How Common Is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is relatively common in woman, rivaling closely cervical cancer in the incidence rate. The majority of cases are in woman over 50 years old, although it can occur in younger women.

TYPES
There are various types of ovarian cancer. They are classified by the type of cell from which the cancer originates as noted below:

1.    Epithelial ovarian cancer- it is the most common type (about 90% of cases). This type of cancer develops from one of the cells that surround the outside of each ovary. Epithelial ovarian cancer mainly affects women over 50. It is rare in younger women.

2.    Germ cell ovarian cancer – this develops from connective tissue cells (the cells that fill the ovary and produce hormones). This type of cancer is however rare.

As it is inferable in earlier articles on cancer, the treatment and prognosis (outlook) are different for each type of ovarian cancer. However, because of its relatively high prevalence, we shall mainly focus on the epithelial type of ovarian cancer.

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

In most cases, the cause of ovarian cancer develops is not known. However, there are factors which are known to alter the risk of ovarian cancer developing. These include:

1.    Age: most cases occur in women over the age of 50.

2.    Ovulation factor. Factor that reduce the number of times a woman will ovulate slightly lower the risk. For example, taking the combined oral contraceptive pill, having children and breastfeeding. In contract, not having children and having a late menopause slightly increase the risk.

3.    Being overweight or obese increases the risk.

4.    Taking the combined oral contraceptive pill provides some protection from ovarian cancer. This protection seems to continue for many years after stopping the pill.

5.    Sterilization or hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) appears to reduce the risk slightly.

6.    Taking HRT (hormone replacement therapy) may slightly increase the risk.