What is the most significant hereditary risk factor for ovarian cancer?

The most significant hereditary risk factor for ovarian cancer is linked to hereditary genetic mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. These genes are responsible for producing proteins that help repair damaged DNA. When these genes are mutated, their ability to fix DNA is compromised, leading to the development of cancers, particularly breast and ovarian cancer.

Individuals with these mutations have a substantially higher lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer compared to the general population. In fact, women with a BRCA1 mutation have a 39-46% lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer, while those with a BRCA2 mutation have a 10-27% risk. Identifying these genetic mutations through family history and genetic testing is crucial for assessing risk and determining appropriate surveillance and preventive measures.

While age over 60, obesity, and a family history of breast cancer can increase the risk of ovarian cancer, they do not carry the same strength of hereditary influence as the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. Age is a general risk factor for many cancers, obesity has been linked to various cancers but is not a hereditary factor specific to ovarian cancer, and while a family history of breast cancer can suggest an increased risk of other cancers due to genetic factors, it does not specifically denote a