Causes of Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is caused by alterations (mutations) that occur in the genetic material of the patient (DNA). In many cases, the precise reason for these alterations in genetic makeup is a mystery. The majority are brought on by changes in genes that take place during a person’s lifespan. On the other hand, these genetic mutations can sometimes be inherited, which means that a person is born with them. Hereditary ovarian cancer is a form of the disease that occurs when a person develops ovarian cancer due to inherited genetic abnormalities. There are also specific genetic abnormalities that can increase your risk of having ovarian cancer. Two of these mutations are termed BRCA1 and BRCA2 [2], and they can occur in either parent. These two alterations both contribute to an increased likelihood of developing breast and other cancers. Your environment and the way you live, in addition to your genetics, can play a role in determining your likelihood of developing it.