Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors
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Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer
Some potential risk factors for ovarian cancer include the following:
- Having a family history of cancer, particularly breast, uterine, or colorectal cancer
- Being over age 55
- Being infertile
- Using certain fertility drugs
- Eating a diet high in trans and saturated fat
There are also factors that could actually decrease your risk of getting ovarian cancer. Some longitudinal studies suggest that women who use birth control pills are less likely to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Similarly, women who breast feed their infants decrease their risk of developing the disease. Whether or not you possess any of the listed risk factors, it is always a good idea to have a yearly exam with a gynecologist.
NOTE: Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer. Not having risk factors doesn’t mean that you will not get cancer. If you think you may be at risk, you should discuss it with your doctor.
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