However, a recent genetic discovery may change that. The Gene U.S. scientists have recently identified a gene that seems to be responsible for the development of ovarian cancer.
Normal cells are genetically pre-programmed to produce new copies of themselves and then die out.
This maintains the number of cells in an organ. The PIK3CA gene produces enzymes that cause ovarian cells to grow out of control and mutate. The abnormal cells do not die off within a certain period of time, as normal cells do. The mutated cells lead to tumor formation and spread throughout the body. Unlike many genetic findings in cancer, this gene does not determine a woman's risk factor for developing ovarian cancer.