Introduction
Ovarian cancer is a serious medical condition that can have a devastating effect on a person’s health, lifestyle, and activities. It is important to be aware of the factors that increase the risk of developing this type of cancer, in order to better inform clients of their greater risk. In this article, we will discuss which clients have the highest risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Risk Factors
The main risk factors for ovarian cancer are age and genetics. According to Cancer Research UK, the risk of developing ovarian cancer increases with age: women aged 50 and over are more likely to develop ovarian cancer than those aged under 50. Additionally, people with certain inherited faulty genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, are more likely to develop ovarian cancer. Other factors that can generally increase risk for ovarian cancer include early menstruation or late menopause, endometriosis, a history of breast or ovarian cancer in the family, and obesity. Regular use of fertility treatments and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may also increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
Who is at Highest Risk?
Women who have a history of breast or ovarian cancer in the family, and those with inherited faulty genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, have the highest risk of developing ovarian cancer. Additionally, women over the age of 50, those with endometriosis, and those who regularly use fertility treatments and/or take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are more likely to develop ovarian cancer late in their lives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, women who are at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer include those with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, individuals with inherited faulty genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, those over the age of 50, those with endometriosis, and those who use fertility treatments and/or take hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It is important to be aware of the risk factors associated with ovarian cancer in order to better inform clients of their risk.
References:
- Cancer Research UK. (2021). Risks and causes of ovarian cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/ovarian-cancer/risks-causes
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. (2021). Ovarian cancer risk factors & prevention. Retrieved from https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/ovarian/risk-prevention
- Penn Medicine. (2021). Risk factors for ovarian cancer. Retrieved from https://www.pennmedicine.org/cancer/types-of-cancer/ovarian-cancer/ovarian-cancer-risks-and-prevention