Cause
Experts don't know exactly what causes ovarian cancer. Genetics, such as DNA changes, are a risk factor for some women.
In general, about 1 out of 100 women will get ovarian cancer. That risk goes up to 5 out of 100 if one family member has had ovarian cancer, and 7 out of 100 if two or three relatives have had it.2
About 10 out of 100 ovarian cancers are thought to be caused by gene mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.3 The risk for women
who have these gene changes is much higher than for women without them.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
July 06, 2011
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