Ovarian cancer happens when abnormal cells in the ovaries grow and spread. These cells form a lump (tumour).
It's not clear why this happens. But there are factors that may increase your risk of getting ovarian cancer.
Increasing age
The risk of ovarian cancer increases as you get older. It is more common after menopause.
About 8 in 10 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are over age 50. But some rare types of ovarian cancer can happen in younger women.
Family history and genes
You're more likely to get ovarian cancer if there is a history of it in your family. For example, if your sister or mother had ovarian cancer.
Sometimes this may be because you inherited a gene called BRCA1 or BRCA2. These increase your risk of developing both ovarian and breast cancer.
But having a family member with ovarian cancer does not mean you have this gene. Only around 1 in 10 ovarian cancers is caused by 1 of these genes.
Talk to your GP if you're worried that your family history might mean you're at a higher risk of ovarian cancer.
Lynch syndrome
You may have a higher chance of getting womb cancer if you have Lynch syndrome. This is an inherited genetic condition. It is caused by a change in one of your genes and can be passed from parent to child.
Lynch syndrome increases your risk of some cancers, including ovarian cancer.
Your genetic counsellor or healthcare team will help you plan how to reduce your ovarian cancer risk if you have Lynch syndrome.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may increase your risk of ovarian cancer. But the risk is very small.
Any increased risk of ovarian cancer is thought to reduce after you stop taking HRT.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Endometriosis
If you have endometriosis, you may be slightly more at risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Other factors
There are some other things that may increase your risk of ovarian cancer.
Being overweight or having obesity
To manage your weight, it may help to:
This can help reduce your risk of weight-related conditions.
Smoking
Smoking is linked to some types of ovarian cancer. Stopping smoking may help to reduce your risk of ovarian cancer and many other serious health problems.
Exposure to asbestos
Being exposed to asbestos increases the risk of ovarian cancer. In the past, asbestos was used in insulation, flooring and roofing.
Using talcum powder
Research suggests that using talcum powder on your genitals could increase your risk of ovarian cancer. But the evidence is not clear and the risk is likely to be very small.