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Risk Management & Treatment > Screening and Risk Reduction > By Cancer Type > Fallopian Tube and Ovarian > Overview

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Overview
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Screening
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Medications to Reduce Risk
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Surgery to Reduce Risk

Ovarian, and primary peritoneal cancer risk management

Ovarian, , and primary peritoneal cancers are all related and often grouped together as "ovarian cancer" because the risk factors and medical options are similar for all three. Every woman is at risk for these cancers and the risk increases with age. A woman in the general population has less than a 2 percent lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer. This means that 1 out of every 50 women will get ovarian cancer in her lifetime. 

Ovarian cancer screening and risk reduction

The approaches used to manage ovarian cancer risk include:

Which option you choose for managing your ovarian cancer cancer risk will depend on several factors, including:

  • your age
  • the presence of an inherited gene mutation
  • your personal and family history of cancer
  • other risk factors
  • personal preferences

There are different national expert guidelines for ovarian cancer risk management, which are based on your level of risk. Speak with your healthcare provider to decide on a risk management plan and schedule that is right for you. 


Factors that affect , ovarian and primary peritoneal  cancer risk

, ovarian and primary peritoneal cancers are related and often grouped together as "ovarian cancer" because the risk factors and medical options are similar for all three. Every woman is at risk for these cancers and the risk increases with age. A woman in the general population has less than a 2 percent lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer. This means that 1 out of every 50 women will get ovarian cancer in her lifetime. 


Genes linked to , ovarian and primary peritoneal cancer risk 

Inherited mutations in the following genes have been linked to an increased risk for ovarian cancer, (click on the gene to learn more about the ovarian cancer risk associated for each):

 

  •  (most ovarian tumors in people with this mutation are benign)

 

 

More research is needed to confirm a link between ovarian cancer and an  in these genes:


Other factors linked to , ovarian and primary peritoneal cancer risk 

Research on how other factors affect the risk for , ovarian and primary peritoneal cancer has been mixed. The following are some factors that have been studied:

More research is needed to understand whether other factors may influence risk in people with inherited mutations.

Last updated September 13, 2020

Find Experts
Find Experts

The following resources can help you locate an expert near you.

Finding gynecologists with expertise in cancer risk and treatment

Related experts

Some symptoms and conditions related to female reproduction may be managed by other experts. 

Fertility experts

  • The Oncofertility Consortium maintains a national database of healthcare providers with expertise in fertility preservation and treatment of people who are diagnosed with cancer or have a high risk for cancer due to an .  
  • Livestrong has a listing of 450 sites that offer fertility preservation options for people diagnosed with cancer.
    Financial assistance may be available to make the cost of fertility preservation affordable for more patients. Patients are referred to those programs as needed.

Menopause experts

Sexual health experts

Other ways to find experts

  • The National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer centers deliver cutting-edge cancer care to patients in communities across the United States. Most centers have specialized screening and prevention centers for high-risk people. Find a center near you and learn about its specific research capabilities, programs, and initiatives.
  • Register for the FORCE Message Boards to get referrals from other members. Once you register, you can post on the Find a Specialist board to connect with other people who share your situation.

updated: 04/09/2023