Ovarian cancer is the fifth common cause of cancer-related deaths in the country. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 13,940 women will die from ovarian cancer this year. Detecting this cancer is vital for the successful treatment of the condition. Here are some of the risk factors for ovarian cancer that one should know about. 

• Age
  One of the well-known risk factors for ovarian cancer is age. The risk of this type of cancer developing in women younger than 40 years is low. The average age of diagnosis of ovarian cancer is 63 years as it mostly develops after menopause.
• Weight
  Being overweight or obese increases your chances of developing not just ovarian cancer but also other forms of cancer. Obesity can be a cause of several health issues and conditions. Women with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30 are probably more at risk of developing ovarian cancer. However, it might not be an aggressive form of the condition.
• Late pregnancy
  Getting pregnant after the age of 35 or never having a full-term pregnancy is another risk factor for ovarian cancer. A study had shown that women who had got pregnant before 26 years and carried a full-term pregnancy have a lower risk of ovarian cancer. The risk of ovarian cancer decreases with each full-term pregnancy. Some studies have also shown that breastfeeding may lower the risk of ovarian cancer in women.
• Hormone therapy
  Hormone therapy that involves the use of the hormones estrogen and progesterone after menopause can increase your risk of ovarian cancer. Being exposed to hormones for a long time causes this form of cancer to develop. Hence, starting menstruation before the age of 12 or going through menopause after the age of 55 could also result in ovarian cancer. Similarly, using certain forms of birth control measures such as a hormonal patch or pills that contain these hormones are also considered to be risk factors for ovarian cancer.
• Family history
  Having a close or first degree relative such as a mother, sibling, or child who has had ovarian cancer, breast cancer or colorectal cancer also puts you at high risk for the condition. This is because of certain inherited gene mutations that increase your chances of these conditions. According to statistics, up to 25% of all ovarian cancer cases are caused due to inherited gene mutations.
• Fertility treatments
  Women who have undergone procedures such as in vitro fertilization are known to be at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. If you have undergone any fertilization treatments or procedures, you should discuss your risk of contracting ovarian cancer with your doctor.

Being aware of the risk factors for ovarian cancer will help you determine your chances of contracting this condition and opt for early screening to detect any abnormalities.