Doctronic

Understanding Ovarian Cancer: Causes, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Survival Rates

Oghenefejiro Okifo | MD

Medically reviewed by Oghenefejiro Okifo | MD, Harvard Medical School | Henry Ford Hospital - Detroit, MI on June 3rd, 2023.

Key Takeaways

  • BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations account for 10-15% of cases, with carriers having a 39-46% lifetime risk compared to 1.3% in the general population.
  • Symptoms like persistent bloating, pelvic pain, and feeling full quickly are often dismissed as digestive issues—they must persist for more than 2 weeks and occur almost daily to warrant evaluation.
  • Five-year survival rates drop dramatically by stage: 93% for Stage I, 75% for Stage II, 39% for Stage III, and only 17% for Stage IV, yet 75% of cases are diagnosed at advanced stages.
  • Taking birth control pills for 5+ years reduces risk by 50%, while having one full-term pregnancy decreases risk by 40%—breastfeeding for 12+ months provides additional protection.
  • Recurrence occurs in over 80% of advanced cases within 2-3 years, but prophylactic removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes reduces risk by 85-95% in high-risk women.

Ovarian cancer is a serious disease that affects the almond-sized organs on each side of the uterus, known as the ovaries. When malignant cells begin to grow in the ovary, it leads to ovarian cancer. While the exact causes are not known, several factors can increase your risk of developing this disease.

What Causes Ovarian Cancer?

Researchers have many theories about what causes ovarian cancer, but no single factor has been identified. Unlike some other types of cancer, scientists have not been able to link ovarian cancer to a specific chemical in the environment or diet. However, certain genetic factors and lifestyle choices can raise your odds of getting ovarian cancer.

Genetic Factors

Some ovarian cancers are linked to gene changes first discovered in families with many cases of breast cancer. These mutations are called BRCA1 (breast cancer gene 1) and BRCA2 (breast cancer gene 2). If your family has Eastern European or Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, your chances of having one of the BRCA mutations are higher.

Another set of gene mutations that raises your ovarian cancer risk is one that causes Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). Having a close relative (grandmother, mother, sister, or daughter) with ovarian cancer also increases your risk, even if their cancer wasn't linked to a genetic mutation.

Other Risk Factors

Several other factors can increase your risk of ovarian cancer, including:

  • Age (most women get ovarian cancer after menopause)

  • Obesity (having a body mass index of 30 or higher)

  • Hormone replacement therapy (some studies suggest using estrogen after menopause increases risk)

  • Reproductive history (never giving birth, having your first child after age 30, starting your period before age 12, or starting menopause after age 50)

  • Never taking birth control pills

  • Experiencing infertility

  • Smoking

  • Using an intrauterine device (IUD)

  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

  • Taking large doses of estrogen over a long period without progesterone

  • A history of endometriosis

Understanding Ovarian Cancer: Causes, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Survival Rates

Can Ovarian Cancer Be Prevented?

Because so little is known about the specific causes of ovarian cancer, there aren't many proven ways to prevent it. However, some lifestyle choices and medical procedures may lower your risk, such as:

  • Breastfeeding

  • Tubal ligation (having your tubes tied)

  • Taking hormonal birth control

  • Daily aspirin use (only if recommended by your doctor for other medical reasons)

  • Hysterectomy (surgery to remove the uterus and cervix)

  • Eating a low-fat diet

  • Exercising and maintaining a healthy weight

If you have a family history that suggests a higher risk of ovarian cancer, your doctor can help you decide how to manage your situation. Options include genetic testing and counseling. In some cases, you may choose to have your ovaries removed as a precaution, a surgery called a prophylactic oophorectomy.

Ovarian Cancer Recurrence and Survival Rates

Ovarian cancer is known to come back, or recur, after treatment in more than 80% of cases. The likelihood of recurrence largely depends on the stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis. The chances of recurrence by stage are:

  • Stage I: 10%

  • Stage II: 30%

  • Stage III: 70% to 90%

  • Stage IV: 90% to 95%

Survival rates indicate the percentage of people who live for a certain period (usually 5 years) after diagnosis. Overall, about 46% of women with ovarian cancer live at least 5 years after diagnosis. The 5-year survival rates by stage are:

  • Stage IA: 93%

  • Stage IB: 91%

  • Stage IC: 79%

  • Stage IIA: 78%

  • Stage IIB: 73%

  • Stage IIC: 57%

  • Stage IIIA: 59%

  • Stage IIIB: 52%

  • Stage IIIC: 39%

  • Stage IV: 20%

It's important to remember that every case is different, and these numbers serve only as a guideline. Your doctor can provide more personalized information based on your specific situation. For more information on ovarian cancer, visit the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, or consult with your healthcare provider.

The Bottom Line

Early detection is critical since most cases are caught when already advanced, making awareness of persistent symptoms essential for improving outcomes. Women with family history should consider genetic counseling to assess BRCA status and discuss prevention options. If you're experiencing concerning symptoms or have questions about your risk factors, Doctronic can help you get clarity quickly.

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