7 causes of ovarian cancer and risk factors to know, according to doctors

There are several genetic mutations that your parents can inherit at birth that increase the risk of ovarian cancer, such as BRCA1 syndrome, BRCA2 syndrome, and Lynch syndrome. For example, about 1% of women in the general population will develop ovarian cancer during their lifetime. On the other hand, women with a BRCA1 mutation have a 44% chance, BRCA2 mutation probabilities are 17% and women with Lynch syndrome 6% to 8%. These mutations can also increase your risk for other types of cancers. For example, BRCA1 is also associated with breast cancer; BRCA2 is also associated with melanoma (skin cancer) as well as cancers of the breast, pancreas and prostate; and Lynch syndrome is also linked to colon and endometrial cancers. If any of these cancers occur in your family, especially if first-degree relatives have one (a parent, a brother or a child) and / or have been diagnosed young, ask your attending physician or your doctor. gynecologist to consult a genetic counselor. , who can help you determine if genetic testing is right for you? There are advantages and disadvantages to genetic testing, but one of the main advantages is that if you discover that you have a genetic mutation, especially at the beginning of adulthood, it allows you to take Proactive measures to reduce your risk of developing cancer. .

Even if you do not have inherited genetic mutation, if you have two or more close relatives with ovarian cancer, you run an increased risk of developing the disease.

Age is one of the most common risk factors for many cancers and half of ovarian cancers are diagnosed in women age 63 and older. In short, the longer you live, the more your cells divide and you risk developing a "mistake" or a genetic mutation. And these can accumulate gradually. "When we're younger, our body is a little more likely to repair and overcome these mistakes or mutations," says June Hou, MD, Gynecologic Oncologist and Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Irving Medical Center, Columbia University. .

The explanation of this risk factor comes down to hormones. "What fat tissue does – it produces estrogen.We know that an excessive production of estrogen, especially in older women after menopause, exposes them to ovarian cancer and cancer of the uterus, "says Dr. Mahdavi. "In addition to that, adipose tissue produces molecules that are destructive to DNA and the gene.They are called oxidizing agents." This is a risk factor that you control because it is of course possible to maintain a healthy weight by eating more nutritious foods and by doing regular exercise.

The use of this type of therapy after menopause is linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, the risk is highest for those who take estrogen alone (no progesterone) for at least five or ten years.

The more you ovulate, the more the risk of ovarian cancer increases. "During ovulation, the epithelium or the skin, the ovarian capsule, breaks and releases an egg and the fracture heals itself – it's like a tear. healing process divides and regenerates cells. " And the more your ovarian cells divide, the more likely you are to undergo genetic mutations that can accumulate over time and cause ovarian cancer. Pregnancy, breastfeeding and taking oral contraceptives prevent ovulation and thus allow your ovaries to rest. On the other hand, infertility, never having a baby, starting menstruation at a very young age or late menopause means that you have ovulated more.

If you suffer from endometriosis, the risk of ovarian cancer is slightly increased, that is, the endometrium (tissue) grows outside the body. Uterus instead of papering the inside of the uterus.