Infertility also may be a risk factor because childless women who've been pregnant show the same risk as women who've never been pregnant. The risk for ovarian cancer peaks in the eighth decade of life. We know less about links between environmental factors and ovarian cancer. Lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise are being studied. Cosmetic use of talc in powders used to dust the perineum, in feminine hygiene sprays, and on sanitary napkins or condoms has been identified as a risk factor.
Nothing alters the magnitude of risk for ovarian cancer more than genetics.
In general, the closer the degree of relative and the younger the relative at diagnosis, the higher the risk. Research is ongoing in all these areas and continues to provide us with new information. Reducing your risk You can do something to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. Oral contraceptives taken in combination for longer than 5 years may reduce your risk. A tubal ligation or hysterectomy surgery may be protective.