More research is needed to evaluate the potential role vaccines may play in preventing ovarian cancer. Yes. Early onset of menstruation before age 12 is a risk factor for breast, ovarian and endometrial cancer. But the effect of early menarche on cancer risk is very small. Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Women who have one first-degree relative like mother, daughter, or sister with ovarian cancer are at an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. This risk is higher in women who have one first-degree relative and one second-degree relative such as grandmother or aunt with ovarian cancer. This risk is even higher in women who have two or more first-degree relatives with ovarian cancer