Nobody knows what causes ovarian cancer, but there are some things that seem to make it more likely. It's more common in women in affluent societies and for those who have gone through the menopause. Faulty inherited genes called BRCA1 and BRCA2 increase the risk of ovarian cancer as well as breast cancer. Other factors that may make ovarian cancer more likely include:hormone replacement therapy(HRT)-especially taking HRT for longer than 5 years; being overweight or obese(in pre-menopausal women); endometriosis; smoking; starting your periods early and having the menopause late. On the other side, ovarian cancer may be less common in women who have used the contraceptive pill; had children(the more children, the lower the risk); breastfed their children or have had a hysterectomy.
Attribution: BUPA