But first, some background about the disease. A leading killer Ovarian cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung, breast, and colorectal cancers. About one-third of all gynecologic malignancies arise in the ovaries. Yet, so far, we have no reliable way to screen for this insidious disease in its early stages. Age over 40.
Women are also at greater risk after menopause, when levels of gonadotropins rise.
Celibacy, nulliparity, few pregnancies, or a history of infertility. One theory to explain this is that the ovarian epithelium becomes chronically irritated by constant ovulation. The risk of ovarian cancer appears to be inversely related to the total time ovulation is suppressed by pregnancy, lactation, or oral contraceptives. Women with a history of infertility are at a greater risk for ovarian cancer, especially if they've been treated with drugs to hyperstimulate the ovaries. A family history of ovarian, breast, colorectal, or endometrial cancer.