The major risk factors for ovarian cancer

fall into three categories: hormonal, environmental, and genetic.

On the hormonal level, the risk may be directly related to the number of ovulatory cycles in a woman's life. The postulated theory is that the uninterrupted cell division and regeneration of the ovarian epithelium-without pregnancy-induced rest periods-may invite mutation and malignancy. Therefore, women who've had no pregnancies are at an increased risk. Infertility also may be a risk factor because childless women who've been pregnant show the same risk as women who've never been pregnant. The risk for ovarian cancer peaks in the eighth decade of life.

We know less about links between environmental factors and ovarian cancer. Industrialized countries report the highest incidence; developing countries report the lowest incidence, but we don't low why. Lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise are being studied. Cosmetic use of talc in powders used to dust the perineum, in feminine hygiene sprays, and on sanitary napkins or condoms has been identified as a risk factor.

Nothing alters the magnitude of risk for ovarian cancer more than genetics. Hereditary ovarian cancer syndromes account for 5% to 10% of ovarian cancers. In general, the closer the degree of relative and the younger the relative at diagnosis, the higher the risk.

Research is ongoing in all these areas and continues to provide us with new information.

	Older then 40
	Postmenopausal
	White
	Celibate
	Nulliparous (having no children)
	Infertility problems
	Family history of ovarian, breast, colorectal, or endometrial cancer Inconclusive risk factors include a high fat diet, childhood diseases such as rubella and mumps, and exposure to such ovarian carcinogens as asbestos and talc.

Women at high risk may also be advised to use oral contraceptives, which decrease the risk of epithelial ovarian cancer Prophylactic oophorectomy has also been recommended. The procedure is done when highrisk women are older than 35 and have no plans to bear children. However, even after oophorectomy, intra-abdominal carcinomatosis has occurred in rare cases. You can help family members discuss these options and weigh the risks and benefits.

The risk of ovarian cancer can create a sense of doom and family members may feel like they're sitting on a time bomb. Encourage them to express their fears and help ease their anxieties by clarifying misconceptions. Teach them to tune into their bodies and investigate any signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, however minor. They can also live healthier. Encourage them to follow a low-fat diet and to avoid exposure to talc, asbestos, and other potential carcinogens. There's no conclusive evidence that these precoutions can prevent ovarian cancer. But they can't hurt either

Reducing your risk

There are a few steps that you can take to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. Oral contraceptives taken in combination for a period longer than five years could reduce your risk. Hysterectomy surgery or a tubal ligation may also be protective. And breast feeding and pregnancy are known to provide some protection. Women who tend to use powder should use mainly cornstarch based products.

Last updated Nov 26/06