Hereditary Ovarian Cancer Risk
Ovarian Cancer Risk
Ovarian cancer refers to three closely related cancers that are treated the same
- Ovarian cancer starts in the ovaries, the part of the female reproduction system where eggs are formed. The ovaries also produce the female sex hormones and progesterone.
- cancer starts in the tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus. Experts now believe that most of the cancers called ovarian cancer actually begin in the .
- Primary peritoneal cancer begins in the lining of the abdominal cavity known as the peritoneum.
Note that "women" and "female" refer to people assigned female at birth.
Who is at risk for ovarian, and primary peritoneal cancer?
All women are at risk for these cancers. A person's risk varies based on:
- age
- presence of an
- personal and family history of cancer
- other risk factors
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Is ovarian cancer hereditary?
About 15-20 percent of people with ovarian, and primary peritoneal cancer have an linked to ovarian cancer risk. Genetic counseling and testing can help people learn if they are at high risk. Mutations in the genes below increase the risk for these cancers and can cause cancer to run in families.
What else affects ovarian cancer, cancer and primary peritoneal cancer risk?
The following factors may lower the risk for these cancers:
More research is needed to understand whether other factors may influence risk in people with inherited mutations.
Learn about ovarian cancer risk management and treatment
Learn about Risk Management Options
National expert guidelines for ovarian cancer risk management vary based on gene mutation and other factors that affect risk. Click on the button below to learn more about these guidelines.
Learn about Treatment Options
People diagnosed with ovarian cancer may have different treatment options based on , subtype, and genetic and results. Click on the button below to learn more about these treatment options.