Why Screen?

Patient consultationGynaecological cancer screening is indicated by a variety of factors. The risk factors for ovarian cancer include:

Age

Ovarian cancer is rare before women reach their 40s. The incidence rises in the 40s, 50s and 60s and remains increased in the 70s and 80s. Over 85% of women who develop ovarian cancer are post menopausal but women do occasionally develop this cancer at a much younger age.

Lifestyle

The incidence is higher in women who have never had children compared to those with one or more children. Use of the combined contraceptive pill and breast feeding both reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer. A number of other factors such as being overweight, fertility treatment and a history of endometriosis may slightly increase risk but their significance is uncertain.

Genetic Factors

Inherited genetic factors are the strongest risk factors for ovarian cancer but fortunately only affect a small proportion of women.

Approximately 1 in 10 of ovarian cancers are caused by an inherited gene change passed on through the family. Two genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2 are responsible for most of the inherited risk of ovarian cancer and also cause a high risk of breast cancer. These genes also cause a high risk of breast cancer. Inherited ovarian cancer is found more frequently amongst women of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage.

Women at increased risk of ovarian cancer and possibly other cancers (such as breast or colorectal cancer) because of a genetic factor may be identified by a family history which includes:

  • Ovarian cancer in at least two close relatives (mother, sisters or daughters).
  • One close relative with ovarian cancer and one close relative with breast cancer diagnosed when they were under the age of 50 (or both cancers in the same person).
  • Ovarian cancer in one close relative and breast cancer in two family members diagnosed when they were under the age of 60.
  • Three close relatives with bowel (colon) or womb (endometrial) cancer, and one relative with ovarian cancer.

Having just one relative with ovarian cancer does slightly increase your risk of ovarian cancer but is unlikely to mean that you have an inherited genetic predisposition.