. This therapy involves the use of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone.

5. Family history
Having a first-degree relative, such as a mother or sister, who has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer increases one’s risk of developing the same. Also, the more relatives that are diagnosed with this form of cancer, the higher is one’s risk. Relatives with other types of cancer, such as breast cancer and colorectal cancer, also increase one’s risk for ovarian cancer. This is because these cancers could be caused by a gene mutation that runs in the family. Hence, the chance of developing ovarian cancer due to these gene changes is high.

6. Genetic mutations
Certain genetic mutations that result in hereditary conditions, such as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS), and MUTYH-associated polyposis, could also increase one’s risk of developing ovarian cancer.

7. Breast cancer
If one has been diagnosed with or has recovered from breast cancer, then they may be at an increased risk of ovarian cancer. This could be a result of breast cancer being caused by inherited gene mutations, which could also lead to the development of ovarian cancer.

8. Fertility treatment
Women who have undergone fertility treatment, such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF), could be at an increased risk of developing ovarian low malignant potential tumors. If one is on fertility drugs or undergoing treatment, then they should discuss the risks with their doctor.