Ovarian cancer ranks as the seventh most frequent cancer among women globally and, tragically, leads to more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. In the United States alone, it holds the position of fifth deadliest cancer for women. While various risk factors can elevate a person’s likelihood of developing ovarian cancer, age is a significant one. Although the probability of ovarian cancer increases as individuals age, it’s crucial to understand that this disease can manifest at any stage of life. Approximately two-thirds of ovarian cancer diagnoses occur in women aged 55 and older. However, a family history of cancers such as ovarian, breast, uterine, or colorectal cancer can heighten the risk even at a younger age.
Ovarian Cancer Risk in Your Teens, 20s, and 30s: What You Need to Know
It’s reassuring to know that ovarian cancer is uncommon in individuals under 40. It’s particularly rare among teenagers and young women between 15 and 19 years old, but it is still a possibility.
There are four primary types of ovarian cancer: epithelial tumors, germ cell tumors, stromal cell tumors, and small cell carcinoma. Among teenage girls and young women, as well as young trans men and non-binary individuals, germ cell tumors are the most prevalent. These tumors usually affect only one ovary. Early stages of germ cell cancers often don’t present noticeable symptoms, but some individuals might experience abdominal discomfort or urinary issues. The good news is that germ cell cancers typically have a favorable prognosis when treated effectively.
Data from the National Cancer Institute, spanning 2015 to 2019, indicates that new ovarian cancer cases were relatively infrequent in younger populations. Specifically, 1.4% of new cases were in individuals aged 20 and under, and 4.4% in those aged 20-34. This underscores that while ovarian cancer is less common in these age groups, awareness and understanding of risk factors remain vital.
Risk Factors Increasing Ovarian Cancer Likelihood at Younger Ages
Certain factors can increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer at a younger age. These include:
- Early Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Having been diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 40 increases your risk.
- Family History of Specific Cancers: A family history of breast, ovarian, uterine, or colorectal cancer diagnosed before age 50 is a significant risk factor. Genetic predispositions play a role in these cases.
- Ashkenazi or Eastern European Jewish Ancestry: Individuals with Ashkenazi or Eastern European Jewish heritage have a higher prevalence of BRCA mutations, which are linked to increased ovarian cancer risk.
- Endometriosis: This condition, where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, is associated with a slightly elevated risk of certain types of ovarian cancer.
- Early Menstruation (Menarche): Starting menstruation at an early age might slightly increase the risk.
Understanding these risk factors is crucial for younger women to be proactive about their health and discuss any concerns with their healthcare providers.
Ovarian Cancer Risk in Your 40s: What to Expect
As we’ve noted, the likelihood of ovarian cancer increases with age. Approximately 90% of ovarian cancer diagnoses occur in individuals over 40, with the highest incidence in women aged 60 and older.
For women, trans men, and non-binary people in the 35-44 age range, 7% of new ovarian cancer cases were reported between 2015 and 2019. For those aged 45-54, this percentage rose to 16.3%. These figures illustrate a noticeable increase in risk as women move through their 40s.
Additionally, women who have their first full-term pregnancy after age 35 or who have never carried a pregnancy to term have a slightly higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. This suggests a hormonal or reproductive history component to consider in risk assessment.
Navigating Ovarian Cancer Risk in Your 50s and 60s
Over two-thirds of individuals diagnosed with ovarian cancer are 55 or older, and nearly half of all cases are in women aged 65 and older. The median age at ovarian cancer diagnosis is 63. Menopause, which typically begins around age 50, is another age-related factor. Women who experience menopause after age 55 may have an elevated risk of ovarian cancer.
The 55-64 age group had the highest percentage of new ovarian cancer cases between 2015 and 2019, accounting for 24.4% of diagnoses. This period represents the peak age range for ovarian cancer diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of awareness and regular check-ups during these decades.
Understanding Ovarian Cancer Risk in Your 70s and Beyond
Sadly, older individuals diagnosed with ovarian cancer, especially those who are elderly or frail, tend to have a less favorable prognosis. This is often because older women are more likely to be diagnosed at a more advanced stage of the disease and may be less likely to be offered aggressive treatments like radical surgery and chemotherapy.
Data from 2015-2019 shows the following percentages of new ovarian cancer cases in older age groups:
- 65-74 years: 23.8%
- 75-84 years: 15.4% (lower than the 45-54 age group)
- 84+ years: 7.2% (slightly higher than the 35-44 age group)
Interestingly, while the incidence of new cases decreases in the very elderly, the rate of ovarian cancer deaths is highest among women aged 65-74. This highlights the challenges in treating ovarian cancer in older populations and the need for improved strategies to manage the disease in these age groups.
Strategies for Lowering Your Ovarian Cancer Risk
While there’s no foolproof way to completely prevent ovarian cancer, several medical choices can significantly reduce your chances of developing it:
- Oral Contraceptives: Using birth control pills for five or more years has been shown to lower ovarian cancer risk.
- Surgical Procedures: Having a tubal ligation (tubes tied), bilateral oophorectomy (removal of both ovaries), or hysterectomy (removal of the uterus, sometimes including the cervix) can significantly decrease risk.
- Opportunistic Salpingectomy (OS): For women at average risk undergoing planned pelvic surgery, discussing an opportunistic salpingectomy with their doctor is advisable. This procedure removes the fallopian tubes while leaving the ovaries intact. Research suggests OS can prevent many high-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSOC) that originate in the fallopian tubes.
- Risk-Reducing Salpingo-oophorectomy or Salpingectomy: For individuals at increased risk of ovarian cancer and who have completed childbearing, removal of both fallopian tubes and ovaries (bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy) should be considered. Alternatively, a bilateral salpingectomy (tubes only, ovaries preserved) is also a risk-reducing option and avoids surgical menopause.
- Pregnancy: Multiple pregnancies and having your first full-term pregnancy before age 26 are associated with decreased ovarian cancer risk.
- Breastfeeding: Some studies indicate that breastfeeding for a year or more may reduce ovarian cancer risk.
It’s crucial to remember that each of these risk-reducing measures has its own set of risks and benefits. Therefore, a comprehensive discussion with your healthcare provider is essential to determine the most appropriate strategies for your individual circumstances.
Key Takeaways on Average Age and Ovarian Cancer Risk
Ovarian cancer, while relatively rare compared to other cancers, remains a serious health concern for women. Symptoms can be vague and include abdominal swelling or bloating, pelvic pain, frequent urination, feeling full quickly or loss of appetite, and changes in bowel habits like constipation. There is no guaranteed way to prevent ovarian cancer, and even individuals who have had their ovaries removed may still face a small risk of peritoneal carcinoma.
Knowing your personal risk factors and understanding how age plays a role in ovarian cancer diagnosis is crucial for proactive health management. It is essential to discuss any persistent symptoms or family history of ovarian, breast, uterine, or colorectal cancer with your doctor. Early detection and informed decisions are vital in navigating the complexities of ovarian cancer risk.
If you or someone you know is facing an ovarian cancer diagnosis and needs support, organizations like OCRA (Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance) are available to provide assistance and resources throughout the journey. Contact them to access valuable support and information → https://ocrahope.org/patients/
