While doctors don't know all the risk factors for ovarian cancer, researchers have identified a few. In this video, Nimesh Nagarsheth, MD, a gynecolgic oncologist at The Mount Sinai Medical Center, identifies three major risk factors.
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First and foremost the strongest risk factor is a hereditary cause. Approximately 15% of ovarian cancers are related to some sort of genetic abnormality, we've isolated some genetic abnormalities, we know BRCA I, BRCA II mutations that carry up to an 85% risk of developing breast cancer and approximately 40% risk of developing ovarian cancer. But again, these are only representative of about 15% of all ovarian cancer patients.
Other risk factors for ovarian cancer include infertility, advanced age. Talc, use of talc has been associate with increased risk.
Experts weigh in with the latest information about ovarian cancer prevention and treatment, including how to spot the symptoms of ovarian cancer and why taking birth control pills may reduce your risk for ovarian cancer.
